USA Fair 2012 and the late Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda's Royal Crematorium

I attended the recently held USA Fair at Central World. The fair showcased the best of US products and services. There were also games  and contests for visitors with a chance to win free flight to US aboard United!

Happy Birthday to our dear Ate Myrna

It's April once again, a time when ate Myrna celebrates her birthday with a big feast. Her request was any cake but chocolate. Well, it's about time she serve a different cake to her guests. I suggested cheesecake. It tastes so amazing and quick to prepare. She gave me the green light.

Thanks Kat for this photo!

Vietnam Revisited - All About Food

A stroll in the city gave us the opportunity to discover Vietnam's culinary delights. And since the country is a bustling destination for  foreign business people and tourists alike, fast food culture  is rapidly emerging.

Here we were walking along Pham Ngu Lao, a busy backpacker district in Ho Chi Minh. The area caters to budget travelers, similar to Bangkok's Khao San Road.

Vietnam Revisited - Mekong Delta

On the second day of our Vietnam adventure, we set out to explore  the neighboring provinces of Tien Giang and Ben Tre.

Vietnam Revisited - Reunification Palace

We continued our walk down Nam Ky Khoi NgHia to the old  Reunification Palace, home and workplace of South Vietnam's President during the war. The palace was the site of Saigon's downfall that lead to the end of Vietnam War.

Vietnam Revisited - War Remnants Museum

After our meal at Vietnamese noodle restaurant,we headed out to War Remnants Museum on a cyclo. One of the drivers could carry out a conversation in English so we felt at ease. We agreed on the price he said for a one way trip.We exchanged pleasantries as the  three drivers pedaled the three-wheeled vehicle.

Minutes later, they unloaded us in a secluded corner. My jaw dropped  when the "friendly" guy charged each of us 500,000 Vietnamese Dong, about $25 (up to ten times  the original price).  I started to argue but  sis didn't want to make a scene so she paid  the amount he asked. There were no police nearby and there was nothing we could do but pay the other 2 drivers. What a rip off!!!!!!

Vietnam Revisited - First Vietnamese Meal of the Day

While Thailand celebrates Buddhist New Year with water fight,  I am  in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam once again for a much needed vacation. Three of us flew in this morning. A friend tagged along. It is her first visit to the country. Big sis and I are no longer strangers to this SEA nation. So having been able to familiarize ourselves with the city during our Christmas escapade, we will be serving as the travel guide for our friend.

We started our four-day adventure with a brunch at PHO 24, a Vietnamese noodle chain with shops all over  Vietnam. But before the  feast at the noodle restaurant, we passed by a small shop just around the corner from our hotel selling French Baguette sandwich. I missed  it during our  Christmas trip as there were no shops like this in the Japanese area where we were lodged.

Cabbages and Condoms on Sukhumvit 12

Before Aunty Zen left for the Philippines, she planned a get-together meal  at Cabbages and Condoms on Sukhumvit 12. I had long heard stories about the restaurant having a weird theme but did not actually check the web to see what it was like til she invited us. I Googled the name and here's what I'd found.


"As one of the most unique restaurants in Metropolitan Bangkok, the Cabbages and Condoms (C&C) Restaurant has attracted international attention. Conveniently located near one of Bangkok's main business districts, C&C is very popular among local and foreign clients.

Our restaurant was conceptualized in part to promote better understanding and acceptance of family planning and to generate income to support various development activities of the Population and Community Development Association (PDA),a non profit organization inThailand.

And remember, our food is guaranteed not to cause pregnancy"


There was no explanation on how they came up with the name. 

Entrance to the restaurant

The Fifth Thailand Bakery, Coffee and SME Fair 2012 and The 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show

As I was reading the local paper last week, an  advertisement for Thailand Bakery, Ice Cream, Coffee, Tea and Drinks Fair caught my eye. I have a thing about trade fairs and exhibitions so I'm not one to miss it. The show is Thailand's biggest event on bakery and ice cream sector and now in its fifth year. It will be to my advantage to attend the event as I will have the opportunity to meet my fellow industry professionals, agents and distributors of bakery products, and keep up to date with the latest technology and developments in the pastry arts industry.

Entrance to the fair

My expectations for the show were high after attending Thailand's Food and Hotel Event two times. FHE introduces hundreds of local and international companies in the food and hospitality industry..  The bakery fair was a far cry from what I had anticipated..There were few exhibitors in my field. Most products they launched and services they  provided were in beverage sector. Although the event did not meet my expectations, I was glad I met  people working in the same field as me.

Kerry Flour Mills Company

Coffee machine

This suits Naung's barista brother. I don't think I can ever spend 230,000 Baht on a coffee machine

I got all these flavored syrup in 50 ml bottles for free.

Compound chocolate

Macarons

One thing I like about trade fairs and exhibitions in Thailand is how the organizers hold many at the same time and  in one venue. My friend and I took advantage of the chance to see the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show. Boy, it blew me off my feet.

Mercedes - Benz was frequented by many.

Loved the BMW

Rolls-Royce was off-limits to general public

After seeing all the cool cars and motorcycles I look forward to the next motor show.

Mantou ( Chinese Steamed Bun)

In seven years I lived in China , I noticed that mantou, rice and noodles were eaten the most among all their staple food.  Mantou, known as Chinese steamed bun and other wheat products are staple among people living in  northern parts of China.  Whereas, rice is a staple of Southerners. The warmer climate of the south makes it favorable for  rice production. This is the reason why rice, rather than mantou, is the staple food of  Southern Chinese diet.

My love for mantou started in 2001 when I went to China to work.  The Director of Foreign Affairs Office welcomed me upon my arrival with two dense white bun. I had no idea what they were. He put them in the fridge, told me what they were and reminded me to steam them the following day for breakfast.