Can’t say I’m that impressed by Metro’s selection of the best Auckland restaurants. At least not the Thai choice. Thai Friends has the benefit of a nice view of the Domain, but the last time we went (a few months before we left NZ) the food was just so-so. The 2007 winner (Red Elephant) was an order of magnitude better. It even impressed my wife, which, when it comes to Thai restaurants, is extremely difficult to do.

Transpose Red Elephant’s menu and chefs to the Thai Friends location and you’d have the perfect restaurant. As it is, I’d rather put up with the crappy view of Khyber Pass and the motorway, and enjoy the steamed snapper and flaming chicken.

Interestingly, I have yet to find a Thai restaurant in London which comes even close to Red Elephant. The closest would be (coincidentally) Blue Elephant in Fulham — but that has variety in its favour rather than quality.