Hi Ken, no worries. A few other casual dining options for you, suitable for lunch (but also open for dinner): S&P - many branches including Sukhumvit Soi 26 (one street away from Lemongrass) - it's not a fancy restaurant (being more a cafe with attached bakery), but has a big range and is reasonably priced. Has a picture menu too.

Regarding the decor of Lemongrass, I was thinking about the Thai antiques, but yes, compared to a 'Western' standard, it probably doesn't measure up in the elegance stakes! . It is very popular with travellers, so booking would be required. As you like spicy food, if you go there, I would definitely suggest asking them to make it hot, as otherwise you may feel the food is a bit tame :-)

For a casual and affordable meal, most shopping centres have a food court, where you pay by purchasing coupons. If you will be in the Sukhumvit area, the Emporium Shopping Centre in Sukhumvit Soi 24 is convenient. Take the BTS (Skytrain) to Phrom Phong station and there is a walkway to the shopping centre. (Food Ct on the 5th Floor). You can buy the food available at hawker stalls, but dine in air-conditioned comfort!

If you get bored of Thai food, the Italian and Japanese foods in Bkk are excellent.

Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll have a great meal. Competition is fierce in Bangkok and bad restaurants will close quickly. Happy dining!

Bob re: La Dalat -- do you think we shouldn't have worn our "I'm from NYC, dis me I like it" t shirts ?? Nah, don't think it was just us. They were a bit surly with the people next to us as well and they were Asian. Perhaps they just had a bad night.

those asian people next to you were from jersey and what could be worse than that!!

Thank you so much, everyone, for all the feedback!!! These forums really are great...

And by the way, I need to get another "I'm from NYC, dis me how I like it" as mine has faded too much... where are they selling them nowadays? ;) Ken

weekend market bangkok./...found in sect A_1 e 3.....good luck shopping

jen, whats the significance of the term " i'm from nyc etc " t-shirt that you wore, and why do you think it may have a negative influence on the service you received at la dalat indocine?

just want to be sure i don't wear the wrong kind of t-shirt when i next go there.

Kuranosuke -- you know I'm teasing right? "Dis" is short for disrespect -- rap music language. But what I wrote was a joke. We were dressed very nicely. No t-shirts.

Ken -- (back to joking) I'm sure you have time to special order them ;)

Robert -- that had to be it :)

jes, i sense my humor going the opposite way of my aging process. lol. too bad about the service you received at le dalat indochine. i've been there several time, and each time, the service and food were excellent.