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 -
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Barney Garcia writes about many different topics. www.diets-for-health.info and www.fantastic-detox-diet.info and www.fantastic-detox-diets.info

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