The Duke's Chiang Mai

Happiness is a long table full of Duke's dishes.

With so much sublime and affordable food in Thailand some ask why I'd ever crave middle of the road western eats such as burgers, pizza, meatballs in tomato sauce and sticky ribs.

Those asking have never dined at The Duke's - a Chiang Mai (CM) institution - that gives US-influenced food a bloody good name. A meal at the Ping River located Dukes restaurant has become a tradition when we visit CM.

What's the attraction? Hugh quality  cuisine at mid-level prices and probably the best hamburger in the Kingdom. I'm a no-frills burger guy, get the basics right - like they do at The Duke's - and the rest takes care of itself and no need for messy extras such as cheese, eggs, mushrooms, onions etc. 

The Duke's beef patty is succulent, just right in terms of seasoning, and flavoursome with a slightly smoky taste. The patties are complimented by homemade buns that are light and yeasty. Other faves include the breaded fish and string fries, chargrilled steaks, meat filled sandwiches, homemade foccacia bread, crisp thin crust pizzas and tangy, tender pork spare ribs.

If getting high on the hog is not your thing, I recommend the warm spinach salad with crispy bacon bits and a zingy balsamic dressing. 

To fully embrace The Duke's experience bring friends, quite a few, because the portions are Texas-sized and there's plenty to choose from. And though you'll be in calorie overload for the next week it would be a crime to ignore the Duke's desert counter. 

I've never come across a better apple pie in Thailand and their cheesecakes and chocolate cakes are equally attractive and delicious. 

If you can't get to CM, but live in Bangkok, good news, you can grab a Duke's burger at The Duke's Express restaurant in the Emporium mall.

Duke's Bangkok web site

Perfect harmony - Steak and mash perfection.

Nice and cheesy does it ....

Apple crumble & ice cream - big enough to bring down the Titanic.

Songs Of The Year

Thank you Jhene Aiko for making R&B crazy, sexy and very, very cool again.

I'm a sucker for any Ronettes-inspired song and Lykkie backs up the wall-of-sound with a big, gutsy, and passionate vocal (in a good way, not like annoying American Idol screamers).

Vodka and tonic - a wonderful crooning performance from Mr National, Matt Beringer, beautifully complimented by Sharon Jones.

Beautiful dreamy, Duran Duran'ish sounding track (to my ears) that took me away to another place.

"What'ya gonna do when I Maa Nonu you!" Should have been NZ's official Rugby World song - finest sports song since "World In Motion."

Medici Kitchen and Bar

The united colours of Italy on a plate. 

Whatever your pre-conceived thoughts and views about Bangkok throw them out the window.

While it's not changing at the same rapido pace as major Indian and Chinese cities, Bangkok is hardly snoozing with interesting new malls, buildings and hotels opening on a regular basis.

A terrific example is the new Hotel Muse Bangkok (HMB) on Soi Langsuan. This former apartment has been nipped, tucked and facelifted into a chic, elegant central city boutique hotel. Design-wise, it tastefully blends 19th-century French architecture and style with King Rama V era furnishings and art.

I'm terrible re: interior descriptions - but this line from an article nails it pretty well.

"Think dark woods, black and silver trimmings, immense white enamel bathtubs with silver feet."

A great place for a Goodfellas-styled sit down.

As with many hotels, HMB boasts a host of eateries and bars and last week, we dined at the Medici Kitchen and Bar. A walk down the sweeping staircase takes you to a spacious and luxurious Tuscan-inspired eatery featuring brick walls, faux wine barrels, leather banquettes, two large private dining rooms and a roasting spit.

Opulent yes, but not over-the-top opulent. And just when I thought I had seen it all in Bangkok, the Medici experience was intensified with a pre-dinner opera performance from a group of young singers!

Operatic theatrics over, it was time to order and eat. The Medici menu includes a good selection of pasta, seafood, meat and tapas type dishes - not huge - but more than enough alternatives for everyone. The wine list is also generous.

Beef tenderloin with a red wine sauce.

My main was excellent - seared tuna served with a tomato salsa, rocket lettuce and a zesty dressing. My buddy's seafood kebab was impressive as was the beef tenderloin with red wine sauce wolfed down by my wife and daughter. We also enjoyed a steamed mussel and seafood platter starter.

The show-stopper however, was Medici's signature truffle ravioli that tasted as good as it looked.

All up, a memorable, if a slightly pricy (for BKK but v reasonable anywhere else in the world) dining experience and perfect for a special treat.

A word of warning - if you are allergic to Bangkok's 'hi-so' crowd, you may want to find another place.

The Medici signature dish - the truffle ravioli. It tasted as good as it looked.

Headshot (Fon Tok Kuen Fa)

The lone wolf assassin (The American), vigilante/samurai (Drive) cinematic theme that's in vogue right now continues with Fon Tok Kuen Fa (Headshot) - the latest offering from acclaimed Thai director, Pen-ek Ratanaruang.

Although the film's "good cop who is blackmailed, gets shot and damaged, and has to break bad and also battles moral demons" plot, is not new - and has a couple of creaks - Headshot is compelling, stylish and engrossing.

It's beautifully filmed and viewers are kept on their toes thanks to a non-linear storyline and abrupt changes in pace - often languid, then jolted with rapid fire action scenes.

In addition, the main lead actors Nopachai Jayanama, Chanokporn Sayoungkol and Cris Horwang are incredibly attractive and have presence, lots and lots of the stuff actualy. As well, local rapper, Joey Boy burns up the screen in his brief, but intense appearance as a well-dressed, psychotic, unhinged torturer.

Headshot is also topical and relevant with the director taking subtle pot shots, throughout the film, at the evils of corruption, nepotism and capitalism gone wild.

Finally, after watching so many films set in New York or Los Angeles, it's refreshing and pretty bloody wonderful to see an atmospheric and beguiling Bangkok showcased so brilliantly on celluloid.

Go see - but be patient - let the film's charms wash over and slow boil into your mind and body.

Headshot web site

Long Journeys Wear Me Out...

Jack Dee (far left) and the other excellent characters in Lead Balloon

But they provide a good opportunity to catch new movies and a host of TV shows in a single (albeit uncomfortable) sitting.

My 11-hour haul from Auckland to Bangkok began with a light starter - an hour of UK chef, Rick Stein driving and eating across Spain.

With his easy going TV manner and approach, Rick comes across as a bloody good bloke. My beef with his show, and similar offerings, is that unlike us in the real world, Rick never eats a horrible dish or dines at a rank restaurant.

Rick's culinary saunter was followed by romcom "Friends With Benefits" (FWB). Don't ask me why but romcoms are long haul cinematic faves. Maybe watching beautiful people living beautiful lives eases the pain of sitting in a tin can for 10+ hours. 

Rocco - a real person or a celebrity chef cyborg?

FWB wasn't awful - in fact, this film about a fuck buddy relationship that goes wrong then comes right (I think), is filled with plenty of good lines.

On this performance, Justin Timberlake to me, is a better support player than main man. By comparison, his sparring partner, Mila Kunis, has way more acting and comedic chops. But the film's real star is Woody Harrelson who crackles and pops in his brief time on screen.

More New Yorkers falling in and out of love was next on the viewing schedule with "Something Borrowed" (SB) - a long-winded stinker. SB strives to realise comedic and dramatic ambitions but fails to hit ether target. The only saving grace was the performance of John Krasinsky as the smart but lonely guy, while Kate Hudson was annoying to say the least. Avoid!!!!

After this flatulent dross, I needed some Food Channel escapism and "Rocco's Dinner Parties" sated this hunger. However, one question? Is host Rocco DiSpirito a real person or a celebrity chef cyborg? The man is too perfect to be true.

There was more goodness with my final selection, two episodes of "Lead Balloon," a comedy series co-written and starring Jack Dee, a leading UK comedian. He plays a washed up, delusional TV star who thinks his best days are still ahead of him. It's not dissimilar to "Curb Your Enthusiasm" but triumphs nonetheless thanks to its Britishness and host of terrific support characters and actors.

KK

I'd just about given up hope of finding a half-decent South East Asian eatery in Auckland.

Thanks and praise then to the chefs and owners of KK restaurant in Epsom for preparing and serving delicious, affordable and 'real thing' Malaysian cuisine.

Like many of the best dining places in Asia, KK is an unpretentious gem where substance (well cooked and flavoured food) is more important than style (flashy decore, waiters with attitude and Buddha Bar soundtracks).

And as it's well established, KK has built a loyal customer base and is always full, or close to.

Tofu genius - crispy on the outside, like custard on the inside.

As the menu is sizeable, food selection was left to our Malaysian food expert who ordered a spicy stir fried eggplant dish, deep fried tofu drizzled with crunchy peanuts, a sweet chilli sauce and sliced cucumbers, chicken curry (the house speciality and worthy of its status) and mummy's ribs - spare ribs grilled with a sweet, sticky sauce and covered with sesame seeds.

Every plate was a tasty winner - why? Unlike many Asian eateries in Auckland, the KK food was well seasoned (not too sweet or salty) and bang on in terms of "true-to-Malaysia" flavours.

In addition to the top-notch cuisines, the night was extra enjoyable thanks to the company of old friends - we swapped work war stories including epic typos encountered in our respective careers such as eight cups of sugar cake recipes.

No ingredient fails at KK and for an intermittent spice junkie like me - it's one of the best places in Auckland for a decent hit of sambal and chilli padis.

KK address and contact information

RIP Smokin' Joe

Rest in peace Smokin' Joe.

Joe Frazier was the ultimate warrior and while he racked up more life experience miles than money, he commanded absolute respect from opponents and fight fans alike. If there was an 'all-time most feared pugilists' list, I've no doubt Joe would be number one.

The shots he and Muhammad Ali threw in the 70s were felt, and cheered on around the world, including my tiny hometown in New Zealand. Their titanic clashes, and other classics of the time, involving George Foreman, Ken Norton, Larry Holmes and others were must watch events at home.

Even though live TV coverage then was blurry, badly shot and over-saturated (colour-wise), the fights generated the same levels of anticipation and excitement as a rugby test match. It was a golden age for the sport and at my school you were either in the Ali or Frazier camp.

I was a huge Ali fan (still am) but really warmed to Frazier in recent times especially after watching the excellent "Thriller In Manila" documentary. Respect Joe and wherever you are now, I hope you have great people in your corner.

If You Can't Stand The Peat....

If you can't stand the peat, avoid Rex Attitude (RA), a peat-smoked golden ale produced by the Yeastie Boys, a couple of clever, innovative and (it seems) hard case Kiwi brewers.

Shock was the immediate response after my first slug - I thought someone had poured three shots of Laphroaig into a glass of lager and stirred.

Here's the product description from the RA beer label....
... Rex Attitude is inspired by French techno and the whiskey of Scotland's west coast. Like the 'Auld Alliance' it combines a little Scottish rogue with a dose of French 'je ne sais quoi.' It is as far we know the world's first beer made from 100% heavy peated distilling malt.... 

But once you get over RA's unusual flavour combination, it's like the best albums in your music collection, a slow burner that delivers a rich, rewarding and refreshing drinking experience.

It also packs a Manny Pacquiao-like punch. No surprise, given its scotch whiskey roots, and at 7%, RA is best supped and savoured rather than slam dunked. 

One Is The Magic Number

Hope the landlord didn't visit during the world cup period.

There's a thin line between love and hate and no one appreciates this more than the New Zealand All Blacks (AB) rugby team.

Big ups to the team for winning the 2011 Rugby World Cup (with a desperate 8-7 win over France last week) to bridge a 24-year gap between victory drinks.

A single point - one, uno, tahi - was all that separated the team, AB skipper, Richie McCaw and Graham Henry, the coach from eternal pain.

While they played with style, class and courage throughout most of the six week tournament, the final was an ugly beauty - not one for repeated viewing. But as in most big, big sporting clashes the final result is all that is remembered.

Brothers from another planet.

It takes two to make a contest and huge praise and props to France for being at the enigmatic best in the competition. I've always been a big France fan because like the ABs at their best, they play with verve, flair, passion and a fair degree of controlled mayhem.

My love has only increased because in the current uber-professional environment where players are over-coached, over-cooked and over-analysed, the French refuse to conform.

They're not shy to express the full range of emotions. Like Auckland's ever changing weather they can be emotional, moody, happy, angry, brooding, insouciant insolent and detached in a short space of time - they are very human and long may they remain like this - in my eyes, consistency is a little overrated in sport (guess that's why I also support West Ham United).

All-in-all, a fantastic tournament and here are my injury time thoughts after six weeks of living, breathing, but not dreaming, rugby.

Props to Tongan supporters for getting the 2011 RWC party started.

Player of the tournament - Israel Dagg - is this Kiwi an Aussie in disguise? He has Ocker confidence, the stepping, swerving skills of David Campese and a booming Roger Gould-like punt. And his semi-final wonder offload deserves to be as widely recognised and praised as Campo's outrageous no-look fling it back pass to Tim Horan in the 1991 semi against the All Blacks.

Young Guns of the tournament - Pre-tournament, not many of us knew much about the Welsh fab four of Warburton, Faleatu, Priestland and Lydiat but they came, played, and nearly conquered - thanks Wales for making the six nations watchable again. Their stirring performance against the Springboks will live long in the memory.

Thanks to the 2011 All Blacks for lifting NZ's happiness index.

Game of the tournament - My favourite live game was the Australia v Ireland pool match. Auckland was like mini-Dublin on the day - complete with grey skies and drizzly rain - and the Irish team and their fans responded big time. Watching up high gave a great view of Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale's deadly "from deep" running skills but the Irish played a smart, simple and brutally effective game to strangle the Aussies. The Irish front row got stuck in and flanker, Sean O'Brien was a revelation to neutral spectators - the passionate "go Seany go" chant from my neighbouring Irish fan will stay long in my memory. And if there was a world cup for supporters, the Irish would win this hands down every time - what a super bunch.

Favourite World Cup memory #1 - No single game, but a couple of road trips with good friends to Hamilton were great fun, had many funny moments and produced a key learning - never go supermarket shopping after a few beers.

Irish fans go crazy - NZ will welcome them with open arms next year.

Favourite World Cup memory #2 - Again, not game related, but I enjoyed a terrific rugby comedy night held on the eve of the cup final. The four rugby comedians - Martin Beyfeld, Eric Rush, Vince Sorrenti and Ian Robertson were all polished, witty and bloody hilarious speakers - an unexpected highlight.

Eden Park Upgrade Request #1 - When the NZRU has more dollars in the bank please build a statue/sculpture of Tony Woodcock's try scoring dive in the final and place it next to the excellent Michael Jones sculpture.

Finally...WTF - How/why was All Black Everything not the official All Black anthem? Thanks and praise to Scribe and P Money for this lyrical and musical gem - probably the best sports anthem ever.

A View From the Cheap Seats

Rugby brings people together one beer at a time.

While it may be the end of the western world as we know it, we're partying like it's 1999 down here in New Zealand (NZ).

As hosts of the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) NZers old, young and in-between are embracing host responsibilities big time.

It's as if we're all putting on a national wedding for 100,000+ international guests and no one wants to be the party-pooper.

I'm doing my part by going to eight matches (six down and two to go) to make up for 14 years of no live rugby - the Hong Kong and Singapore Sevens tournaments don't count as they are just expat piss ups where men and women do things they wouldn't normally do at home.

Based on my rugby travels so far, every game has been terrific for a variety of reasons and here are five of my bonus point (good) and dropped pass (bad) observations so far.

Bonus Points

1. RWC has been a great catalyst for NZ cities to get spruced and gussied up. Auckland now looks like an international city with a beautiful harbour and downtown area -- the city just needs 250,000+ more people and a widespread transport system that works.

Can't get enough of the Samoan team's Siva Tau.

2. RWC volunteers are on good drugs. Maybe not, but the volunteers I've come across are unfeasibly nice, happy, chirpy and doing a great job.

3. Bonhomie aplenty among locals and visiting fans - even the Aussies. Though the Wales v Samoa game was mostly awful, I had a great afternoon talking shit and having a laugh with the three Aussies and an Irish bloke sitting near by. There was no spitting, malice or bad vibes just a lot of laughs and piss taking all round.

4. RWC is showcasing NZ's diversity to the world. Led by the polynesian and Maori communities, it's great to see Maori songs, traditions and themes incorporated in opening ceremonies, welcomes and other events. S'pose Asia will be represented when a player of Asian descent makes the All Blacks - could be a long time though .... probably as long as it takes for a train in Auckland to arrive...

5. Andrew Mehrtens - my favourite comments guy - I enjoy his insightful, sharp, opinionated and funny comments. He has a personalty and knows a lot about European rugby - more Mehrts please.

Dropped Passes

A nation of millions is praying for a world cup win.

1. What's with the shit food sold at the games?? Thought NZ, like many other developed nations, has an obesity problem so why just chips, hotdogs, pies and burgers for sale at games? Sponsor's orders? While I'm not expecting prawn sandwiches, canape and a hot and sour tofu hotpot what about other easy to heat and serve items like BBQ'ed chicken, fried rice, noodles, subs, sandwiches, wraps and burritos.

2. Dumb ass business owners. Two Sundays back, Hamilton was buzzing with thousands of Samoan, Welsh and rugby fans from all parts of the globe wandering about the city before the 3.30pm kickoff. My four travelling buddies and I wandered into the city square at lunchtime - which you'd expect to be a hive of activity - only to find that more than half of the restaurants were closed. Guess business must be booming in the Tron.

3. Eden Park. Yeah, yeah they shoulda built a waterfront stadium and all that -- but they didn't and we've got a stadium that looks like it was designed by five different architects. Still, it produces a great atmosphere for the big games - but the eight minute climb up the scaffolding stairs to the Sandringham Road cheap seats is a challenge for many. It's a long way to the bottom if you want a sausage roll!

4. No vuvuzelas!!! Just joking, but I am missing drums, trumpets, bagpipes, trombones, maracas and other atmosphere adjusting instruments and devices to add more sonic power at the matches.

5. This song - played before every game. I don't like it but I can't get it out of my head. And it hurts me to admit that it does put everyone in a good mood.

Triplets Brasserie

TB's charming courtyard - more great photos from their FB page

Triplets Brasserie (TB) is chic and elegant like Audrey Hepburn, and likely to become as iconic (local dining-wise) as the Hollywood legend.

Recently relocated from its former address in Thonglor, TB version 2 is right at home at its new central, and salubrious Luang Sang neighbourhood in the Luxx Hotel compound.

When we stepped into the stylishly lit TB courtyard we were immediately charmed and enchanted.

Cuisine wise, TB's extensive and well-thought out menu is equally attractive and appealing. Grouped under six categories - Verrine, Brochette, Small Plate, Salad Bowl, Pasta Bowl and Dinner Plate - it offers a great opportunity to share dishes tapas or dim sum style.

As we were in celebration mode, we ordered a host of different things including crab schnitzel balls, seared tuna salad, calamari, steak lollipops, crab pasta and a baked scallop and cheese dish.

The crab schnitzel, with a thick and crunchy breadcrumbed casing, was crammed full of fresh crab meat. Another hit was the seared tuna served with strawberries, a pink peppercorn dressing and leaves - an unlikely looking combination on the plate - but simply sensational when devoured. And the beef tenderloin lollipops were tender, juicy, full of flavour and one of the best beef dishes that we've ever eaten in Bangkok.

As with all good eateries, the ingredients, sauces and side dishes are super fresh and locally sourced, or made, including a selection of cheeses and sausages.

I'm not sure what the Triplets in the restaurant name refers to, but we gave TB a triple A rating - it's a rank that even Standard and Poors would find hard to dispute.

The volcanic chocolate molten cake. 

Seared tuna with a pink peppercorn sauce and sliced strawberries.

TB website

BK Post review

Sing Along With The Yoots

We heart this album so much. It's our 'go to' playlist in the car, especially when we are in chronic Bangkok gridlock, like last night when it took an hour to cover five kilometres.

The Yoots, comprising top musicians from a number of leading New Zealand bands including Fat Freddy's Drop and the Black Seeds, take classic Maori songs put them through a funk, ska, reggae, country, soul and acid jazzy wash to produce a superb set of head nodding, toe tapping, huge grin inducing tunes.

The songs really resonate with me because as a young fella growing up in Manutuke - a tiny rural Maori town south of Gisborne, NZ - they were the soundtrack to weddings, 21st parties, bus trips, pub sing-alongs and more.

This collection has also been a good way to introduce my daughter and wife to a few timeless classics and both are now huge fans. While I love all the songs, the last track, Po Atarau (Now Is the Hour) is my favourite. A traditional farewell song, it always brings a tear to the eye - don't ask me why.

I recommend the album to everyone especially expat New Zealanders living in faraway lands.

Buy the download or CD
NZ Herald review 

Salt

Another great reason to visit Ari - cheers to this site for this photo.

I'd been eager to dine at this new'ish Ari joint for ages and thank buddha it lived up to expectations (this rarely happens).

In many ways, it's a slightly trendier cousin of Pl Dib, which is just around the corner on Ari Samphan. For example, the Salt menu is chock full of Japanese and other Asian influenced dishes and flavours and sports the same industrial-minimalist interior look - there's even a 'towering inferno' wood fired pizza oven near the kitchen.

Whether you are enjoying the "alfresco aspect" in the cool backyard, lounging in the daybed section or sitting in the glasshouse front dining area, Salt offers a fun, funky and chic eating experience. My nephew, sister-in-law and me especially enjoyed looking out the big windows to get an up close view of Ari street life.

Our attention was quickly diverted when the first of our many orders arrived. Every dish was well cooked and presented and received a thumbs up from the junior and senior members at our table. My bro-in-law described the moist, beautifully cooked snow fish as 'joy on a plate.'

Other top picks? A fresh and zesty salmon carpaccio; a hearty beef shank platter served with cute spice cubes (like Oxo stock cubes but red and spicy); delicious tuna and fried salmon skin sushi and a juicy, cheesy margherita pizza that my bro-in-law declared to be as good as anything encountered during his many years of eating in New York.

Only an overcooked duck confit failed to impress - but one disappointment out of eight ain't bad. Given the other interesting and mouthwatering options available including beef ragu ravioli, frogs legs and a spicy lamb dish we'll most definitely be back.

Finally, a word on the atmosphere. We loved Salt's inclusive vibe - while it's one of the most fashionable new entries on the BKK dining landscape right now it's a place where everyone can enjoy.

BK magazine's review
Salt's Facebook page

Before..

And after 10 minutes in the wood fired oven

The flavoursome tuna and fried salmon skin sushi roll that offered a nice crunch factor

The Thai-styled beef shank and its spice cube condiment

The snow fish described by my bro-in-law as 'joy on a plate.'

Fatty, Fatty Friday

Three slices of pure, unsaturated and delicious audio fatness from Prince Fatty... Nirvana and Cypress Hill never sounded better.

Hanna

Given the choice between Harry Rotter 5 or Hanna, I put my money on the latter and what an inspired decision it turned out to be. Give me a teen killing machine over a young wizard anytime.

Like the best movie experiences, Hanna far exceeded my expectations - though full disclosure, I knew next to nothing about the film before viewing.

While the plot is fairly conventional, director Joe Wright brings a fresh take on the action/thriller genre fusing Leon (The Professional), Run Lola Run, Nikita and Walkabout.

For me, the best scenes were the ones in which Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) - who had been raised in the arctic wilderness - encountered other humans, modern gadgets and objects for the first time. In her eyes, the everyday and ordinary appear wildly exotic, familiar, enthralling and chaotic.

The film also contains more than a dash of humour courtesy of the English family who befriend Hanna. The daughter (Jessica Barden) almost steals the show as do her mum (the always excellent Olivia Williams) and dad (Jason Flemyng).

In addition, Tom Hallander, playing a German assassin is brilliant - his tennis gear attired character is a mix of Attila The Hun and Elton John.

Overall, a 3.5 stars out of 5 for me. The only thing that didn't quite work was the Chemical Brothers soundtrack - a little too boombastic for my ears - though the quieter, folkier tracks were good.

Baan Maii Chaii Klong

Great eats, superb location.

Inspired by the TV series, "The Trip" my good friend, Awi and I, recently ventured to the edge of Nonthaburi to dine at one of his favourite home district restaurants.

When Awi said the eatery was out of the way, and hard to find, he wasn't kidding. We finally got to Baan Maii Chaii Klong (BCMK) after a 20 minute drive that took us down small side streets and through quiet, leafy neighbourhoods.

Though we were only 35-40 minutes from the centre of Bangkok, this old klong-side family restaurant offers a feel, or a glimpse of life in the capital before skyscrapers, sky trains, expressways, mega malls, whitening creams, soap operas, condos and subways.

Sitting under a big shady sala, surrounded by old trees and huge plants, and nursing an ice cold lime soda, it was a happy Monday. In addition, my accompanying junior food critic daughter enjoyed the river vista watching fish, bathing dogs, boat vendors, a visiting stork and three fat cats.

This was sloooow dining at its best and a perfect counter to the searing midday heat. And the food itself? We kept it pretty simple - prawn cakes, vegetable stir fry, moo dad jiew (pork jerky) and a fire-starting yum tua phu (wing bean salad) - and it was all good, very good.

The selection is massive so we'll have to come back with more people to fully sample their extensive menu. Given its special and serene location, it's a happening spot in the weekend so a booking is a must to enjoy this true 'hidden gem' of a restaurant.

Baan Maii Chaii Klong Facebook page

Besides good food, enjoy a quieter, gentler and more laid back Bangkok.

Rustic, simple and tasty dishes. The rice includes cubes of taro as well as corn.

Raan Ahan Thai Gold Bay Leaves

The amazing Chef Chai who with one wok, a BBQ grill and small baking/roasting
oven, weaved culinary magic. He makes Top Chef contenders look like pretenders. 

NB - Since I blogged in July 2011 - Chef Chai has moved to bigger premises and renamed the restaurant Gold Bay Leaves - though it's a few more train spots down the Sukhumvit line the food remains awesome.

After months of my pal Adam talking up the pla chu chi (fried fish in a curry sauce) at one of his favourite Pra Khanong neighbourhood eateries, I was honoured and delighted when he finally invited me and other chums to dine at this fabled restaurant.

Did Krua Suan Pak (fresh vegetable kitchen) live up to the hype? Most definitely. Though modest in appearance - think a family dining room complete with a big screen TV and karaoke system - the food served at Krua Suan Pak is five-star delicious. And price wise, Krua Suan Pak is easy - real easy - on the pocket.

The pla chu chi was flavoursome, coconut creamy, sweet and packed a slow burn spice punch. I also enjoyed a fiery eggplant, tomato and onion stir fry, while the black mushrooms in a bok choy main were super fresh and great tasting. My salmon larb order didn't hit the same high notes, only because the salmon was not as fresh as the chu chi snapper.

Like many Thai restaurants, the menu is extensive, chock full of Thai food staples as well as western styled steak and pork dishes and even pasta. My friend's prawn pesto pasta was as good as you'd get in a more pricy joint in mid-Sukhumvit.

Besides the food, make an effort to visit this cool neighbourhood and enjoy its community vibe - it reminded me of Bangkok when I first arrived in 1998. Enough words, here are some terrific photos provided our buddy, Mulyadi, a multi-media genius and incredible photographer.

Pla chu chi - before

10 minutes later...

Super fresh bok choy and black mushrooms

Larb salmon

Steamed rice served with a banana leaf cone to keep the rice warm. 

Great Song, Video and Song Title

This dub collaboration with Dennis Bovell is also a bit special.

Happy Birthday USA

Colours, Colours, Colours

A link to my Social Media NZ article on how social media has engaged more expat Thais to vote in the weekend's national election.

Thais turn to Facebook ahead of critical election

Luv A Duck

The star of the show. More fantastic photos here.

Best Peking duck in Bangkok? In our opinion, head straight to Great Shanghai for a magnificent Peking duck dining experience. 

It's our 'go-to' eatery for family get-togethers and celebrations and Great Shanghai rarely disappoints - my wife and her family have been regulars for 30+ years.

The main drawcard is the roasted to perfection Peking duck and its aromatic, golden brown, crispy skin.

Put a slice of duck skin in a light, but slightly chewy pancake, combine with spring onion, cucumber and hoi sin sauce and bite - taste buds will rejoice and knees are likely to buckle. 

Prawn toast - a favoured starter.

In addition to the skin, the duck meat is minced and stir fried with diced green beans and served in a lettuce cup. The bones are also used in a peppery, sour soup with bitter melon and pickled vegetables. 

To complete the gourmet experience, our other 'standard issue' orders include super high heat stir fried prawns, Szechuan glass noodles, prawn toast, steamed chicken, sweet and sour fish (one of the best in the city), and stir fried beef.

Given its prime Sukhumvit location, near the corner of Soi 24, Great Shanghai is busy most nights attracting many regulars like us, Japanese families in the neighbourhood and tourists.

Like Silom Patakan, Great Shanghai is a Bangkok dining institution and little has changed in terms of decor and food over the years. It's highly recommended if you are a fan of simple, but superbly cooked chinese cuisine - food and dishes that won't give you an MSG hangover the day after.  

Address and map details

Loving this so much, very much, right now

Fire In Babylon

The four horsemen - Roberts, Holding, Croft and Garner.

I don't like cricket.. I love it ... but I've lost touch with the modern game because in SE Asia, the game is as popular as bland tasting food.

As I tell many non-cricket fans - Americans basically - cricket is the ultimate test of mind, body and spirit. That's why this documentary on the West Indian cricket team (1978-90) - one of the greatest, meanest, hardest, skillful and successful outfits in the history of the game - was a high priority watch for me.

It doesn't disappoint. Any film featuring interviews and footage of legends such as Viv Richards, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Joel Garner, Colin Croft, Clive Lloyd etc has a lot going for it. Throw in the wit and wisdom of Bunny Wailer, as well as great news clips from the 70s and 80s, and it's sure fire winner for cricket tragics.

As an avid rugby fan it was also interesting to note the similarities - re the struggle for acceptance and bigger pay cheques, faced by the West Indian cricketers back then - and polynesian rugby players and teams in relatively recent times.

My only beef was the lack of comment from notable opponents like Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson, Greg and Trevor Chappell and Tony Grieg. I wanted to know what they feared/hated/respected  most about facing the Windies.

If you are watching at home get in a few cans of ice cold Red Stripe and crank up the bass because the reggae flavoured soundtrack is superb.

Fire In Babylon trailer

Red Pinn

Baked green lipped mussels

Like Royal India - one of my favourite Indian eateries in Bangkok - Red Pinn is hard to find, but richly rewards those who make the effort to visit and dine.

Don't be deceived by its low-key East European tavern styled decor, if well-cooked, presented, seasoned and delicious 'inter' (international) cuisine is your thing, Red Pinn is the real deal. If there is a better value for money restaurant of this kind in the capital, please let me know where it is.

Last night, my extended family and I, devoured the following - chicken stroganoff pasta, cheese sticks, pumpkin and camembert salad, sweet potato crisps, latvian dumplings, baked mussels topped with a tomato salsa, bangers and mash, tuna bruschetta, quesadillas, scotch eggs, icecream, four beers, three lime sodas and two bottles of water.

Total bill = 2,100 baht (US$ 68). We're still digesting the magnificent food.

Lamb shank redemption.

There are many, many more dishes on the menu and we can't wait to go back to sample the others. The 'Full Monty' breakfast looks awesome and a possible challenge for super eater, Adam Richman from the Man v Food TV show.

Big thanks to another Adam (our Bangkok based pal - holla Adam ha ha) for this recommendation.

And more thanks for the great service provided by the Red Pinn owners and wait staff who were very hospitable hosts.

Red Pinn web site

Nest Bar

Click here for more photos & more information.

Friday night and the lights are low at Nest Bar on Sukhumvit Soi 11. But not too low ... which is a good thing ... because Nest is one of the best people watching bars in Bangkok.

This funky and chic 'resort in the sky' themed watering hole is an "in-between"bar - in-between in that it's neither a pub, nor a club, but a hybrid venue attracting punters of all varieties.

Last Friday we shared the bar with tourists from all corners of the world, nervous first-time bar goers, a couple of guys who looked like members of Fleet Foxes, over and under dressed fashionistas, hansum men with their pretty playthings and more.

Our fave patrons included a wild young lady - sporting a wilder haircut - who quaffed red wine from the bottle. To quote Rick James, she was "a very kinky girl, the kind you don't take home to mama." We were also impressed by the man who was accompanied by three stunning women - he wore a permanent grin, and in footballer parlance, was over the moon, sick as a parrot and happy as Larry.

For a window to "Friday night Bangkok" rock up to Nest at 10 pm, find an empty nest like day bed, order a drink, recline and enjoy the view.

Nest Bar
Le Fenix Hotel (opposite Q Bar)
33/33 Sukhumvit Soi 11

Silom Patakan

The Silom Patakan pork chop. 

After a recent mid-morning climb up to the Golden Mount at Wat Saket, we decided to refuel at the famous Silom Patakan (SP) restaurant on Silom Soi 15.

Opened in 1945 SP is one of Bangkok's first "east meets west," or fusion-styled eateries, and a favourite for my wife and her family. So it was great to introduce their delicious offerings, that have stood the test of time, to our daughter last week.

Everyone orders the succulent bread crumbed pork chop dish - it should be declared a national treasure.

The sweet and spicy chicken curry.

Other popular orders include steak salad made memorable by its tangy vinaigrette, a sweet and spicy chicken curry and - in my opinion - the best khao pad boo (crab fried rice) in town. The Silom version is light, moist, flavoursome and not at all oily - the decades old wok hei continues to work its magic.

If these dishes don't take your fancy there's plenty to choose from including thai, thai-lish and thai-chinese combinations aplenty. Their aromatic, super soft, white bread is another major attraction and many diners leave with a loaf or two as well as a few jars of their sweet and sinful Kaya (a bright green pandan) spread.

Old school dining.

Besides the awesome food come to enjoy Silom's old-style design and atmosphere (marble tables, spacious canteen styled dining area, high ceilings, overhead fans, wooden chairs, Worcestershire Sauce bottles on the tables, granite and cast iron decor) that's becoming harder to find in the capital. If you want to keep it really old school, they even have an abacus on hand to total up your bill.

Click here for more great photos

Address: 793 Silom Soi 15 (one soi up from the Hindu temple), Silom Road, Bangrak
Phone: 02 236 4442