http://www.chow.com/boards/48 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:46:05 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/639976#5204384 You were absolutely right, Hot Chocolate - Marmalade Pantry was simply a big disappointment. After all the hoopla about it being a spot for people-watching, it's got really awful food. Not going back again. And the famous cupcakes aren't that good either. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:03:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/639976#5204384 http://www.chow.com/topics/669150#5202160 PS. I found the info above from Dessert Comes First Blog. Thanks! Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:25:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669150#5202160 http://www.chow.com/topics/647297#5201058 I had dinner at Fifty Three last week and certainly it was one of the most intriguing dining experiences I've ever had in Singapore. Yes, some dishes imply a touch of Fat Duck or Mugaritz, but chef Han has created his own style there. Enjoyed their food thoroughly. I also had dinner at One on the Bund, but since it was a buffet, I will postpone my review on the food. They had great ambience though, even better than Hutong in Hong Kong! :) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:37:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/647297#5201058 http://www.chow.com/topics/667490#5199606 On the ground floor of the terminal, at the highest exit number end of the terminal (#7?) there is a Thai food court. It's used mostly by airport employees and other Thais. Nothing is spectacular but it's authentic Thai food. One of the vendors sells Thai coffee. Hopefully you'll find something you like. If not, nothing is more than 50 baht. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:31:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667490#5199606 http://www.chow.com/topics/668461#5199098 Janet De Neefe's Fragrant Rice talks about her personal connection to the foods of Bali. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/543351#3909529 ~TDQ Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:24:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668461#5199098 http://www.chow.com/topics/662923#5197924 I lived in the Philippines for years and never encountered a local approach to Thanksgiving. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:29:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662923#5197924 http://www.chow.com/topics/667223#5197871 The Bamboo Bar at the Oriental is one of the classic saloons of the world along with the Hemingway bar at the Ritz in Paris, and the rooftop bar at the Rex Hotel in Saigon. Go there, have a gin and tonic, and know that you part of drinking history. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:07:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667223#5197871 http://www.chow.com/topics/603360#5197043 I, too, would love some recommendations for a trip in early 2010...... Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:11:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/603360#5197043 http://www.chow.com/topics/660866#5194913 If you have time, it's definitely worth taking a day or overnight trip to Malacca, about two hours south of KL. Small, interesting city, which is famous for chicken and rice balls, fantastic chendol, and very good Peranakan food. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:03:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660866#5194913 http://www.chow.com/topics/658366#5193964 My favorite restaurant in Hanoi was Quan An Ngon, a branch of the famous Saigon eatery of that name. I would consider it a must. It is mostly open air and seating is on rather hard benches but the food is stellar and staff are very patient with clueless foreigners. Book ahead. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:43:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658366#5193964 http://www.chow.com/topics/667759#5191168 Try the Balinese Tapas at Nomad restaurant. Good way to sample a little bit of everything. Tons of good places to eat there. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:35:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667759#5191168 http://www.chow.com/topics/667764#5187807 We have spent the last week on Klong Dao beach, the northernmost beach on the island of Koh Lanta on the Andaman side of Thailand. Quickly tiring of the watered-down tourist fare on the beach itself, eg. Banana Beach Restaurant (boring) and bbq at Hans Restaurant (downright awful and expensive), we set off down the main road in search of something tasty and authentic. We stumbled across an Issan restaurant called Lap Royet, which has since been our daily spot for dinner and some lunches, it is that good. It is all outdoor seating under thatched hut-covered tables, with a menu in English as well. Prices are just a smidgen above street food prices, although we have yet to spend over 300 baht for dinner for two with several dishes, sticky rice and a big Singha beer. Highights so far: - Som Tam (spicy papaya salad) - fresh, spicy, with roasted peanuts and the perfect accompaniment to every meal. Lots of street places on the main road in Lanta sell this, but this is the freshest and zingiest som tam we found here. - Catfish Larb (I think this is called Nam Pladook?) - have had this twice, it is sooo moreish - BBQ chicken with spicy sauce - Boiled pork with ginger and lemongrass - Bamboo shoot salad - slightly spicy with mildly fermented bamboo shoots, unusual and tasty - BBQ beef I am not sure all of the BBQ items are listed on the menu, as we just asked for the beef straight off the grill after seeing it for ourselves. The one disappointment was a pile of chewy, inedibe chopped pork fat, which seemed really to be nothing but BBQ'd fat, and not in a good way if you know what I mean. Maybe they are supposed to be more like beer snacks than an actual meal? My husband ordered it in a weak moment after downing a beer with the friendly BBQ cook, stuck there with our takeaway lunch after being trapped in an afternoon downpour. I think the other side of the menu has more standard noodle and rice dishes, but we stuck with the Issan fare ourselves. Best of all, you don't need to ask for anything to be made spicy - but be sure to ask to have it toned down if you don't care for heat! Lap Royet will happily do takeaway of everything if you want to eat it at your hotel/guesthouse, with all the usual side trimmings (basil, cabbage, etc) thrown in the bag as well. Now, as for the location: it is on the main road which runs down the entire west coast of Koh Lanta, more towards the northern end of Klong Dao Beach. It is on the right side of the road as you head north towards the town of Saladan, just across the street from a place with a yellow sign called 'French Bakery'. The sign for Lap Royet itself is in Thai and English, with a Coca-Cola logo in red across the bottom of the sign. Probably the most well-known spot nearby is a place called 'The Pub'. If you ask any taxi/sidecar driver to take you to The Pub, then Lap Royet is about 5 minutes walking further north on the same side of the road. We will miss it when we are gone! Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:57:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667764#5187807 http://www.chow.com/topics/661754#5187141 Hi there! 1. My first choice definitely would have been Tasty BLVD, but its main chef Randy Choi has left the restaurant and he is currently planning to open a new restaurant next February. So I think you will be able to make it. I will update on any new information regarding his new restaurant. A glimps at Randy's culinary art when he was workiong at Tasty BLVD: * hairy crab dinner: http://blog.naver.com/kosmose7/90045195361 * monthly special dinner: http://blog.naver.com/kosmose7/90048925446 * In the mean time, he is operating a burger shop: http://blog.naver.com/kosmose7/90073981760 2. Chef M.J. Park, who was the first Korean that ever worked under Pierre Gagnaire in Paris, has recently opened a French bistro called "Bien-Etre". Although he calls his establishment a 'bistro', food served there is more of fine dining. It is currently my most favorite French restaurant in Seoul. A six course dinner is around 60,000 Won (about U$50) Reservation only. tel: (02) 543-3288. (I think chef Park can speak French). * Please refer to: http://blog.naver.com/kosmose7/90064955708 3. The Ninth Gate Grille Located inside the Westin Chosun Hotel. They use a lot of Korean or Asian ingredients to make French food. Their weeked set lunch & dinner prices are also so attractive! You can choose one out of each a la carte category (appetizer, main course, dessert) and 3 course lunch is 50,000 Won (about U$40), 4 course lunch 65,000 Won (about U$55), 3 course dinner is 80,000 Won (about U$70), 4 course dinner (about U$80), all inclusive of tip & tax. Considering that its weekday regular price for only main course is around 45,000 Won - 60,000 Won (U$38 - 50) plus 10% tip and 10% tax, it is really a bargain. Book a window seat and go! :) * lunch posting: http://blog.naver.com/kosmose7/90068241602 * dinner posting: http://blog.naver.com/kosmose7/90073429322 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:06:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661754#5187141 http://www.chow.com/topics/667504#5186995 Try the Fullerton's Town restaurant, I'll be there with my husband, children & grandchildren: http://www.fullertonhotel.com/promotion.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:07:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667504#5186995 http://www.chow.com/topics/667369#5186984 You can contact City Satay - they are the largest satay caterers in Singapore, and also sells portable satay braziers. Their main retail store is in Tanjong Katong Road, but do check out their website & call ahead first: http://www.citysatay.com/index.php?NavigatorId=2 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:02:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667369#5186984 http://www.chow.com/topics/667493#5184918 It's great fun browsing and reading up all the recs. for Taipei, and the surroundings. There seems, however, to be no recs. for cities like Hualien, Taitung, Kenting, Kiaoshung, Tainan, Taichung ,etc. I would greatly appreciate your help/suggestions for those cities. Thanks. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:41:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667493#5184918 http://www.chow.com/topics/667017#5180363 Need some help. Some friends and I are staying a week at the Peninsula Hotel in Makati, starting next week. I'd like to find some spots nearby - something uniquely Philippine if possible. My friends and I are willing to hit the neighborhoods around the hotel - we are adventuresome. We were there a month ago and hit a place called "Top Meal Food Haus" It was pretty good - we also hit a place called "Handle Bar" - an expat biker bar. That was good also. Any thoughts would be appreciated. thanks! Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:21:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667017#5180363 http://www.chow.com/topics/654591#5177944 Anyone interested in doing this next week? They are in English. http://www.hancooking.co.kr/2006/english.htm Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:58:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654591#5177944 http://www.chow.com/topics/666256#5177738 Yes, I would like to try Morton's of Chicago too!!! Unfortunately, I will be busy during the 'regular' dinner time. The only time available for me privately is late at night... Thanks for your tip about bars. I will definitely try them! Thanks. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:28:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666256#5177738 http://www.chow.com/topics/666530#5174928 I'm travelling through Seoul by myself right now. I've heard that it's uncommon for people to eat alone here, and many restaurants makes dishes for 2, etc. Any strategies for eating alone here? Are certain types of places better bets? In fact, any suggestions for eating in Seoul would be appreciated. Just had my first meal which was slightly difficult as there was no English menu, pictures or English speaking waitstaff but I perservered and was rewarded big time! I've now memorized the Hangul for sundubu so should be set for a while anyway. 순두부! But any suggestions for eating alone, or figuring out what to get on a menu would be appreciated. I don't have problems eating anything, so should I just ask the waitress to pick for me? Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:44:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666530#5174928 http://www.chow.com/topics/665753#5172325 When in Kuala Lumpur, do make a trip to the local night market (Pasar Malam) whereby you will find lots of local ingredients and street food being sold. I enjoy going to the Sunday night market in an area called Bangsar (about 15 minutes drive from KL city -non peak hour) and its located next to a shoppin gmall called Bangsar Village. It typically starts about 6pm till about 9.30pm. Make sure you go with an empty stomach and fill it as you walk along the street. I love munching along and having the fresh sugar cane juice to wash down my food. If the street food there does not appeal to you, there are plenty of restaurants, both reasonable and that have massive mark-ups, in the area. Had posted this in another reply recently and thought it may be useful to you: If you love good chinese food, make sure you visit Overseas Restaurant in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Address: 84 – 88 , Jalan Imbi. Kuala Lumpur. Tel No: +603-21449911. Their famous roast pork is amazing (crisp outside and tender inside), the double boiled chicken soup (ordered one day in advance) and beef brisket (ordered one day in advance) are just yummy. Am already drooling as I type! For Indian food, take a trip to Kanna Curry House. Address: No. 29 Jalan 17/45 46400 Petaling Jaya Selangor (Non-peak hour: about 20-30 minutes drive from heart of Kuala Lumpur). Tel No: 603-79584814. Serves amazing banana leave rice with assorted vegetables and papadams. Then you can choose to have fried spicy fish, its tasty fried chicken, love their masala lamb and lots more. For Malay food, I have to sheepishly admit that I normally crash at my friends'place for great home-cooked meals. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:32:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665753#5172325 http://www.chow.com/topics/665096#5171180 NYE? You're talking Four Seasons again. Centralworld, just up Ratchadamri, is Bangkok's Times Square! Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:53:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665096#5171180 http://www.chow.com/topics/263045#5169395 I heard that Quan An Ngon used to be very good, but since moving to their new location, it just hasn't been the same. I can't attest to this, seeing as to how I never got to try the old place. Either way, Quan An Ngon is a really neat concept, but to be totally honest their food is nothing spectacular. I've tried many a dish, but most of them were either underseasoned, or lacking in consistency. The Banh Xeo was really soggy, and the vegetables were not cleaned very well. The che selection is pretty amazing, but it wasn't amazing in taste. I had che bap the first time, and I could've sworn I've had creamed corn that's tasted better than that, and the next time round I had che ba ba, which was okay at best. Quan an ngon should be tried at least once. Maybe you'll have a better experience than the two times that I went. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:19:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/263045#5169395 http://www.chow.com/topics/665731#5166332 Hi there -- I am interested in taking a hands-on cooking class while in Singapore -- no demonstrations! Has anyone here taken the classes at Raffles Culinary Academy? Are they demos or actual cooking? Reviews? Any other cooking classes recommended? I have heard of Coriander, Cookery Magic, Shermay and Palate Sensations. Thoughts? I'll be staying on Sentosa Island so Palate Sensations seems interesting except classes are mostly Western techniques... THANKS! Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:43:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665731#5166332 http://www.chow.com/topics/663888#5165490 I would agree with you that navigating Keelung is a lot easier with a seasoned local. But even with that said, on the main strip, the stalls are outfitted with signs in Japanese, English, and Chinese to make it a bit easier to find and try things. Here's a site that casually mentions a few must haves. http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0012034&sP=1 If and when I have time I'll put together something that summarizes the good stuff (the best information is on the Chinese websites, and even they are scattered). Glad that you still made it there. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:25:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663888#5165490 http://www.chow.com/topics/660485#5156034 Actually for Keelung, you can easily take a train there from Taipei main station. The famous Miaokou night market is near the train station. I believe the train ticket is about NT$50 one way. http://tourguide.sinotour.com/scenery577.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:32:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660485#5156034 http://www.chow.com/topics/663885#5146920 Wanting tio go somewhere special, we chose this place because of its glowing reviews and stellar ranking on tripadvisor.com. Across all categorties, it's number 2 of over 500 restaurants in the city! And I'm delighted to report that it lives up to its billing - and more. Never mind Bangkok, this is one of the best examples of modern Italian cooking you'll find anywhere. The technique is brilliant and perfectly judged, the ideas are ingenious and the service - conducted by a smiling, knowledgeable, young Italian maitre and a fleet of beautiful Thai waitresses - combines both friendliness and precision. I don't normally go for taster menus but we took the taster route because there were so many delicious sounding things on the a la carte menu that we wanted to try. Portions were smaller than a usual main course, but we knew we'd eaten well and heartily by the end. (My date even mumbled something about being full and skipping dessert, but I knew she didn't mean it.) I also took the manager's wine recommendation, so much on trust that I don't even remember what we had. But it was what he described as a "crispy" white and it served us perfectly well throughout all four courses. I enjoyed this meal so much, I'm going to describe each course in detail. (Feel no need to read any further if you just want to know if the place is any good or not. It is!) First up was a glass pitcher containing a layer of potato puree over a layer of impossibly tender squid in a highly seasoned black ink sauce. The manager advised us to dig right down and get a taste of both layers in each spoonful. The black and white made ravishing, swirling patterns on the glass as we ate it. And as well as being beautiful, sophisticated and witty, it contained one of the ultimate comfort food combinations - fish and potatoes. All in all, a triumphantly clever, exuberant dish. The next course continued the comfort food theme with a ragu of duck with pappardelle. To make a ragu, you take a strongly flavoured meat such as hare, boar or venison and braise it forever, so the meat virtually tuns to crumbs. When made well, it's intense, dark, rich and satisfying. But a danger of long, slow cooking is that the flavours can sometimes be dulled. This duck was so ducky it was still quacking. It was perfectly complemented by just four or five ribbons of gloriously silky pasta. Next came an illustration of the fact that in the kitchen, simplicity is king. Two chunks of sea bass, fried till the skin is crisp, sitting on a straightforward circle of boiled potato, with a vegetable broth and a few vegetables. That's all. At first taste, I might have asked for just another pinch of salt to kick it up a notch. But the more I ate, the more I realised the chef's brilliance in balancing this so that every single flavour tasted exactly of what it was: half a tiny cherry tomato, a couple of green beans, a couple of capers, half a black olive....total perfection. 20 years ago I ate something just as prosaically simple - poached chicken with a couple of boiled vegetables - at the world famous River Cafe in London, which I can still taste today. I know I will remember this sea bass dish as long and every bit as fondly. Desserts were an unpretentious but solidly delicious chocolate mousse and a fabulous tiramisu with the all-important shot of espresso poured over it at the table. All this, plus a couple more espressos, cost the two of us 6,600 baht. Stratospherically, almost guilt inducingly expensive for Bangkok of course, where you can by a perfectly good plate of noodles off a stall for 15 baht. But if you compare it to other restaurants of this quality around the world, it's an absolute, jaw dropping bargain. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:21:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663885#5146920 http://www.chow.com/topics/643794#5143082 There's good stuff on Convent, but mostly for lunch as a street food destination. Hai is lovely as is the Kao Man Gai and Kanom Gin. For a destination street I'd recommend soi 38 though. Paul Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:06:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/643794#5143082 http://www.chow.com/topics/663179#5139114 Has anyone tried Osvaldo Forlino's new venture at Maxwell Chambers? I liked him at Forlino's in One Fullerton previously before he suddenly left them. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:19:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663179#5139114 http://www.chow.com/topics/662838#5135911 My favorite eatery got some press while I was away. I hope it isn't overrun now Funny that the writer thought "the restaurant's parking lot ... seemed like the front ground of a local temple". IT IS THE TEMPLE GROUNDS! Maybe a little too focused. http://www.bangkokpost.com/leisure/restaurant/24489/discover-a-hidden-treasure Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:45:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662838#5135911 http://www.chow.com/topics/647060#5134114 There is a beef noodle festival in Taipei every year, and in fact, the voting will start soon for the 2009 festival soon: http://www.2009tbnf.com.tw/ Unfortunately there is not much information on the 2009 website yet in English (if you can read Chinese then lots of info there), but I found this English list of "60 beef noodle restaurants" from the 2008 website: http://www.taipei.gov.tw/cgi-bin/SM_theme?page=494b9e15 There are so many other kinds of great food in Taipei, and not just beef noodle soup though. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:24:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/647060#5134114 http://www.chow.com/topics/661869#5128799 Festivals in the Philippines often have special foods attached to them, so while there may be some inconviences, you're right in that you may have other options available to you. Panagbenga is a relatively new festival, though, so I don't know that it will really be all that special food-wise. I forgot to mention, in Baguio Market I didn't see any place that would cook your purchases for you. We stayed mostly around the circumference of the market, though, so we may have missed any kind of food court-type area. One thing you can try in Baguio--if you're staying with people from indigenous tribes (they used to be called "Igorot", but it's a slur much the way the word "Eskimo" is), man's best friend (ahem. . . ) used to be a common part of their diet, and it is still eaten occasionally. One of my mother's cousins married an Igorot, and she said they sometimes have it at certain celebrations. If you've ever wanted to try it, this may be your chance! Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:22:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661869#5128799 http://www.chow.com/topics/646851#5126988 Siem Reap is in the top five of places I have been anywhere, it's truly spectacular, but as a chow destination, mmeh, it's pretty lame. We basically ate French food or at the FCC the entire time we were there. Oh, and some of the best gelato I've had anywhere in the world. Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:49:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/646851#5126988 http://www.chow.com/topics/661269#5120865 The last time I was in Thailand, I read about a week-long (or so) culinary program/chef training course in Bangkok. It was for people with a strong cooking background, but for the life of me, I can't find any details on it. Does anyone here know what I'm talking about and can point me towards the right information? Thanks!! Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:11:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661269#5120865 http://www.chow.com/topics/660498#5120532 I posted a short while back as part of the excellent string you can find at http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/647297. Really thoroughly enjoyed everything, including the (somewhat spare) space and absolutely the staff. In a way, lunch was even better than dinner, because you get three or four courses, same great experience, and it leaves you aching for more. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:12:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660498#5120532 http://www.chow.com/topics/660781#5119304 and if by chance "pho cok" is Phu Quoc island in Vietnam, steer clear of most of the beachfront hotels/restaurants. The main city of Duong Dong has some great eats. Check out the market by the bridge early in the morning. Tons of fish. La Miranda has pretty decent upscale cuisine if you want a break from the norm. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:05:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660781#5119304 http://www.chow.com/topics/652844#5117472 I flew over on Korean Air(I used Delta miles to fly free) into Hanoi and out of HCMC. Both trips took me through Seoul. On the return trip I had about 13 hours to kill so I got a brief tour of the city which was nice. In Vietnam I flew on Vietnam airlines one way down to Hue, I think it was around $75. I ended up taking a bus now to Hoi An which basically sucked. After that we ended up just hiring guys to drive us down the coast to each of our stops. With 3 of us it wasn't much more than a bus and a lot easier. I am not too familiar with their train system but I don't remember it being the most convenient option. I ended up seeing a good part of the country in two weeks though I wish I had a full month or longer. I absolutely loved Vietnam. Sam-I did hit up that market in Hue, I ended up getting an egg bahn mi from a vendor with all sorts of fermented goodness. I ate a few good meals there as well. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:03:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/652844#5117472 http://www.chow.com/topics/658711#5110870 There are 5 or 6 cooking schools in CM. From everything I've heard, they're all similar. They all do 6 or 7 dishes, veg and non-veg, in their full day class. Most also offer a shorter evening class. They all offer a morning at the Somphet market as an option. It's the most touristy of CM's many markets but still worthwhile. If you have 4 days in CM and are not doing a 3 day hill tribe trek, a full day cooking class is definitely the way to go. Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:16:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658711#5110870 http://www.chow.com/topics/651847#5107139 Khinlom Chomsaphan is ok but service can be hit or miss. The view is nice. for weekends reservation is required. here is a review of Suppatra river House http://www.at-bangkok.com/restaurant_supatra_river_house.php Hotels are pretty nice Oriental, Peninsula, Shangrila For parties chaopraya river cruises is really good Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:04:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/651847#5107139 http://www.chow.com/topics/623024#5105184 Arun was really good. I also liked that the sauce in the amok was thicker and you could scrape some nice slivers of meat from the coconut to supplement the dish. Was also unimpressed by Khmer Kitchen (the one in the alley way). In Sihanoukville, really enjoyed Chi Khmer, which is in the same space as Hapa on the road to Serendipity Beach. It's really 3 restaurants in one small space: Khmer, Japanese-Khmer, and Japanese, and you can order from all the small menus. What really stood out was that whole fish with kroeung. The kroeung was slightly salty and had a faint hint of fish sauce. They put the fish on the teppanyaki grill and covered it and then put the kroeung with it. Had it once with mackerel, but wasn't sure what kind of fish was cooked the second time. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:58:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/623024#5105184 http://www.chow.com/topics/654555#5105108 You may have just made my New Year's Day. Thank you very much! The details re on in my organizer. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:31:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654555#5105108 http://www.chow.com/topics/659557#5104071 Just got back from a few extended layovers in Singapore Fattys at EAST COAST SEAFOOD CENTER - we were the first customers so we thought everything would be better than when there are 300 people there. Wrong. Had poached shrimps that were overdone as we had to fish them all out of the broth so they stopped cooking. My first time eating real Chili crab in Singapore so i was excited. The actual meat was good but I am not a big fan of the extremely sweet sauce at Fatty's. I do not know if all places do this but the sauce is all heavily cornstarched to which is not my favorite. The buns to go with it are also sweet. I must admit though it is fun to get all dirty and eat it. I have to imagine there are better Chili Crabs out there. Maxwell Hawker Center in CHINATOWN - Tian Tian's Chicken Rice is very delicious. The chicken is just alright but that rice is so flavorful and aromatic. There is a banana fritter (basically just a deep fried small banana) place that is pretty good. Across from that the curry rice that I added on pork chop and belly (very tender) was good but not extraordinary. The Indian place that sells Roti Pratha, make sure that the Roti is fresh and crispy. The sauce that goes with it is very well balanced and tasty. Also try the Ginger Coffee or Tea. Interesting. Also there is a place that makes fresh soy milk up the way from the Indian spot that is pretty good but it is just soy milk. Newton Hawker Center near ORCHARD/SCOTT STREET- Went for BBQ Stingray for memories sake as I ate it there 8 years ago. It was good but not quite the great experience I had the last time I was there. It was tender but a little on the dry side. We also had Durian there but if you are going to have Durian eat it at the fruit vendors in Geylong as I had a much better Malaysian Durian there. Kamals Restaurant near CHINATOWN - We heard it was very good fried chicken. We went in the late afternoon and it kind of seemed like the chicken had been sitting around so was not that impressed with it. I would give it another try coming at that right time but this time was disappointing. Long Beach Seafood Restaurant at EASTCOAST SEAFOOD CENTER - Came back to east coast seafood center to try Black Pepper Crab. First of all it was a Saturday at 8pm and the places were all packed. We waited 15min for a table. All these places are pretty touristy but still fun because of the hustle and the bustle. I am sure there are places that serve better but if you are up for the experience... Anyways, we had steamed razor clams covered in copious amounts of garlic and vermicelli. Very good and the sauce made a wonderful addition to steamed rice but not cheap, SING$10/clam. The Black Pepper Crab (SING$44) was slightly overcooked but I still thought it was excellent. The black pepper crab there is very dry without any sauce really. The black pepper gives it almost a BBQ'd taste with a constant tingling/burn. Combine that with the sweetest of the crab and I was quite happy. Once again, picking at a crab is fun along with 200 other people who are doing the same thing. Food Court at WISMA ATRIA- Had to get out of the heat and it seems that what the malls are for. It was a good place to get some decently good mall food. Had grilled chicken wings which are a little expensive but have a nice grilled taste. The Beef Kway Teow at one the stalls is pretty good without the sauce being too gloopy from corn starch and the beef having a nice seared flavor. The juice bar doesn't strain their juices so you get little bits and there is no ice in their smoothies. The little steamed coconut cakes are good but not that memorable. Ting Heng Seafood Restaurant near CHINATOWN - Went with a friend that had connections and thus were treated well, actually very well by the owner, Maggie. Had a cold steamed crab with creamy roe..so good. Then had drunken prawns that were expertly cooked. So tender and really fresh and delicious. Had a Freshwater fish, sweet and sour stle. The fish was fried so there were a lot of little crunchy little bits. The sauce was one of the best sweet and sour I have ever had as it was nice and balanced and not too thick. Had a noodle dish with sliced fish and bok choy. The sauce that everything was coated in was so savory and delicious. Then had a Black Pepper crab which was good but not quite as memorable as the one at Long Beach Seafood Restaurant but still very good. Tekka Food Center - Had a nasi briyani at the busiest stall there. I order chicken. As a white guy there I think they instinctively give you breast meat. That is not my thing. Next time I will specify I want leg meat. The breast meat was good but only because the sauce was so good. Fun to eat with just your hands, getting all messy with the local guys grubbing down. Lor 9 Beef Kway Teow in GEYLONG - Had the Beef Kway Teow. The sauce is super cornstarched and gloopy. The flavor is good though. I just would prefer a lighter sauce. Also had stir fried morning glory (Ko Xin Cai, SP???), Malaysian style with shrimp paste and chilies that was good but damn spicy. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:37:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659557#5104071 http://www.chow.com/topics/659335#5104070 There's a restaurant called Pandanus on Sathorn Soi 1. They obviously have a few dishes that feature pandanus leaves. I recently dined there with a group of Thais and when I arrived they had already helped themselves to a plate of what looked like fried rice with floss... If you come to Singapore I can give you more direct coordinates of where to buy floss - right underneath my house in Chinatown :D Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:37:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659335#5104070 http://www.chow.com/topics/659545#5103967 Just back from Bali, very tanned, and well fed. General Impressions: Balinese/Indonesian food isn't quite on the same level as Thai or Vietnamese as far as flavor profiles/dishes. That is not to say that it is not good, it just doesn't have as much to offer as the two aforementioned cuisines. The other problem it suffers from is the influx of Foreigners wanting the same old thing i.e. mee goreng, nasi goreng such that it takes a little bit of searching to get the good stuff. I did also not put a ton of effort into looking for places as I usually do as I wanted a true beach vacation, not the usual trekking around all day looking for that special place that has some random dish you can't get anywhere else. Also, I found Ubud to have much better/more interesting food than Seminyak/Legian area. Jimbaran Beach - Seafood was alright. There are quite a few places. I do not remember the place we went to but it was in the middle of all of them. We had Barramundi and the flesh was mushy like it wasn't all that fresh. The tiger shrimp we had were good but even after we asked them to cook them to about medium rare they were still overcooked but I think 80 percent of people would say they were cooked pretty good. The BEST dish I had in Jimbaran and all of Bali was simple grilled corn. There is this guy that sets up a small cart on the beach (Look for him or ask one of the waiters) and he simple either steams corn in peanuts or grills it. We all got grilled and it was delicious. Make sure they are grilled from raw and they have not been sitting around. He slathers them with butter and spicy salt. Grilled, salty, spicy and sweet...man, I wish I could have another one right now. Naughty Nuris in UBUD - Went there on Thursday which is Tuna Sashimi night. The tuna is very fresh with a nice texture. Highly recommended. Be sure to eat it when it comes out because if you leave it up it warms up quickly unless warm sushi is your thing. Then there are martinis. For me, Bali is not the place for martinis as they once again warm up to fast. If it was a small martini I would be down but these are big, I mean big as in you need to duck down to take your first sip as it is poured to the top. Oh yea, and they are Vodka martinis. They are 9,000rupiah (9usd). The margaritas are not bad either but a little unbalanced on the sweet side. Then there are the Ribs, 5,600rupiah (5.60USD). We were in a group of 12 so we had about 10 orders. There were some racks that were great and some that were a little tough. With such a big group though we were able to divide up and everybody walked away full and happy. It would be a bummer to come by yourself though and get a bad rack but it is a possibility. The ribs are not drenched in sauce which I like. The sauce is an asian sweet and spicy style sauce. They do not accept credit cards so be sure to bring a wad of cash especially if you are going to drink. Sides: French Fries were pretty decent for Bali and the mashed potatoes are garlicky. Overall I really had a good meal here and would highly recommend it. It does get busy around 8ish. Bebek Bengali aka Dirty Duck Diner in UBUD - we had two half ducks, I believe each half was around 56,000 rupiah) one was good the other was not. Once again it depends on what you get. There is also the option to order a whole duck a day in advance which might produce a better duck. 10 or so of our friends went a few days later and they really liked it. One of the best things with the duck is the two sauces that come with it, a roasted spicy red pepper sauce and sambal matah which is a mix of sliced red onions, chili peppers, coconut oil, palm sugar, fish sauce, lime juice and some garlic. The sambal matah is delicious and the roasted red pepper sauce is not bad too. The ribs here have a little bit of char (not as much Naughty Nuri's) and are a covered with a tomato based sauce which is tasty. We also got Calamari which is pretty good and crunchy but you only get 8 pieces so it is pretty pricey, (49,000 rupiah) for what you get. Mozaic in UBUD - Being in the cooking world and hearing recommendations from friends, I was interested in trying this restaurant but I cannot say that I was looking for it to really wow me. Thank god as I wasn't wowed. First of all it is pricey, 850,000 rupiah for a tasting menu in the context of Bali and what you get. Now I have spent a lot more on tasting menus elsewhere in the world but I always want at least one dish to really impress me or at least feel I got good value. I did not feel either of those. We had courses with Oysters (the garnishes overtook the taste of the oysters), Sweatbreads with Langoustine Ravioli with Truffle Foam (pretty boring) or Seared Cod with Fennel and a red wine sauce (Too heavy and syrupy for a second course IMO), Pork Belly and Foie Gras (Quite Good, probably one of my favorite courses), Lamb Chop (was nice enough, once again nothing special), Composed Cheese Course with Morbier AOC (which was a really bland Morbier), a pink grapefruit sorbet with cilantro custard, apples, and thyme (the cilantro custard was a weird texture, overall alright but not really that great). So overall, way too many foams an airs for my liking. But it also makes me think that the chef went to Bali when foams were big a few years back and hasn't really evolved as much as modern cooking is now in Spain, Bray or New York. Modern cooking is based upon the continuing evolution of scientific or traditional gastronomic findings to further the dining experience. I would also say that the Dessert courses are not quite up to snuff on a tasting menu charging 85,000 rupiah. The service is very warm and friendly and technically sufficient. We did have a bottle of Spanish Wine, Dragon Something or another (42,000 rupiah), that was not very good even though the restaurant has a Wine Spectator Award. I am not sure if there is a Sommelier but we did not see one and I would expect they have one if they have a wine spectator award. A lot of people really love this place on the Chowhound board so I do not know maybe I am a jaded cook but I only though it was alright especially given the price tag. IF you have a lot of money to blow, go for it. Otherwise think twice before spending. Bali Sate in SEMINYAK - A smallish place on the street that parallels the beach that does offer cooking classes. The steamed duck in banana leaf had good flavor with lemongrass and a very nice texture but not too much of a really ducky flavor. The pork belly in sweet soy was tough and not too enjoyable. Beef tenderloin in Coconut cream was dry but tender. I would not recommend it. The mixed sate was good. Not mind blowing good but if I just came by myself and ordered one thing this is what I would order. They also give you this chips (fish chips which are not good and shrimp chips which are good) and three salsas (Two are similar to the ones given with Dirty Duck, and the other is a sweet soy) which is a fun way to start the meal. The service is good. The drinks are small. Overall I am not sure if I would go back there because of all the other places to eat. Made Warung in SEMINYAK - A very popular place with tourists. The meal was nothing special. Had gado-gado, nasi padang, and a curry. They do have margaritas made with the local rice wine that was a nice transition from all the Bintang (Local beer that is really refreshing) I was drinking. Ipu Okah in UBUD - This is one of the most roast suckling pig places in all of Bali. Ordered the special plate that comes with roasted pork meat (got long strands of meat that were chewy but covered in this spicy/sweet/tangy condiment that is delicious), a square of crispy skin (very good), a small piece of blood sausage, this seasoned fried meat puff (one of my favorite things), greens (very good with chilies, coriander stems, pickled greens, very complex and good as a foil to the meat) and some rice. Overall I liked it but the actual meat was a disappointment. If I went again I would try to ask to get shoulder meat as it should have better moisture content and maybe not as chewy but really in a pig it is a muscle by muscle kind of thing. Also, do not miss the pork rinds at 7,000 rupiah. A great snack. Also, make sure you go early 11am-12pm as the skin will sell out. That's it for now. I will also post regarding Singapore. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:50:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659545#5103967 http://www.chow.com/topics/653557#5102850 Nothing like a local to show you the ropes; http://www.lingzie.com/ Was a great help for a recent trip. Check out the dives she recommends for Thai. Stellar! Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:49:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/653557#5102850 http://www.chow.com/topics/642381#5101667 I love Graze for brunch and on Sunday they do a nice BBQ grill menu. Will be going back soon for that... was eating brunch and saw all this amazing food coming out and someone said some of the best potatoes in town.... http://accidentalepicurean.com/2009/08/sunday-brunch-at-graze-singapore/ Gunthers was my bday treat this year. Did a 5 course Chef's Menu that ended up being 8 courses or so plus complimentary limoncello at the end. One of the best meals I've ever had anywhere. I'd avoid Dempsey like the plague. Overpriced and no good values that I've found. I do like the PS Cafe brunch (one of my fav burgers in Singapore) though. Look on Pervis street where Gunther's is. Another great Italian on their as well... Paul Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:48:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/642381#5101667 http://www.chow.com/topics/639331#5101662 I would consider Soi Polo Chicken a must try http://accidentalepicurean.com/2009/03/soi-polo-chicken-bangkok/ Also really good if you're not wanting fried is to eat at "Hai" on Soi Convent. This is the same as Soi Polo but grilled chicken instead of fried and more emphasis on Som Tam and Larb. Really good food here as well. Be sure to try "Yam Pla Duk Foo" if you can. It's fried but oh so good. They have it at Soi Polo and at a great place across from Pantip Plaza on Soi 4. It's a covered street place with orange chairs called Mama's Place or something like that. Really good local, but clean food. Paul A trip to Soi 38 late night is in order. Just stroll around. Some really good Kao Man Gai (thai chicken rice I guess... but so much better than the tasteless chicken rice of Singapore). Another great Kao Man Gai stand is at lunch time on convent road. Look for the hanging chickens in the street cart and try to get a chair. It's all of 30 THB for a plate (you may want two). Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:40:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/639331#5101662 http://www.chow.com/topics/655330#5101658 Not necessarily for dining, but I LOVE the Library. If you ask in person or online you can usually get a better rate. Super place to stay and they sometimes do wine specials or courses in mixology... Paul Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:35:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/655330#5101658 http://www.chow.com/topics/655952#5101657 probably too late for your trip but in case others find this in an internet search. Two good bets for street food are Sukhumvit Soi 38... this is a late-night soi and starts up later in the evening for post clubbing Thais (big set of Thai clubs on Thonglor and Ekkamai roads which are nearby). You'll see people roll up in expensive sports cars and order som tam to go :) My personal favorite is a street stall that has moved indoors. Soi Polo Bangkok has great "Issarn" (Northeastern Thai) dishes. Great fried chicken, larb, sausages, som tam and more. http://accidentalepicurean.com/2009/03/soi-polo-chicken-bangkok/ Paul Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:34:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/655952#5101657 http://www.chow.com/topics/658758#5098619 There is also a Canelé in the basement of Raffles City. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:10:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658758#5098619