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Pakse, Laos – Land of Waterfalls and Beauty

Tad Yuang Waterfall

Laos has always had a special place in my heart. Luang Prabang is one of my favorite getaway destinations from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. So when I was invited to participate in a sponsored trip to the Champasak District of Laos I was both honored and excited. This initiative by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office  was meant to inspire tourism to Southern Laos and places that are off the usual paths for tourists.

The inspiring 4-day itinerary was put together by the Southern Laos tourism organization. It captured the amazing sights of the city of Pakse and natural beauty of the Southern Laos destinations nearby in the Champasak District. If you’re looking for unspoiled landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage sites, all free from throngs of tourists, then put this destination on your radar.

Let me show you some of the things to do and places to eat that makes this place special… Continue reading “Pakse, Laos – Land of Waterfalls and Beauty”

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Little Brochette – Turkish Mediterranean Food in Bangkok

Little Brochette Bangkok

With a name like “Little Brochette“, you’d be surprised to learn this new Bangkok bistro specializes in Turkish cuisine found along the Eastern Mediterranean coastline of Turkey. I lived in Izmir for 3 years which is located on the North Aegean coast within view of some of the Greek islands. This is the food I ate and loved when I lived there.

There are a few Turkish restaurants in Bangkok–but this new gem captures the Mediterranean flavors as I remember them along with the welcoming hospitality I felt back them. If you love fresh Mediterranean mezes, succulent meat dishes, and wines without breaking the bank then you will love this place.

Let me introduce you to the menu!  Continue reading “Little Brochette – Turkish Mediterranean Food in Bangkok”

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Empty Plates – Intimate, Fine Dining in Bangkok

Empty Plates Bangkok

Degustation. Don’t laugh but I had to look the word up. The word itself looks like a disease only a foodie would get. So when I was invited to Empty Plates (official Facebook page) for a 6 course “Degustation Menu” I wanted to make sure I understood what I was getting into.

Essentially degustation is the careful, appreciative tasting of small dishes that focus on the senses of taste and flavor, high culinary art, and with good company. I’m happy to say that Empty Plates delivers on all fronts of the definition. Each dish is crafted to be a culinary experience. Each experience is shared in good company of like minded table explorers. At 1,500 baht NET the 6 course meal with a cocktail that I enjoyed is also a tremendous value.

This was an incredible experience from the very first bite! Continue reading “Empty Plates – Intimate, Fine Dining in Bangkok”

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Snapper – Bangkok’s Original New Zealand Restaurant

Fish and Chips Snapper NZ Bangkok

Snapper NZ originally opened in the small alley of Sukhumvit Soi 11 where the drift wood decorated Cheap Charlie’s used to be. It was the first restaurant to introduce New Zealand cuisine to Bangkok. It was also the venture of 3 New Zealander’s who were simply craving home cooked “fush n’ chups“.

Craig, Clint, and “Moose” were school friends each involved in the livestock and seafood businesses living in the Big Mango, Kiwiland, and in Brunei of all places. Lamenting the absence of any place in Bangkok that could satisfy their desire for traditional New Zealand style fish and chips, they decided to use their business connections and experiences to bring the ingredients to Bangkok and open a restaurant specializing in the dish.

Their focus on authentic New Zealand cuisine brought them many loyal Bangkok customers. But then a real estate developer bought up many of the properties in the area which left them scrambling to find a new location. That location is now on Sukhumvit Soi 8.  After a year of fine tuning their menu they recently held their grand re-opening on October 19th. I had an opportunity to sample some of the popular dishes as well as a few new menu items. I’m impressed! I think you will be, too.  Continue reading “Snapper – Bangkok’s Original New Zealand Restaurant”