Bigger and better at the Flour Shoppe

CHEF BRIAN Hill brings new-wave ideas to traditional American dishes and homemade pastries at the Flour Shoppe, a fresh addition to the Central Chidlom food court. 

Schooled in making dough at the Institute of Culinary Education and the French Culinary Institute, both in New York, Hill arrived in Bangkok four years ago and opened the original Flour Shoppe at Central Lat Phrao. His handmade desserts, snacks and healthy drinks, all simple yet flavourful, were an immediate hit – even though the area was largely underwater at the time! 

“Initially I just wanted to offer desserts that were different from the usual layer cakes you get at most cafes, and I thought an American-style bakery was the best approach,” he says. “Then, earlier this year, I opened the second branch at Central Chidlom, with downtown office workers and families in mind, and added some easy-to-eat American dishes, salads and drinks to the menu.”

The new outlet is bigger than its suburban sister and more modern in the decor, with white banquettes, faux-marble tables and bright-blue chairs contrasting against the chequered floor.

Using his own family’s recipes, Hill makes all the sauces, salad dressings, the mayonnaise and the dough and insists on top-quality ingredients. He uses tender beef and strawberries from Australia and has the yeast specially flown in from America for the bread. The pork and chicken come from Betagro.

Early birds enjoy the Bacon, Egg and Cheese set (Bt220) with its choice between a soft English muffin and a butter-milk biscuit. It comes with crisp “tater tots”, hot coffee and fresh orange juice. 

The English Muffin Burger is filled with American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles and a wicked sauce. The pork version costs Bt165 and the Australian beef burger is Bt195.

For a light, healthy snack, the Caesar Salad combines romaine lettuce, bacon, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs and a classic dressing, while the Warm Breakfast Salad has young kale, bacon, a soft egg, corn, shallots and bacon-vinaigrette. Each costs Bt175. “I use the oil from the bacon to make the salad dressing and fry the shallots and corn,” Hill explains.

The Spicy Anchovy and Breadcrumbs (Bt160) is a lovely blend of garlic, chillies and olives, but don’t get too full, because the desserts are just as fantastic.

Tres Leches (Bt95) is a Latin American vanilla sponge cake soaked in three different kinds of milk and topped with tart strawberry sauce. Little Tokyo Toast (Bt135) is served with vanilla ice cream and maple syrup. Either one is perfectly paired with a refreshing raspberry or strawberry soda (Bt90).

 

PASTRY HEAVEN

The Flour Shoppe is on the ground floor of Central Chidlom. 

It’s open daily from 9am to 10pm. 

Book a table at (091) 229 0764.