Make Merit to Dad

One December 27, 2009, we made merit to my Dad by offering food to monks at Wat Nakorn Pha Mark, Bang-Kun-Non. After the meal, monks gave blessings to us.

We walked to Nai Ouan Pork Noodle since it is close to the temple. We really enjoyed eating, one was not enough!

December 6 Dairy

December 5 is His Majesty's birthday and all Thai people are delighted to celebrate his birthday and see him healthier and happier in the Royal ceremony and wish him to get well soon.

Today Noon has exam at Thammasat University, so we have a chance to go to Siriraj Hospital where His Majesty stays and is nursed. It is convenience to take a boat across the Chaopraya River to Wang Lang Pier; we are among many Thai people in pink shirt paying respect to the Statue of His Majesty's, sending blessings to His Majesty and wishing him to quickly recover from his illness.

P.Ou is in front of the Statue of His Majesty's father.

We drink a cup of ice coffee at Wang Lung Pier during waiting for speed-boat to go to Rachawong Pier.

China Town Fresh Market is never sparse. I buy fried-shrimp ball, shumai, pickle, fruit,...

Being back to Thammasat, it is rather empty on Sunday. Here is football field and Dome building where many memorable events have occurred for more than 70 years.

Crystal Bead Accessories

Today I went to learn how to make crystal bead accessories at Rainbow Art, Siam Square Soi 2. I took 2 basic courses of making bracelet and necklace with thread and bead as well as ear-rings and ring with nikle and bead. I expect that it is going to be one of my favorite hobbies.

845 Reunion

On Sunday November 29, 2009, we had get-together party at my Lakewood house and it is our first time since high school graduation. I couldn't believe it is almost 20 years that we haven't met. Have to thank internet, FB, and email that connect us together.

We will meet again soon, may be in next 2-3 months because Dent. Au has to rearrange her schedule with her patients, and we would like to invite family to join next time.

More pictures of the party at http://picasaweb.google.com/arthivon/845Party2009?feat=directlink

Hakata, Sukhumvit 39

Hakata is a Japanese restaurant in Sukhumvit 39 that I haven't been for more than 10 years. We ate there for lunch. The restaurant offers various lunch set with reasonable price. I had grilled fish set (Bath 140) and sashimi; the food is still excellent with Japanese ambiance.
The restaurant is 100 meters from Sukhumvit Road/BTS Prom Phong station, parking space may be available.

Saew แซว

Love noodle, go to Saew. I think they are pork-noodle expert, with special egg-noodle, various kinds of ball. The original shop is in Sukhumvit 49 which is not noticeable since many caps are parking in front of it and it is very difficult to find parking space. I usually go to the other shop which runs by his wife and son; it is on Lasalle Road, close to Srinakarin intesection. There is also the other shop at Thong Lor, his wife said it belonged to cousin.

Coming here, should eat tom-yum noodle, but I have never dined yentafor, noodle with red sauce and morning-glory. I will try it next time!

Make merit at Wat Rakhang

Today we went to Wat Rakhang to make merit and and release fish. The temple's name means bell and was built more than 200 years ago. The temple is located by Chao Praya River and can reach by car and boat. Among Thai people, the temple is famous of its prayer and small Buddha image, they believe in the prayer, therefore you can see people pray the a page-long prayer during paying respect to the Buddha in the temple.

I am delighted.

Laem Cha-reon Seafood

Laem Cha-reon Seafood originally is from Rayong and now has a few branches in Bangkok. The restaurant offers seafood dishes cooked in Thai, hot and spicy way. The most recommended dish is fried sea bass topped with special fish sauce or Pra Kra-phong Todd Rad Nam Pra which I think is the best compare to other restaurants. Other gourmet menu include stir fried crab with curry powder, crab and preserved bamboo curry, fish in hot and spicy soup, spicy horse crab salad, grilled prawn, etc.

Sea bass topped with special fish sauce or Pra Kra-phong Todd Rad Nam Pra

Fish in hot and spicy soup and Som Tam

"We love Pra Kaphong Todd Rad Nam Pra"

Thong Lee

Being one of a oldest restaurant in Sukhunvit 20, Thong Lee is still a popular place for Thai and foreigner. With its Hainan style food, the recommended dishes is fried chicken with crispy skin, stir fried pork with shrimp paste, sweet crispy fried vermicelli, and many more, and all delicious. The shop is located almost the end of the soi and should go by cap since it is difficult to find parking space. Your car may be thrown if you parked the wrong side of the road so carefully notice the parking sign.

I really like sweet crispy fried vermicelli so that I order one more to take home.

Vegan for 10 days

Today is last day of 2009 Vegetarian Festival, it began on October 18. I have been a vegan since October 17 because it is believed that the God has come to dwell at the Vegetarian House (Rong Jae) on this date.

At present, the increase of vegan made vegetarian food-stalls been found every corner of the street and almost every restaurant provide vegetarian/jae menu. Jae food is more strict than vegetarian food; 5 vegetables, garlic, onion including shallot , tobacco, Chinese chives and Chinese garlic, are prohibited. I have no trouble finding food to eat compare to the past 10 years.

I think P.Ou will be the most happiest man when the Festival is over.

Housing Project is completed and Ready For Sale!

I have been busy for the past few months to complete my housing project. I would say it is so complicated and delicate to make them perfectly beautiful. Here is the pictures of them and it is for sale.

The estate called "The Residence", located at Lakewood Country Club, Bangna-Trad KM.18, consisted of 2 residents.

Residence One: total land area of 258 Sq.wah and total living area of 451 Sq.m.
3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, large living-dining room, large study room, private swimming pool, separated Thai-international kitchen, separated maid quarter, concealed air conditioning system in every room, garage for 2 cars.

Residence Two: total land area of 174 Sq.wah and total living area of 657 Sq.m.
4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, large living-dining room, 1 study room, private swimming pool, separated Thai-international kitchen, separated maid quarter, concealed air conditioning system in every room, garage for 2 cars.

More detail visit www.threevantra.co.th

Pin's homecoming

I am so delightful that Pin took a study break and came home. We met at Sizzler Silom. This time she looked happier, healthier and bigger. She has already passed IELTS exam and is going to take a 10-week English course, then continue studying in master degree in International Business. I wish she could complete her study in 2 years and come back home. I also wish I could go to visit her at Hobart, Australia.

She tried to hide herself behind me and P.Ou.

Noon Birthday at Next2

This year, we celebrated Noon's birthday at Next2, Shangri La Hotel. The restaurant is by the river and is international buffet with unlimited foie gras which is Noon's favorite. There are various food selections, Thai, Japanese, Indian, Mongolian, seafood, steak,... Desserts are excellent. So yummy. I think I gained weight right after the meal.

"Foie Gras is here and we are ready to eat."

Bunnag Family

Dear also joined the party, he said we ate unbelievable.

Noon blew a little candle on a little birthday cake.

Baan Thai House, Ayutthaya

On 9/9/09, we went to the opening ceremony of Baan Thai House, Ayutthaya, which is owned by family of P.Ou's friend. The resort is traditional Thai style with four types of villa for guest selections. Swimming pool and spa, Thai traditional massage and aromatherapy, also provide.
Visit website of the resort at www.baanthaihouse.com

Lobby and Dining room

One of a garden villa

Party ambiance

Picture with Mew and her family.

Farewell Arjan Pises at Vino

As Arjan Pises will resign from Trinity Advisory, we have a farewell party for him at Vino, Convent Road. I called Arjan Pises "Arjan", which means teacher, because everyone I know call him like that. He joined Trinity a few years ago and resigns to join SCB. We all are happy for him on his new job.

Vino Di Zanotti is Italian wine bar under Zanotti group, located at Convent Road closed to Zanotti. Its concept is a meeting place for professionals to chill out after work with food and wine in relax ambiance. I also like the other one under the group called Pizzeria Limoncello since, in my view, it is more cozy and relax.

However, we enjoyed chatting, eating, and drinking. It was an memorable party.

Congratulations to Proud and Ple

Just wanna say CONGRATULATIONS for both of you on your achievement. It is first time of Proud who got Bachelor degree in Economic and second time of Ple who got Master degree in Economic.

I was ay Kasetsart University on Proud's commencement day.

We all had a party to celebrate Ple and Proud on her accomplishment.

Dine with SIS at Pan Pan

It is time to dine out after we are all no longer students. Proud have just graduated as is working woman at EIEN THAILND, the company does recruit Thais to study English in Philippines. Pum+ is an air attendant at Thai Airways which is often not available during weekend.

We dined at Pan Pan, local Italian Restaurant at Sukhumvit 33, which Pum+ really loves its pasta menu. I love its tuna salad and Italian sausage with pizza bread. Desserts are superb.

It was one of a pleasure evening.

Noodle at Yaowarat

I love Stir Fried Noodle with Chicken and preserved Squid at Yaowarat. It is cooked on charcoal stove and brass pan with a spoon make the food smells so good. However, eating place is not so nice if you are hygiene people. The stall is at soi Yaowarat 6 (Itsaranupab) and open 8pm to 1am every day except Tuesday. It is Bath 35 each and one is not enough.

Krau Nai Soi

It's been a few years that I have not been to Krua Nai Soi. The food and surroundings are still the same as many years ago. Food is good as usual, I like Poo Lon (carb in coconut milk dip with fresh vegetables), Kaeng Som, and deep fried Chicken with Lemongrass. It opens 11am to 10pm day every day except 10th of each month.
The place is in the soi Charansanitwong 75 but it can be accessed through Soi Panurangsri or Sirinthorn Road. Anyway, should call to ask for the way if you are not familiar with the area.

San Yod Phochana

San Yod Phochana is at Sathorn area, the well-known dish is Roast Duck, which can come with BBQ Pork and crispy roast pork. Another recommended dishes are Shrimp Wanton, Shrimp Ball with vehetables, and Laad Nah. The restaurant locates in Soi Charanvieng, and has 2 site. One has no air con called San Yod Phochana and the other one, on the opposite side, called Grand San Yod, has air con. Servers have to carry dishes back and forth between 2 sites.

I really enjoy Laad Nah, so they were gone before taking pictures.

Ming Phochana

When I think of Pork Satay or Moo Satay, I go to Ming Phochana at Chula 30, Bantadthong Road. Its specialty is pork, chicken and liver satay with special sauce which makes from soy sauce with red onion. Traditional peanut curry sauce and arjad, cucumber slices and onions in vinegar, are also tastful. It costs Baht 6.50 each, up almost 50% since I first ate here, but it is still my favorite eatery and it is also recommended by the biggest newspaper and several TV programs. It closes on Monday. It is worth eating, believe me!

P.Ou was enjoying eating; sticks in picture was mine. Yummy!

Lunch with Friends

It has been a long time that we dined together and New Year Season makes us decide that we should meet again. It is difficult to set the right time since we involve in many activities, e.g. family, work, health, or religious activities.
However, we made it without Tum since she had family activities a week after Chinese New Year. I had a present time to dine with old friend. We will meet again soon with Tum, of course.

Home Party

We have New Year Party at my house as usual, but this year it was held late on February 1. It was potluck party, so we had different kinds of food, Pork Balls, Pate, Garlic Bread, Salad, Spaghetti, Nam Nuang (Vietnamese food), Pena Cotta, and New Zealand Ice Cream. In addition, it is pleasure that we were introduced to Yee of P.Tee during dinner time.

P.Ou's as Fortuneteller before dinner time;
Oui and P.Mee came without Nicha, hope that she can join next time.

Eating with relish since everything is so good.

Everyone loved Pena Cotta made by Noon.