After gaining experience running eateries like Extra Virgin and Angelo (at MBK) for years, this restaurant’s owner decided to combine those skills with a theme based on his childhood growing up as an actual general’s son, to present this retro gastro bar. The main room is given a certain old-school military chic thanks to some paintings bought from Vietnam and other assorted antiques. Though quite a confined space, it’s filled with a good number of wooden tables and seats, and a small bar filled with beers and wine. The cozy outdoor terrace is taken up by long wooden benches which give customers a view out over the five-star hotels and condominiums in the area. The menu contains both classic Thai offerings and Western fare with local touches—even if spice is noticeably absent. They say the ingredients are sourced from different regions around the country, the result being some far-flung dishes. Appetizers include intriguing options like the laab moo ping (spicy pork skewer, B110), which are nicely prepared with a tangy flavor. Despite the original presentation, it has all the pleasant aroma and taste of real laab. The single-dish khao pad sai oua (fried rice with northern style sausage, B170) is another must-try, as it finely balances salty with a hint of spice. The international dishes here are also clearly tailored to Thai tastes, including the the pizzas, which with toppings like tomyam gung (B320). A bit sour, the pizza combines chili paste and cheese with the nice aroma of lemon grass and cilantro—a bit strange but still satisfying. Not everything hits the spot, though. The braised lamb shank with herbs and chili (380) may be fall-off-the-bone tender but the meat is overly salty, while the smoked salmon with spicy mango salad (B220) comes with a dressing that is far too sweet. Thankfully, come dessert, their Thai tea pudding (B95) gets things back on track. While the lack of spicy flavors make it pretty clear that this place tries to appeal to expats and tourists, its inventive drinks mix things up a bit, with such drops as the World War I (Guinness, mixed with Heineken and apple juice topped with Hoegaarden, B250) and a decent selection of imported beers. With its easy-on-the-palate menu and cool but comfortable atmosphere, General’s Son makes for a good place to hang out with friends over a few drinks and bites. Corkage charge B500.
