Macarons & Tartletts at the World Gourmet Festival
It doesn’t look like Thai food, and you won’t find any local dishes at the 9th Annual World Gourmet Festival, which brought internationally acclaimed chefs from as far as Iceland and Russia to the Four Seasons Bangkok. The event, says Director of Food and Beverage Malcolm Omond, gives [...]
It’s not often that you pass barnyard animals en route to a five-star luxury hotel. I was on my way to the Four Seasons Bangkok when my taxi pulled alongside a truckload of pigs. My taxi driver got a kick out of me pointing and squealing “mu! mu!” (pig! pig!). I had to straighten my [...]
Since I was a young girl, the pomegranate has been my favorite fruit. The slow process of cracking open the tough outer skin and removing the ruby seeds a few at a time always seemed magical. That the fruit played a role in the Greek origin myth about the seasons only added to its mystique. [...]
Iced Latte at The Gingerbread House on Phra Athit (Thai Pomegranate from Maharat Rd)
When I’m in Chiang Mai I crave Bangkok’s raw energy – motorbikes weaving around multicolored taxis and buses with wooden-plank floors, street food stalls squashed in the narrowest of alleyways serving food early in the morning and late into the night, and [...]
Pad See Ew (Fried Wide Noodles) Outside of Lumpini Park
After walking out of the Four Seasons Bangkok, I realized that I didn’t have enough small bills to get home. Unfortunately, ATMs spit out 1000-baht bills and taxi drivers rarely have enough change for rides, which typically run 50-120 baht. I needed to find a 7-Eleven, [...]
Sweet Pork Sausage and Spicy Sauteed Bamboo at Chatuchak Weekend Market
Bangkok, Thailand – Before I left for Thailand I was warned about Bangkok. “I don’t know anyone who’s liked it,” one friend said. “There are so many other beautiful places in Thailand,” said another, disapproving of my destination. I tried to explain my decision to [...]
Congee (Rice Porridge)
Chiang Mai, Thailand – Growing up, I always had a snack after school, something that I could grab out of the cupboards and serve myself. With sun streaming onto our kitchen table, I would nibble on crackers and cheese, chips and salsa, sandwich cookies, apples and peanut butter and so forth. Outside the Anuban [...]
Chopsticks from Luang Prabang’s Sunday Walking Market
Luang Prabang, Laos - More than a few people have been surprised to hear that I’m traveling alone, thinking that it’s some act of bravery, but the fact of the matter is that I’m not an independent adventurer striking it out on my own. In fact, I’m more dependent on people now than ever. [...]
Pak Samek, Mint, Basil, Fish Mint & Lettuce
Luang Prabang, Laos - In Laos, herbs, called pak, are not mere garnishes. They have a significant role in dishes, arriving in healthy portions on plates. The herbs above were served with nem nuang (barbecued pork meatballs) at the Vietnamese restaurant Vieng Sawan in Vientiane.
For more pictures, click here.
Mixed Fried Bananas, Sweet Potatoes and Taro Root
Luang Prabang, Laos - Ever since sinking my teeth into a log of sweet fried dough and unexpectedly finding a cold hot dog at its center, I’ve been a little apprehensive about fried foods. Not that it’s stopped me much; my first bite is just a bit more tentative. [...]
