Saturday, November 29, 2008

10 Reasons Why You Must Visit Phuket, Thailand

1. The beaches -. Most tourists come for the beautiful white and picturesque beaches of Phuket. Head for the unspoiled white shores of Laem Ka Beach, Nai Thon or Nai Yang to enjoy some peace and quiet or head for Karon or Kata for a more upbeat feel.
2. Traditional Spicy Thai Food – For those who love spice, Thailand would be heaven to you with their range of spicy dishes such as Tom Yam Goong, Som Tham and Pad Thai; all of which are national favourites.
3. Muai Thai – Though you might have seen it on TV or even in some places around the world, no one does Muai Thai like the place it originated from. This fascinating sport is more than just boxing as you get to see the rituals they perform before a fight and even the music that accompanies the matches throughout.
4. An elephant trek – Sure you can ride an elephant almost anywhere in the world, but here comes a unique experience that will sit in your mind forever. Take an elephant ride throughout the forests of Phuket and go on a half day eco trail as your guides bring you to places off the beaten path.
5. Great Snorkelling – The waters surrounding Phuket are a dream come true for snorkelling and for those who’ve never tried; this would be the perfect place to make your first memory. Take a boat trip to the nearby islands like the coral islands or Similan islands to get a much more magical experience there.
6. Cabaret! – This is a must see for all adults out there. Phuket’s Simon Cabaret attracts over a thousand visitors every day and for good reason. Its glamour, originality and fun make it a really enjoyable performance worth seeing. Yet again, no one does Cabaret like the Thais!
7. The Temples – Visit temples such as Wat Chalong, considered by the locals to be the pride of Phuket or go for some of the other equally beautiful and mystical ones such as Wat Prathong or Wat Suwan Khiri Khet.
8. Patong – The one and only place in Phuket where you can play during the day and party the night away. The pulsating nightlife in Patong is so contagious that soon you’ll find yourself just letting go and boogying the night away!
9. Cheap Shopping – Seriously one of the cheapest places to shop in the world today, you would regret if you passed up the opportunity to get almost anything and everything here!
10. The best part of Thailand is Phuket. There is no place in Thailand as beautiful or as relaxing and yet fun and vibrant as Phuket.
By: james@holiday-velvet.com
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Phuket Villas & Worldwide vacation rentals.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Chiang Mai Markets, Thailand - Handicraft Shopping Paradise

Chiang Mai is shopping paradise for most travelers because of its unequaled abundance of handicrafts and quaint local goods sold at very affordable prices. Shopping venues are scattered around the city both at day and night; the range of products for sale is vast and many visitors to Chiang Mai include an extra empty bag to their shopping list in order to haul the bounty home. Each of several famous markets has gained recognition and nationwide popularity as the best overall place for buying quality hand-made products at very reasonable prices. As Chiang Mai is a well established tourist destination, finding accommodations and getting around the city are not something to worry about.
Chiang Mai is recognized as one of the handicrafts centers of Asia because it has a very large system of street markets and local markets that are very easily accessible. The markets trace down many blocks along bustling streets and that sometimes seem to have no end. The limiting factor in how much market you will be able to cover may often depend on how far you want to go before your feet tire out. The products are available in a vast variety including a wide range of wood work, silk products, silver art and jewelry, clothing, ceramics, interior decor, antiques, Buddhist art, lacquer work, and the list goes on…
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is the most well known night market in Thailand, taking up about 10 square blocks centered on Chang Klan road in central Chiang Mai. It is easy to spend a whole night just strolling past hundreds of street-side stalls and indoor arcades. The Night Bazaar is a great place to shop for exotic and beautiful handcrafted goods created by local artisans and skilled crafts-persons from the surrounding villages. The quality is generally high and some very good values can by found, especially if you are skilled at bartering a good deal.
Chiang Mai Walking Street can be a very nice alternative to the more hectic Night Bazaar and prices are aimed more at the locals so prices are generally low; so much that often there is no room to negotiate a bargain. The Walking Street Market is open only on Sundays and is a definite must see because the atmosphere is very relaxed, the market street is quite beautiful and this is an excellent place to mingle with the wonderful Thai people and to find fantastic bargains. The entire Walking Street is about 1 kilometer long and runs the entire length of Ratchadamneurn Road beginning at Thapae Gate and ending at Wat Prasing. Apart from a wide range of hand-made products on offer, one can also enjoy many Thai food stalls, street performances of a traditional nature, and also some much need massage and foot massage.
More serious shoppers can go directly to the villages and factories that manufacture handicrafts and other products and offer for wholesale at San Kamphaeng. Borsang village, just before San Kamphaeng, also has many shops offering a range of handicrafts and is renowned for its unique Borsang umbrellas. Baan Tawai just south of Chiang Mai is home to a wide range of wood carving, wood décor, and other handicrafts.
Chiang Mai is also popular for the diverse ethnic arts that you can find many hill tribe shops across the city. One recommended hill tribe shop is the Hill Tribe Products Promotion Center on Suthep Road next to Suan Dok Temple. It was established by His Majesty the King to promote the products created by 6 different tribes in Chiang Mai including Akha, Karen, Yao, Hmong, Lisu, and Lahu. This is aimed at generating alternative income to replace a reliance on opium cultivation in the past. Shop here for unique ethnic goods and help the hill tribe people.
Those who are interested in modern shops of the much more commercial variety, there are two big shopping centers: Kad Suan Kaew Plaza and Central Airport Plaza. The latter is relatively new and less than 5 minutes from the Chiang Mai International Airport. Panthip Plaza on the same road as Night Bazaar is ideal for techy people who are looking for computers and electronic gadgets with many discounts and a wide range of technical product available at good prices.
Chiang Mai offers more than shopping venues. It is a friendly and beautiful city with rich history steeped in Thai Lanna culture. Hundreds of temples and historical sites are found everywhere across the city and it is very easy to head out of the city to some spectacular natural areas. When not shopping, a visitor can enjoy waterfalls, elephant shows, and trekking tours. Some may be attracted by the more adventurous activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping and paintball battle. Whatever you could ask for in a trip, Chiang Mai can offer… plus a whole lot more.
For information about vacation planning or traveling in Chiang Mai, please visit www.chiangmai-vacations.com.
By: Tommii
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
My name is Siwawut Chaiya and my nickname is Tom. I am a 23 year old writer from Chiang Mai Thailand. This is my second article on ArticleDashboard.com. You are free to copy my article but please attach my website: www.thailandtravelonline.com as a reference site. Thank you!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thai Street Food

by Napatr Lindsley
Thailand is well-known as "the land of smiles." Thais are friendly and well-known as "food lovers." Many say "Thais love to eat. Thais eat several meals per day." In response to these comments, I have to say, yes, Thais love to eat but we eat 3 meals per day just like the rest of the world. The difference is that Thais love to snack. Our snacks range from fresh fruits to deep-fried food. In Thailand, it is so easy to find food. Street vendors are everywhere. If there are people, there are food. One of the greatest joys of living or traveling in Thailand is the abundance and variety of food.
Street vendors, street food, roadside stands, food stands, food stalls or whatever you would like to call it, simply involves something mobile that allows an owner (or a cook in most cases) to push them around, from home and back. Many people may think that street food is not clean, but in fact with many vendors it is clean. And many of the owners are unpretentious. The owners push a cart from home to their selling location and then back home and clean the cart every night. Street food offers an incredibly cheap price and some offer incredibly good taste. Sometimes it is even better than a famous restaurant.
Some street vendors offer such good food that you will have to wait for a table along the street. Particularly in these cases, street food is not only for poor or middle class people - you will often find a businessman or wealthy people ordering the street food. Do not expect a menu from a street vendor because there are not any. Most street vendors only offer one dish, just their specialty. Street food offers a wide variety of choices - curry, fried rice, noodle dishes, stir-fried, salad, fresh fruits, desserts, etc. Basically you name it. You might be able to even find grilled lobsters in China town at a reasonable price. Of course, I cannot forget to mention all the bizarre food like deep-fried frogs, deep-fried birds, deep-fried grasshoppers, etc.
The following are the top 10 street food dishes that I think are better than what restaurants have to offer. In other words, you should buy the following food from a street vendor rather than from a restaurant. Som Tum - Spicy shredded green papaya salad with peanuts and tomatoes

Larb - Spicy minced meat with chopped shallots, onions, chilies and coriander
Khao Mun Gai - Steamed chicken with rice cooked in chicken stock and garlic

Jok - Rice porridge with ground pork, fresh ginger and green onion (some may add egg)
Lad Nah - Stir-fried thin or wide rice noodles with light gravy bean sauce and Chinese kale

Hoi Tod - Fried oysters in batter with egg on a bed of beansprouts
Pad Thai - Stir-fried medium rice noodles with egg, dried shrimp and fried bean curd sprinkled with peanuts (served with beansprouts)

Satay - Slivers of chicken or pork grilled on a stick, served with sauce and cucumber
Khao Moo Daeng - Chinese-style red pork with rice, boiled eggs and cucumber

Khao Tom - Rice soup with a selection of meat and vegetable side dishes

There is so much more street food than I can list here. The above 10 dishes are those I particularly think are better to buy from a street vendor. One of the greatest joys of living in Thailand is the opportunity to try out food from different places at a reasonable price. I grew up in Bangkok and I have to say that Bangkok has bad traffic. I mean very bad traffic. You can literally sit in a car or a bus for hours and hours. Even though people in Bangkok live with bad traffic, most people will travel a long way through heavy traffic just to eat street food. I have to say I was among them.
Another type of food vendors that I want to mention are not on land, but instead on canals (called Klong in Thailand). Along Klongs, you may find sellers paddling their boats selling fresh fruit and vegetables, noodle dishes, curries, etc. just like street vendors. The quality can be just as good as the street vendors.
Street food can be as good as restaurant food. It is fresh, cheap and good. Part of the fun of living in Thailand is the chance to find street food that is even better than food in restaurants. Some street food may not be as clean, but in many cases, vendors do a good job of making sure the food is clean. There is certainly food for working class people, and food can be found in a wide variety of locations. Next time when you smell some mouth-watering food, stop by and give it a chance. You will not only experience good food, but friendly people as well.
Napatr Lindsley
About the Author
I lived in Thailand for 26 years and combine cooking experience gained abroad with 10 years of experience in the West. I have worked in catering in Ohio as well as the education sector in Oregon. With a flair for making cooking fun and a passion for making great Thai and Thai-American dishes, I offer a private Thai cooking lesson. Visit http://thaicookinghouse.com for authentic Thai recipes.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Austin Originals: Primizie Osteria

Austin, Texas, is well known for its exceptional restaurants, catering to all tastes, budgets and timeframes. If you're looking for some specific culinary treat at any given time, odds are, you'll find it here. The reputation is well earned, and new establishments tend to thrive in this colorful, varied city well, new establishments worth their salt, that is. One of these new hotspots that has recently come on to the Austin scene (and come on strong) is Primizie Osteria, a catering company and restaurant that's taken up a cozy little home on East 11th Street, just East of Austin's bustling downtown.
Primizie Osteria is the brainchild of chef and co-owner Mark Spedale. After an extensive, high profile culinary career that began at the Art Institute of Houston and took wound its way through California and New York, Spedale finally made his way to Austin. Soon after, the idea for Primizie Osteria took root, as Spedale began to realize the abundance of opportunity for restaurants like his, featuring high quality food and the freshest ingredients available. With delectable offerings like a cheese plate, featuring local artisan cheeses and locally-produced honey, Spedale has crafted a menu that is both highly sophisticated, and dazzling in its simplicity.
Primizie Osteria specializes in regional Italian specialties near and dear to Spedale's heart (yes, he's Italian), and their exotic rotating specials are always a treat. Another major component of the Primizie Osteria experience is the wine the staff takes great care in hand selecting wines of both quality and value, offering patrons a wide range of options (both culinary, and budgetary).
The menu features Italian classics like pastas (the gnocchi is particularly noteworthy, as is their incredible lasagna), salads, and panini. Their wood-fired pizzas are creative and delicious (like the Caprino e Balsamico, with fresh goat cheese, caramelized balsamic glazed onions and fresh greens; or the Pollo Arrosto Avocado e Pancetta, featuring roast chicken, pancetta, avocado, basil, and pecan-smoked scamorza cheese). Likewise their entrees and specials are always impressive, with offerings like wild boar, trout, and pork regularly gracing the menu.
And of course, dessert. The lemon cheesecake is light, fluffy and flavorful a decadent masterpiece. Primizie Osteria also offers homemade cookies and other traditional Italian treats daily (as well as Italian espresso, naturally).
Beyond the delicious food, patrons of Primizie Osteria enjoy a modern, yet comfortable atmosphere. Casual, yet sophisticated, the mid-sized restaurant's open, airy floor plan, long wooden bar, and pleasant outdoor seating offer something for everyone. From private parties, birthdays, rehearsal dinners and engagement parties to romantic dates over a bottle of wine and a cheese plate, Primize Osteria offers Austin a unique East side haven for delicious Italian fare. But its East side location isn't stopping Austinites from across the city from flocking to this wonderful new addition to the city's culinary culture.
And for those culinary needs that extend beyond a small group dinner, Primizie Osteria offers professional catering, allowing people throughout the city to enjoy the sumptuous menu for almost any occasion, and any number of guests.
By: Dane Smith
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Ki helps investors looking for cashflow positive properties. His site provides a free search of the Austin MLS along with detailed information about Austin Texas real estate. He also provides visitors a free mortgage calculator.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

That Old Sea Salt

Now you see him. Now you don’t. Orhan Yegan is that Turkish pop-up doll, the Zelig of the grilled octopus circuit. If you only discovered him extolling his own virtues while overseeing the sensational food at Beyoglu in 2002 before he got fired for annoying the customers…If you have only followed him devotedly from Beyoglu banishment to Effendi, Devane and most recently Sip Sak, you cannot imagine the existential drama of his tortured spiritual voyage.
Surely he is the century’s most passionate and peripatetic ambassador of the Turkish kitchen. And if he seems unfulfilled it’s because it’s his vision of Turkish food he wants us to love, not our innocently myopic transliteration.
“Where has Orhan gone?” a fan emails me. “He wasn’t at Sip Sak. The waitress was rather vague.”
His latest docking is at Sea Salt, just around the corner from Jewel Bako on a funky stretch of lower Second Avenue yet to reflect the blush of pretty packaging that will surely follow the real estate ambition that has the Lower East Side quaking. Alongside the tack and grime, Yegan’s newest port is a little gasp of style with its sleek white façade, pots of spiky tree branches painted to look like coral, tables tumbling onto the sidewalk.
Inside all is cool and bright, with posters of blown-up black and white photographs by a Turkish photographer and toward the rear, inside refrigerated glass, a cache of sea creatures surf the ice – a monster salmon, a small school of sardines, snapper and bass, clusters of calamari, a cross section of swordfish as big as a tree stump. And there, caught mid-stride, smiling shyly, the driven wanderer himself, scrawny as always in a midnight dark t-shirt and baseball cap. With his straggly locks, weeks of shadowy cheek stubble and single white latex glove he is a hybrid of Michael Jackson and Charles Manson.
Yegan wheels and disappears into the kitchen, trotting out again with what looks like a thousand candles on a birthday cake. Good god…it’s a flaming salt-baked something. He races to the lucky table. Frankly, I have had fish baked in a coffin of salt in many countries, including al fresco on the Bosporus where a dozen hammers pounded, shattering salt crusts all around. How could you order anything else when that was what JFK, Jr. and Carolyn were fed on their honeymoon? I’ve yet to taste one that wasn’t overcooked. So we’ll skip the fireworks.
Anyway, we’re sampling meze and I’m not impressed, except by an excellent riff on the usual grilled octopus (at $14.50 it costs a lot more than $1 an inch), perfectly crisp and grease free spinach borek, and minced mussels with rice and pine nuts rolled inside cabbage that gets high points from the aggressive half of our fussy eaters. Can these pitiful spreads be inspired by the same passionate chauvinism that got our long-time favorite Beyoglu going? This pallid fava bean puree, the pasty spinach-infused yogurt, the unthrilling taramasalata are more dead sea than Bosporus.
Where are all the Turkish meze we’re wild about? The sublime variations in eggplant, the peppery esme, the classic stuffed grape leaves…can you really be Turkish and forbear hummus? Of course I don’t have to ask. Orhan once announced a new restaurant with the challenge that he would skip almost all the usual starters and spotlight entrees because people love meze too much and don’t give proper respect to the real Turkish cooking. I can’t recall what it was about moussaka, why he wouldn’t have it on the menu at Beyoglu -- ignorant Americans don’t love it enough or love it too much most likely. But we begged and ordered ahead and he made some one evening just for us and it was fabulous. Now he wants us to commit to whole fish.
After all, as he told Robin Raisfeld and Rob Patronite at New York magazine, he invented grilling fish whole in l994 at his long gone restaurant Deniz, before Milos got the franchise. Alas, he was ahead of his time. “The people didn’t want fish with bones then. Now they are ready for me.”
I remember him at Deniz in a Letterman tee, my guest enthusing over the wonderfully lemony sardines wrapped in grape leaves. “No one knows more about Turkish food than I do,” he responded and, of course, we were amused. I asked why he had sold his first much-loved venture – the lush red Turkish Kitchen where I had swooned years earlier over iman bayaldi – a beatification of eggplant named for the emir who allegedly swooned himself.
It was simple. “I got too many write-ups,” he complained. “Some were inaccurate. The people’s view was wrong. They were not there for the Turkish cuisine. They didn’t know what they were eating. They didn’t care what they ate. It was too successful.” People wanted him in Boston. But Boston didn’t fulfill his need either. He went back to Turkey but Miami beckoned. Miami turned out to be trickier than expected. “Miami isn’t ready for us,” he soon told his partner.
Tonight he is serving plump rolls and fat baguettes warmed in the oven, smartly crusty, hardly a crime, but for me something is definitely missing. “Where is that wonderful bubbly bread everyone loves?” I ask him. I personally am a fool for that hot-out-of-the-oven puffy disc they bake at Beyoglu now that Orhan is gone. My question is like a stab in the heart. Here he is -- his stash invested in the most perishable commodity – fish – determined to give you and me the true Turkish experience. Why must I torture him? his eyes seem to say.
“You do not get that bread with fish in Turkey,” he explains patiently. “You get what I am serving.”
“But Orhan, it’s so delicious. And everyone loves it.”
“I don’t want to be American style Turkish. If any Turkish man comes in to my restaurant, I cannot be faking it. ”
It’s not like I am ever going to influence Orhan Yegan to cater to our appetite for occasional inauthenticity. His genes are wired for stubborn wandering. Happily, tonight the sea bass ($25) and the monstrous red snapper ($50 for two) both have that amazing sweetness of impeccable freshness…and are judiciously cooked – “rarish,” I said, and that explains why it is a bit difficult to actually lift the spine out of the fish to bone it properly. They appear rather ad- libbed…each sprawled on its oval serving plate with a handful of undressed mesclun.
Mashed potatoes, fabulous baby arugula salad and a big plop of amazingly delicious spinach arrive unbidden. The almond pudding is classic but a goblet of fresh summer fruit is an ideal finale. I delight in my first white peach of the summer.
What does he do to the spinach? I ask over the phone the next day. And isn’t $9.50 a lot for a side dish of spinach?
Ahhh... I have pushed the spinach-master button. He is off. “Do you know how much spinach you have to start with to get that much spinach on the plate? I am the only one to cook the spinach,” he announces. “It takes two hours every day just to cook the spinach. First the boiling. Then to cool it. Then to squeeze the water. You have to see you are squeezing the real water, not the spinach water. Then you have to make it taste good because spinach itself does not really taste good. I add olive oil and salt and pepper and shallots I have already cooked and dill. Mix in the dill.”
Agreed, Yegan’s ice bank of sea creatures is still modest. He can’t anticipate yet how many fish he will sell in a day. He knows that if he orders too much he will be feeding the garbage. He plans to add a few new items every week while he builds strength. Leila, a woman who worked with him at Deniz is back: a cheerleader of excitement for this latest effort. She is a hand-maiden to his flaming salt runs from the kitchen. I watch them race down the aisle. And the glove? Clearly a bow to health department regulations for fish innard browsings.
This is not just a restaurant; it’s a mission, baby.
99 Second Ave. near 6th Street 212 979 5400
***
To Sleep Aloft, Perchance to Dream
If you have been keeping up with BITE this summer, you'll see we are back from Argentina. One day soon I will post more about what we ate – about great ice cream and earnest pizza, about creative cooking and a six-day drive we took in the dizzying heights of the Andes around the colonial town of Salta. I’ll post it in Travel with photographs by the Road Food Warrior.
Now I have to tell you about one of the best discoveries of our summer retreat – the amazing new business class sleeper seats on American Airlines. I’d heard something about new near-flat sleep but I wasn’t counting on it. Recent long-distance flights on an assortment of ambitious airlines, including American, have pretended to let you stretch out but invariably my calves end up painfully pressed against the end of the foot rest, feet dangling, neck drooping, head lolling into the aisle.
But as we headed toward the Tropic of Capricorn July 1 after takeoff from JFK, a quick supper and an AmbienCR, I watched my guy pressing buttons, his upper body tilting way back toward the floor inside his leather padded partition and his feet sliding forward under the seat ahead. In other words – no intrusion into the passenger space behind. I quickly popped my sleeping pill, slipped on the mask under the sound-blotting Bose earphones and pushed every button in sight.
I felt myself dropping down toward the floor, body stretching out…feet totally cradled. I could actually sleep in my favorite, modified fetal position. And instead of a blanket, there was a shrink-wrapped quilt that would have been fine camping out in wintry Argentina.
I will confess I have a special place in my heart for American Airlines because they are the official airline of Citymeals-on-Wheels and fly several dozen chefs into town each year for our annual garden party in Rockefeller Center, not to mention the glamorous trips they help us auction. But I’m a travel tramp. I usually take the flight that’s cheapest, though direct and non-stop are tempting too. American had both to Buneos Aires from JFK and on our January trip to Tokyo.
We slept through breakfast (which isn’t me at all) and woke in time to have coffee before we landed. I can ‘t remember what I dreamed. I am sure my dreams were sexy. Or maybe chocolate.
***
By: Gael Greene
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Do You Know All About Vanilla Chocolate?

Vanilla chocolate is usually thought of as white chocolate. There is an ongoing controversy on whether vanilla chocolate is even a chocolate at all. When one thinks of something made of chocolate, the picture in your mind is of a dark or rich brown morsel of tastiness. Vanilla and chocolate are on the opposite ends of the scale of chocolates in color and taste.
The processes of making vanilla chocolates are the same as with dark chocolate, the difference is in the ingredients. Vanilla chocolate is made from sugar, cocoa butter, milk or milk powder and vanilla. The Food and Drug Administration does not recognize white chocolate as a chocolate at all, as white chocolate contains no cocoa solids at all. There is an organization that is working on having white chocolate recognized since, without this standard, vanilla chocolate can contain vegetable fat instead of cocoa butter, and this can affect the taste and quality.
The process in which different chocolates are made is the same. When the seeds are ripe inside the fruit of the tree, the pods are picked off. The seeds are then placed in the sun to dry out and this process takes up to a week. This allows the seeds to ferment and dry. The beans have distinct flavors depending on where they are grown, how they are processed, and how they are mixed with other bean varieties. The chocolate maker blends the beans to create the right mix of flavor. Some chocolate manufacturers use Vanillin in place of real vanilla, which can effect the quality and taste of the vanilla chocolate. The first process for the chocolate is to be finely ground into a paste. The following step is to allow the paste to develop its flavor and smooth texture. This stage is called conching or kneading. The smoothed chocolate is then tempered to achieve the correct temperature. Next, the mixture is poured into molds or on a specially prepared surface to allow it to cool. It is then wrapped and packaged. The amount of time allowed in these processes will affect the outcome of the quality, taste and texture of the finished product. There is an option to use a mixture called confectionary coating, which can also be referred to as “summer” coating. This is where a vegetable coating similar to soy bean oil or palm kernel oil is used instead of the cocoa butter.
As many people may choose vanilla chocolate strictly on taste, having the option of a vanilla based chocolate adds a nice change from the original milk and dark chocolates available.
By: Terry Roberts
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Terry Roberts is a professional translator and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more about home vanilla chocolate, and chocolate in general, please visit his website: Gorgeous Chocolate.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Guys, Planning A Perfect 'stay At Home' Date? Include Cheesecake!

Planning a memorable night in with your loved one is not a simple task. It feels like it’s incumbent upon you to make sure everything goes seamlessly. No matter whether it’s Valentines Day, her birthday, or your anniversary, having a romantic dinner with your significant other is a thoughtful and personal way to communicate your affection. To make sure that your special dinner is a hit and not a miss, follow these simple and useful suggestions.
It is very important to make certain that your apartment is clean before your girlfriend arrives for dinner. Remember, there are not many turn-offs as instant as laziness. So make sure you get your socks up off the floor! As soon as your place is clean, you’ll have to prepare it for your romantic evening. Setting up the dinner table correctly is the key to establishing a romantic mood. The best way to go is the traditional candle and flower table setting. Yes, the candle lit dinner is standard, but that is because it always works. Buy some candles and set them up as your table’s centerpiece along with a few roses, or add your own twist, using her favorite flowers.
It’s time to think about what to serve for the dinner itself. Don’t worry if you are not the world’s greatestchef; try her favorite entree. Even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly she will appreciate your thoughtfulness. And just as significant as the food, is the drink you serve with it. Perhaps one of the best drinks to compliment a romantic meal is Cold Duck. Or you might select a good wine that goes with the food that you’ve prepared. If you are lost when it comes to wine or champagne selection, ask for help at the store. Often they know which drinks are most appropriate for a particular occasion or dinner.
And don’t forget the capping moment of your romantic dinner: the dessert. Ending the meal with a delicious dessert will ensure that the evening will be memorable. Because dessert is such an essential part of a successful romantic dinner, consider serving a delicious cheesecake. Cheesecake is both a romantic and elegant choice. Cheesecakes are available in a variety of flavors, so you can be sure to get one that she’ll like. And with so many online vendors of gourmet cheesecakes, finding and purchasing an elegant dessert is as easy as a click of the mouse. I love a turtle cheesecake, with its mixture of flavors.
Regardless of the occasion, put these ideas to use to really wow your special someone with a romantic evening. She’ll remember that dinner for a long time.
By: Greg Scott
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Greg Scott wants you to know that he gladly accepts gifts of gratitude, especially a delicious turtle cheesecake or even a key lime cheesecake.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Leisure Facilities and Spas in the Heart of Bangkok

Author: Gregory Smyth
Bangkok has quite a few luxury spas and lounges for manicure, pedicure, Thai massage and aromatherapy. The luxury spas can be within luxury hotels or independent spas with the facilities like scrub tables, steam bath, etc all offering luxury and indulgence. Private manicure and pedicure, Thai massages, aromatherapy, etc all included in the spa experience you expect in Bangkok or in any major tourist spot of Thailand for that matter.
There is no dearth of leisure activities in Bangkok. From receiving a massage from a spa to cycling through the tracts of Koh Kret, the activities can pamper you, exhaust you and leave you refreshed - all at the same time. You may try Muay Thai (Thai Boxing), ice-skating, bowling, a tango class, golf, time at a water theme park, just watching people out in the streets - all are great options, each coming with its own possibilities and wonders.
Spread across an area of 188,800 square metres, the zoo houses some 1,600 animal species. Ideal outdoor location for family picnics, the park inside zoo premises has beautifully landscaped gardens and a fine cafeteria.
If you have a good taste to Thai food, you can take a Thai cooking class offered at the various hotels. You can also easily find several cooking schools, where you can get great lessons to cook Thai style.
A cruise along the river Chao Phraya (River of Kings) is always going to be a cool way to explore Bangkok's famous landmarks like the Grand Palace, the Temple of Dawn, etc. You feel the stillness of life while cruising along the river as a cool breeze caresses your face and hair.
Most visitors to Thailand, who concentrate on urban centres, miss this secret. An islet in the Chao Phraya River, this place has no motor traffic and is great choice to explore on a bicycle. The lush greenery, some fine architecture and shopping of handmade earthenware and pottery, special delicacies of local people, etc make sure you won't easily forget the trip.
If the swimming pool at your hotel is not just enough, you can try the entire facilities dedicated to splashing and having fun for the whole day. Hit the variety of water parks in the city and you won't know how fast time flies past you.
If golf is your reason of getting out into the nature, rest assured that you are welcome to the scenic golf courses of the capital.
The best place to practice yoga is in the fresh air of outdoors. Take a yoga class on wide green turf, at one of the several yoga studios in the city. Experienced yoga teachers are available at a nominal fee.
Get the lessons of Thai boxing (Muay Thai), under an expert teacher. If you don't want to make your clothes dirty, you can just watch a boxing match.
Luxury hotels and clubs offer variety of music and dance programs. Clubs, rooftop bars, etc make sure you have nightlife choices.
Would you like to explore 'The Beach', as you have seen in the Hollywood movie? Head to Khao San Road, where millions of visitors reach every year. Take a look at the diversity in the dressings of people and try to differentiate the number of languages you hear.
From an aromatherapy cum massage session at a spa to scaling the trails of the river island on a bicycle, you find variety of activities, which you find extremely difficult to fit them all into your schedule. Once you start looking for leisure facilities and spas in the heart of Bangkok, the only problem you face is buying time to fit all the variety of activities that is on the platter.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

My Favorite Thai Food

Author: Christopher Snyder
I was thinking of providing a comprehensive of "foods found in Thailand" list but decided there are just too many and listing the foods that I love most would be far easier. So... The list below provides a short list of my favorite Thai foods.
Fried Rice - I love Thai style pork fried rice for breakfast. This is basic fried rice with tomatoes, onions with Thai spices like lime and chili thrown in at the end. Thai Omelet - The Thai omelet is simple but delicious dish made of eggs, chili, onions, pork and other things as desire. The chilies make it spicy and Thai. The omelet is served with white rice. Som tum or papaya salad - som tum is a spicy salad consisting mostly of shredded fresh papaya with tomatoes, chilies, garlic, lime juice, and fish sauce. Thais love this dish SPICY, so be careful. Hoi tod - hoi tod is a mixture of egg and mussels (or oysters) pan fried with spices, namely white pepper. This is served over a bed of fresh bean sprouts. This is often made on the street and I like mine cooked crispy. La moo ma ma or Ground pork salad - this is browned ground pork with chilies, fish sauce, tomato sauce with chopped shallots mixed in before served. This is often served with instant noodles. This is another HOT dish so, again, be careful. Wing bean salad - This very similar to the dish above but tends to have more of a tomato base and chopped fresh wing bean are added and lightly cooked at the end. Very tasty. Glass noodle salad - glass noodles are made of green bean, are very thin, and absorb the flavor of the accompanying foods very nicely. Fried grouper - this a simple deep fried sea fish dish. What makes it on my favorite is the condiment they serve with it. The English name is seafood sauce and it is made with finely chopped green chilies and garlic in fish sauce. It is very spicy and delicious. Common Condiments
Fish sauce - fishy and salty amber colored liquid
Seafood sauce - green, smooth to lumpy, chili and garlic dip
Soy sauce - tangy and salty brown liquid
Red pepper - dried chopped red chili
Vinegar - usually served with fresh chopped chili
Sugar


The longer i live in Thailand the longer this list grows. When visiting Thailand I urge you to try as many things as possible, but remember, most western people can not eat the spice level of the Thais, not without practice.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Food and Wine in Koh Chang

Author: Junjeera
Upon arrival, have your first meal on the island at the Koh Chang Grand Orchid Restaurant in Klong Son village. It is under the resort of the same name and offers Thai, international, and seafood cuisine. Ton Sai Restaurant is set on top of a banyan tree, thus the name. It is located at White Sand Beachand serves fusion food.
Relax after dinner by sitting back at the nearby Sabay Bar. The bar is lively with the music from a Filipino band and fire-twirling shows by skillful performers.
Blues Cha Cha bar set along the main road at Kae Bae just across The Chill is a place to wine and unwind. Live bands plays nightly and firehouses play to the tune that fire up the atmosphere of a lively evening.
If you are looking for a 5-star environment Breezes bar at the Amari Resort would be your best pick.
Featuring a trendy decor the cozy bar plays live music 6 days a week and offers a wide selection of cocktails, beers and wines as you would expect from a 5-star hotel.
If you are a bit tired there is the sofa bed for you to stretch out. Patrons can also choose to relax at the outdoor quiet lounge facing the sea.
The White Sand Beach Restaurant is located right on the beach where guests can bask in the gentle sunshine or relax under the starry sky while dining.
The restaurant serves Thai and European menus, as well as dishes individually prepared by the chef.
Alina Restaurant, Ban Thai Restaurant and Banpu Koh Chang Restaurant are in-house restaurants for resorts of the same names on White Sand Beach.
It is an added advantage for the guests of the said resorts since these restaurants which serve seafood, Thai and international favorites are only a step away from their accommodations.
If dining under the starry sky is your current leisure pursuit, then Cookies Restaurant is the place to visit. For those seeking a Swedish dining experience, Heli's Kitchen is definitely the right choice.
Pizza lovers should be delighted to know that there are at least three pizza places on the island. If you prefer a fine dining ambience with candle-lit tables, try Invito Italian Restaurant. Pizza Ban Nuna is, meanwhile, down to earth.
Sassi, at the Amari Emerald Cove Resort, is famous for its traditional Italian cuisine. Its bright and vibrant atmosphere is cosy yet lively. The restaurant's air conditioned indoor ambience complements the fine tastes of Italy.Outdoor servings are available if you prefer the natural air supply.
Just one level below is the Just Thai restaurant stylishly designed with contemporary Thai decor. Expect the more innovative Thai delicacies and fresh seafood. The restaurant turns a bit Japanese with an additional 5-course dinner menu every Mondays and Thursdays. Outdoor seatings are available here too.
The Cove Terrace boasts of an all-day a la carte menu in a bright, airy setting. Check out the special theme buffet available on some evenings. Exclusive romantic sunset dining right on the beach can be arranged.
Buffalo Bill Steak House on White Sand Beach serves one of the best steaks on the island . The wild west steak house has a very relaxed ambience and a friendly staff Here, the portions are American size but not the prices.
The Milky Bar on White Sand Beach is an ideal place for those who want to spend the night singing to the tune of music.
The Terrace Restaurant in the premise of the Chang Buri Resort and Spa on White Sand Beach is on a hillside terrace where diners can enjoy food in a natural environment. The restaurant prepares both Thai and European cuisines.
The resort's Beach Bar Restaurant is perfect if you prefer to dine by the beach, where the menu is similar to that of the Terrace Restaurant.
For fine dining experience amongst the vegetation of a rainforest overlooking the sea go to Saffron On The Sea. This boutique restaurant offers Thai & Western delicacies in the open space with a good view of the mountain and the sunset.
For a change in scenery, schedule a breakfast or lunch date at The Cinnamon Restaurant, at the Aana Resort on Klong Prao Beach. The restaurant is located along the river, and now provides free Wi-Fi connection for its patrons.
If a light meal is all you need at the moment, then visit The Hill Bar at the same resort. Before heading down to dinner, drop by at the same bar for a sunset aperitif.
For a more relaxed dining experience, get down to Aana's The Beach Bar for street food, drinks and cocktails.
Imagine dining in a tropical garden setting with the sound of the lapping waves of the nearby sea. Remark Cottage Restaurant at the Klong Prao Beach makes that experience possible, plus letting you enjoy a wide variety of seafood.
A health-conscious vacation is now possible at the Boutique Restaurant where they serve health and vegetarian foods.
Just inside the Chai Chet Resort is the Chai Chet Seafood which serves the best in seafood cuisine to its in-resort patrons. However, they will also be happy to welcome anyone who'll come visit them.
Enjoy a homey, cozy atmosphere while dining at the K.B. Restaurant that serves local favorites, fresh seafood, and international food.
Let Siam Beach Restaurant's chef prepare for you only the best Thai food a la carte and discover what it is like to experience the so-called dinner in paradise.
The Bay Restaurant at the Dusit Princess Koh Chang has a delightful selections of seafood and international cuisine. Modern decor in bright colours with a view of the Bai Lan Bay will further enhance your appetite.
The fishermen's village in Bang Bao is the place to go to for the best seafood. Here you can expect the freshest catch of
the day, at famous restaurants. One of the most reputable seafood restaurant here is the Ruan Thai Restaurant. Set above the sea the restaurant is famed for its fresh seafood prepared the local way at reasonable prices.
For a romantic culinary adventure try the Tantra Restaurant at the Nirvana Resort in Bang Bao where contemporary European and Thai cuisine are prepared by their renowned chef. An innovative promotion called the Nirvana Twilight Nights include a breathtaking view of the sunset amid soothing beats and refreshing cocktails, an illuminated jungle walk and a 3-course dinner at the restaurant set on stilts overlooking the fishing village and the calm sea. Fine wines and an extensive drinks menu add to the delight.
On the eastern coast, a vegetarian outlet--Spa Koh Chang Restaurant--is fast becoming popular among travelers. Its "Food for Health" slogan makes it a distinct choice for health-conscious diners.
Salakphet Seafood Restaurant is built above the waters, giving the place a relaxing ambience and a feel of being part of the fishing community.
Watering holes, or beer bars, can be easily found on every beach on the island.
Other than Koh Chang, most resorts on other islands include meals in their packages. Nevertheless, some restaurants such as the Makathanee Restaurant on Koh Maak also serve a la carte menus. The place which is under the resort of the same name serves seafood, local and international favorites.
Get a feeling of the island by dining at the Shantaa Restaurant on Shantaa Koh Kood. It is where local favorites are enhanced with the cooking secrets of local chefs.
But just before heading down to the restaurant, take a detour to the resort's Shantaa Beach Bar for your favorite drinks and snacks.
You can find more information in Koh Chang at http://www.koh-chang.com

Amazing Thai Recipe

Bamboo Shoots: Bamboo shoots are called for in many Thai recipes. In order to prepare a bamboo shoot for cooking you need to peel them and boil the white inner stalks for 30 minutes in water. If you are using canned bamboo shoots you will only need to boil them for 10 minutes, or if they are going into curries or soups, boiling might not be required.
Basil (fresh): There are three types of basils used in Thai cooking; sweet, holy and lemon. Sweet basil is much easier to find because it is commonly used in western cooking. Holy basil has a spicier taste and can be recognized by it’s slightly purple leaves. Lemon basil has a lemony flavor and can be detected by its distinct lemony scent. If you can only find sweet basil you can compensate for holy or lemon basil by adding finely chopped chili peppers or a bit of lemon rind.
Bergamot: Also known as kaffir lime leaves has a slightly limey flavor which goes well with all Thai dishes. Since this may be hard to find, granted lime rind can be used in its place although it is a poor substitute.
Chili paste: This can be bought in bottles or tubes in almost any supermarket. Used for adding spice and flavor to most dishes, a particularly popular version by Thai cooks is burnt mild chili paste.
Chinese mushrooms: Mushrooms are added to a lot of Thai cooking and many people chose to use the dried variety because they are cheaper and have just as much flavor and nutritional value. You will need to soak the mushrooms in warm water for 30 minutes before using them and the stems are usually discarded because of their tough nature.
Coconut milk: Coconut milk can be bought in cans almost anywhere. If the recipe you are using calls for coconut cream scoop the harder white substance that has formed at the top of the can. If you need coconut milk, stir the can thoroughly before using.
Curry Paste: While some people prefer to prepare their own curry pastes, many bottled curries are available at the supermarket. Most recipes use red, green or yellow curry.
Fish sauce: Made from collecting the liquid off of fermenting salted fish, this pale, watery brown sauce is sometimes used to replace all the salt in recipes. It is very flavorful and compliments all Thai food. It is called for in many recipes but you can also use your imagination with it, as it is very versatile.
Galangal: A close relative to ginger, is used in many curries and soups. Since it is quite rare to find fresh you will probably have to purchase it dry and soak it in water for 1 hour before using.
Garlic: Thai garlic might be available in some Asian markets, however if you cannot find it, the Western variety will work just as well. Use the smaller, tighter cloves on your garlic head for Thai cooking because they are more flavorful and will not be over powered by the other herbs and spices used in your dish.
Ginger: Easy to find and used quite often in modern cooking, ginger is extremely healthy and flavorful. It must be peeled before it is grated or chopped. Fresh ginger is much better than dried, although dried may be substituted if needed.
Lemon grass: Lemon grass is one of the most commonly used items in Thai cooking. It is a long stalk that looks like a small leek. The hard outer portion should be removed and the lower, bulbous part is used. You can either add sliced pieces to your food while it is cooking and remove them before serving your dish, or you can blend them in a food processor so they can be consumed with the dish, which will give it more flavor.
Palm Sugar: Some Thai recipes call for palm sugar which is available in some Asian markets as cellophane wrapped blocks. If palm sugar is unavailable you can substitute with dark brown sugar or real maple syrup.
Rice: Thai people prefer long-grain white Jasmine rice. This is a flavorful and aromatic rice that cools and compliments spicy Thai dishes.
Rice papers: Used for making fresh Thai spring rolls, you can buy rice papers at any food store. To use soak papers (one at a time) in warmish water until they are soft and pliable, then dry off with paper towel and use immediately.
Sesame Oil: A vegetable oil that comes from pressed sesame seeds and originated in East India. This is a very flavorful oil and works very well with Thai cooking.
Preparation and cooking techniques:
Vegetables: Vegetables used in Thai cooking should be cut as finely as possible. The idea is that the smaller they are chopped, the less time they will need to be cook, therefore retaining as much nutrients as possible.
Stir frying: Most people have cooked a stir fry before, so will be familiar with this method of cooking. Oil should be poured into a wok and vegetables should be added over high heat while being constantly stirred. Vegetables should only be stir fried for a couple of seconds so they remain crisp and brightly colored.
Mortar and Pestles: Perfect for making sauces, curry pastes and salads, every Thai cook should own a mortar and pestle preferably made out of clay or wood.
Mincing: Since Thai cooking uses so many intensely flavorful ingredients they should all be chopped very finely so one flavor never overpowers the other. You should always use a very sharp knife for this.
Roasting and grinding spices: When adding spices and herbs to your Thai dish you should always roast them by slowly heating each spice individually in pan until they begin to crackle and turn brown. When each spice is done roasting they should be ground very finely in a food processor or mortar.
By: Barney Garcia -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Barney Garcia writes about many different topics. www.diets-for-health.info and www.fantastic-detox-diet.info and www.fantastic-detox-diets.info

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Best Of The Bay Recipes -- Oyster Fritters

When the leaves begin to turn their bright fall colors and the brisk air ushers in autumn, the Oyster season in the Chesapeake Bay begins. Oysters are prepared every way imaginable, fried, roasted, grilled, steamed or simply eaten raw with a dash of hot sauce or lemon. Oysters may be fried either individually or using several bound together in batter, known as a fritter– this is a typical recipe for oyster fritters.
1 cup flour2 teaspoons baking powder¾ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper1 eggs1 cup of milk1 quart of shucked oysters and their liquorvegetable oil
Using a whisk, beat the eggs in a small bowl. Add the milk and whisk until a bit frothy. In a second, larger bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Add in the egg mixture and mix until you have a smooth batter. Fold in the oysters and their liquor until they are evenly coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet until very hot. Ladle out 3 or 4 oysters and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 4 – 6 minutes. Remove and drain. Serve with tartar sauce or lemon slices and enjoy the first oyster harvest of the fall.
By: chesa7
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Excerpted from Best of the Bay Recipes at www.ChesapeakeBayGiftBaskets.com

Friday, November 7, 2008

A Gourmet Food Gift Basket Is The Perfect Solution To The Problem Of Holiday Gift Giving

Holidays can be a hectic time and some of the stress that is felt during the holiday season is the result of the problems that come with the gift giving process. What to buy for people and where to get what you want can leave you running in circles when you could be otherwise enjoying the little time off that you have for the holiday.
This just one reason why the trend in giving gift baskets has been booming in recent years and now there are far more choices and options available then there ever have been before. One area that has deliciously exploded is in gourmet food gift baskets. The simple basket of sausages, crackers and cheeses is still available and is a popular choice.
However; gourmet food gift baskets have branched out to include so many more choices now that contain exotic and delicious foods from all four corners of the globe. One thing that is so important to bear in mind when browsing your choices in gourmet food gift baskets is that you are not shopping for yourself.
This is so important, because everyone has different tastes when it comes to gourmet foods and what you find delicious may not be liked as well by the recipient that you send the basket to. Also, it is important that you stay within your budget as well.
The fact is, that gourmet food gift baskets come in a wide range of prices, so no matter how much you have to spend you will have no trouble finding one that you like. The best place to find a gourmet food gift basket to send is of course online and virtually all of the companies that market gift baskets will pack and send it for you also, so it is now easier than ever before.
By: Isaela Frasier
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Written by Isaela Frasier. Find the latest information on a Gourmet Food Gift Basket

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Need To Honeymoon Destination Thailand

The best course of action to take sometimes isn't clear until you've listed and considered your alternatives. The following paragraphs should help clue you in to what the experts think is significant.
Bangkok, the city of angles or 'Krungthep',was established in 1782 by King Rama I. The very charm of the city, indeed the whole country, is its antiquity combined with rapid modernisation. Amidst sealed skyscrapers nestle the old pagodas of the many 'wats' or temples. Roadside Buddhas ,exist and profilerate, ensuring handy outless for joss-sticks and flower offerings, food and shawls. The more the offerings, the more fervent the prayer of the devotee...
Roadside stalls and shops jostle for space with these Buddhas along with food vendors-on pushcarts, on little stools, on stands, in baskets carried on a pole across the shoulders. Fruit and flower sellers stand at every corner.
Aromatic cooked rice in leaf or plastic packets are sold even in mini supermarkets, with the smell an intergral part of the atmosphere of Thailand. Seafood predominates-with a rich chilli flavour. Indians and vegetarians need not fear for there are plenty of Indian hotels in the city. In fact an Indian would instantly feel at home, wandering around the crowded city-the people are friendly and one even finds roadside cobblers here, unlike the posh Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. And best of all Indians are glorified as tourists here for they do a lot of shopping and the Thai economy practically rests on tourism.
A honeymoon couple would be advised to go on a pre-booked package with a reputed hotel. Bel Aire Princes is a fabulous hotel, expensive and luxurious. It also serves small variety of Indian food in the evenings. The Indra Regent area has many Indian enteries too. The package ensures a visit to the Wat Arun, the Golden Buddha temple, the Reclining Buddha, the Emerald Buddha and the City Palace. Most of these sights will be familiar to the Indian movie goer, for Bangkok has become a popular movie location.
City tours include a visit to the rose garden, the gem cutting centre and a silk factory.
Thailand is famous for its gemstones and silver jewellery, both certain to bring stars to a bride's eyes. Chinatown is a lovely area to walk through, filled with flowers and produce. Food is a delight here.
Truthfully, the only difference between you and Honeymoon experts is time. If you'll invest a little more time in reading, you'll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Honeymoon.
Clothes are cheap as labour costs are low. Thai'mumdee' silk or tye and dyed silk is a specially, a must-buy for most women. As for readymades, Prathunam Market is a near paradise, a whole busy enclave on Ratchprarop Road. Here are located fashion houses like Armani and Versace. But never mind them, right below their regal noses one can purchase fine imitations, complete with logo, in the open sir stall of Prathunam. The garments are churned out in the closed markets behind with sewing machines busy round the clock. 'How many do you want?' asks the friendly shopkeeper when I ask the price of a Boss Shirt. he laughs when I ask for just two, more used to Indians buying in bulk.
A walk along Soi 3,4 and 5 leads to Akbar, and Indian restaurant, serving good Mughlai food. Along the Sois are open air stalls selling handicrafts, clothes, cloisonne, wood masks, blue pottery, the unique metal turquoise painted Thai musician fingurines, watches-all fake, toys,VCDs. All remain open till 11p.m.
Patpong and silom-these are the famous night bazaars of Bangkok, where life begins only after 10p.m. Food-one can eat a variety of Thai food on the pavements or go into the Western food joints, pubs and bars here. Massage parlours have women standing outside, enticing unwary tourists. Heading out of the city is an option to go to Pattaya, a 2hour trip to a beach town. Pattaya is a strange place with a sightly seedy promenade where Indians are not advised to venture after dark. The cabaret show and a trip to Coral Island so it is only worth it if you are into snorkeling and water scooters. Perhaps a place best avoided by the romantic couple. For those with a sun and water fixation, islands like Krabi, Kochi Samui, Phuket, etc. are geared to be ideal resorts. Rafting and canoeing, other than just sunbathing, are sufficient thrills here-with the knowledge that Leonardo di Caprio sunbathed here as an added attraction!
A trip to Kanchanaburi, about 128 kms away, is good for nature lovers and would ensure a less crowded and more romantic scenario. The Death Railway and the Bridge on the River Kwai are, of course, not to be missed here. But the best part of a visit to Thailand is a trip to the Floating Market-about 2 hours away in Ratchaburi. Tours start early in the morning, in order to reach there well before the boats come out. One is put in the water in a long launch for a leisurely ride in the canals for about 1 1/2 hours. Old homes jut above the banks, with daily chores and baths conducted in the streams.
And then suddenly, at a turning, one sees scores of long open boats coming at you, each with one person at the helm, mostly women. And the boats are piled high with produce-hot food, fresh vegetables, etc. Breakfast is served like never before! The boat comes along and jars alongside, the old women boats sturdy enough to ram into each other. business is conducted over the water, and selling and buying has never been so charming. After the ride, the banks lined with handicraft shops entice one to buy cheap blue pottery, pewter and clothes. Romantic keepsakes will not make a deephole in the pocket here.
If going about the city on one's own-the MRT or the lovely little tuktuk (autolike vehicle) driven merrily with scant regard for rules are safe methods of transport and cheap. In the throng of Bangkok's traffic which turns to five packed lanes on an expressway, the tuktuk is sure to make rapid headway. And for that shopping stroll, the only way to cross the road is to do as the Thais do- hold up you hand to stop the flow and sash across.
With so many spots so soaked in romance,Bangkok is a great honeymoon destination-with a little extra honey making further lovely spots within one's reach. Best to avoid the place in April though, when the heat touches a sizzling 42, fizzling out romance!
If you've picked some pointers about Honeymoon that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won't really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don't use it. http://www.rabbitresort.com
By: wirat
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Wirat Muenpan is the webmaster of Pattaya Hotel Pattaya Hotel Thailand Hotels Rabbit Resort Your Beach Resort Home in Pattaya, Thailand www.rabbitresort.com/

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Thailand Cuisine

By Yachika Verma
If you are looking for an internationally famous food then it is none other than Thai Food. The Thai cuisine is very famous worldwide as it constitutes amazing blend of aquatic animals, plants and herbs. One can find all the five elementary tastes: sweet, spice, bitter, salty and sour. While tasting the popular Thai dishes you will find lime juice, garlic, chilies, lemon grass and fish sauce as common ingredients. Basically the distinctiveness of Thailand Food depends upon, by whom it is cooked and for what occasion it is cooked. One can see a little influence of Chinese cuisine on Thailand Food.
Rice is one of the principle food ingredients that is omnipresent in all kind of Thailand Food. The jasmine rice and sticky rice are the kinds of the rice taken by Thai people. The fresh herbs are used while preparing Thailand Food as it increase the quality of the aroma of the food. A single time meal consists of a hot cup of soup, a curry dish with condiments, a dip accompanying fish and vegetables. Also you can add some spice salad to the meals to make it heavier. The balance of spicy taste is maintained by the cooks while serving the spicy and non-spicy dishes. For desserts you can enjoy the Thai sweets and fresh fruits.
The tools utilized normally by Thai people to have their meals are spoons and forks. Thailand has maximum number of Buddhist population, so one can see the impact of Buddhism in Thailand Food.
The Thailand Food is served with roasted duck or pork topped on it. In that case one needs to have a fork obviously. If you are having a noodle soup then you can have it with the help of chopsticks too. One can see the influence of Chinese, Indian and Japanese styles in Thailand food culture.
If we take a look at Thailand food menu we will find that some of the dishes are really tempting and delicious:
• Titbits: Hors d'oeuvre and snacks like rolls, puffed rice cake, satay etc. • Dips: Made from chilies, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce etc • Curries: The ingredients in Thai curries are powdered dried spices and fresh herbs. • Salad: The Thai salads are normally sour, salty and sweet which are topped by different kind of meat textures. • Desserts: No Thai dish is complete without sweet dishes. The Thai people like to take something very sweet after a spicy treat. • Soups: Soup is the main dish when accompanied with rice is preferred to be taken by Thai people. One can find the quality of herbs and spices used in the soups.
Thai people are usually fond of eating rice with their meal and therefore whenever you stay with a Thai family, then be very cautious because you might end up putting on too much weight. Tastes of Thai Food can be amended to suit individual desire. All those who have eaten exotic Thai Food will in no way fail to order them again whenever their preferred dish is available.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Spaghetti Mixed Seafood Thai Style

By Joe Sitthiosoth
Before we start cooking our first Thai dish. I would like to tell you that after posting my blog yesterday, there are many people sending me emails asking me about curry paste, coconut milk and chilies whether they are the basic condiments that you need to have in a kitchen when cooking Thai food. Well, in my opinion...they are not because not many Thai food uses curry paste or coconut milk, particularly chilies. From my experience, all my friends (Westerners) can't eat hot and spicy Thai food (with chilies). Moreover, these stuffs like curry paste, coconut milk have short expiration. You can't keep it in the fridge or in the kitchen for a long time like fish sauce or light soy sauce. Therefore, I would recommend you to buy it whenever you need to use them. All right, that is clear enough.
Now let's start our cooking. Our menu today is Spaghetti Mixed Seafood Thai Style. Actually, it is a combination between Western food (Spaghetti) and Thai food (Fried Mixed Seafood). I used to cook this dish to Kathrine, my German friend long time ago and she loved it. She asked me teaching her how to cook this menu but I was so busy and forgot about it later. However, last week I had a chance to cook this menu again and I gave it to my colleague Kaela to try. Oh! my God, she really liked it. Now you are eager to know how to cook it, right ? Okay, let's go.
Ingredients
5 table spoon of cooking oil
5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
150 grams of mixed seafood (you can use a frozen package)
2 teaspoon of light soy sauce
1/2 table spoon of oyster sauce
1 teaspoon of fish sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
5 leaves of Thai basil (if you can't find Thai basil, you can use regular basil as well)
80 grams of spaghetti
Preparation
1. Cook spaghetti as per package instruction (boil it, rinse it with cold water) then set it aside.
2. Put cooking oil in a pan (medium hot)
3. Put garlic in a pan, cook for 2 minutes then put mixed seafood in a pan, stir fried until it is cooked (No problem if you use a ready-cooked seafood package).
4. Put everything else’s (sauce, sugar) and stir fried for 3 minutes
5. Put cooked spaghetti in a pan, then Thai basil, stir fried for 2 minutes until everything gets along
That's it. See ! How easy it is. Now you can enjoy a very delicious Thai food that is cooked by yourself. I'm so proud of you. Enjoy your meal!Joe Sitthiosoth is an average Joe who is passion for Thai food and Thai cooking. He travels the world, makes new friend and shows them how wonderful Thai food is. His article comes from his real experience. You can read more from here http://EasyThaiCookingByJoe.blogspot.com

Thai Food Online