Livingstone Rive Droite

French actor Brice Fournier's passion for food, specifically Asian, is translated into the Livingstone, a restaurant focussing on Thai and Chinese cuisine, located on rue Saint Honoré. Culinary experimentation, as one can participate in there, is a favoured pastime of the Parisians, who, although preferring their own cooking, are not above embracing that of another country's so equably.

Deeply bolstering the style quotient of the Livingstone is the trendy and upscale décor by Veronique Lemaire, who favours a mix of African art seen through the 1930's Cubist vision. The effect is startlingly offbeat and eclectic without losing out on the warm and cosy touches that the seductively low lighting inspires.

A look at the menu shows that nostalgia evoking favourites such as tom yun gung, hot and sour soup with shrimp, mushrooms, lemon grass and chillies are present, while newer versions with refreshing flavours such as the hed tom kha, a delicate mushroom soup with coconut milk add to the versatility.

From the appetizers, you could try the ka nom jip, steamed shrimp dumpling or maybe the yum nua, beef salad with lemon grass and crushed rice. The ubiquitous satay, marinated and grilled chicken on a skewer with peanut sauce, makes its presence felt and well, it never fails to please.

The main course is spread over tantalising choices of seafood, beef, pork and poultry.  Sample the kari pneng, steamed salmon in red curry sauce or the kung yai pad kathieam, frog legs with garlic and green peppers, with colours and tastes that are typical of Thai food yet refreshingly different.

The massaman kari, lamb pieces in coconut milk with curry paste, tamarind juice and potatoes, draws influences from Indian coastal areas, while the kai bai toi, chicken wrapped in banana leaves, is wholly reminiscent of the far flung exotic East.

As befits the tropical landscape which inspired Livingstone, the desserts are fruit based with khao niaw mamuang, a concoction of sweet rice with mango or sapparod king, pineapple with sweet ginger that offers a unique treat to the taste buds. Ice cream and chocolate cake are also there if you prefer to end an unusual meal more traditionally.

There is a wide selection of coffee, tea, juices and cocktails while those looking for something stronger could opt for any of the wines, which are predominantly French, although there are some New World ones too.