Arrival in Bangkok

The flight to Bangkok was mostly smooth and as enjoyable as a 18 flight could be.  The seat next to me was open so I had an extra level of comfort.  Service on Thai Airways was excellent, smooth as silk.  We had 3 meals and I slept a lot thanks to the Ambian.  There was nothing to see on the way.  Just 17 hours of darkness until we crossed over the coast of Vietnam between the cities of Hue and Danang.  The sun was barely coming up as we landed at BKK. 

We arrived 30 minutes early and Lilly was at the airport to pick me up.  We fought the early morning Bangkok traffic and got to my hotel.  They let me check-in early so I have dropped my bags and took a shower.  I feel like I am reborn.  We are heading out for breakfast now and perhaps a welcome massage.  More updates to follow.  We had a busy afternoon of driving around and eating a lot of different things.  Back at the room now and relaxing before dinner.

Bangkok is as bustling as ever.  Culinary opportunities are as omnipresent as the heat and humidity.

Bangkok on Sunday

Really, really excited for my upcoming trip to Bangkok this Sunday evening.  I plan for lots of great food posts and of course photos.  I am super excited about visiting Laos for the first time on this trip.  Looking forward to seeing the cranky crumbler Lilly in her home city! I will be flying Thai Airways non-stop from LAX via the A340-500.  I look forward to the excellent service on this extra long range aircraft.

Shabu-Tatsu East Village NYC

My favorite shabu-shabu restaurant in NYC is Shabu-Tatsu on 216 E 10th Street.  This restaurant has been consistently excellent for the last decade.  The meat, vegetables and sauces are all of very good quality.   The pricing is more than fair considering your meal includes a salad and ice cream.  You will never leave this restaurant hungry, that is for sure.  Tap Kirin is served super cold in a frosty mug.  Service is always friendly and efficient.  The only downside is that the awaits can be long on weekends and cold nights.  Always insist on a table upstairs, as the burners downstairs don't provide enough heat.

Lotus of Siam, Las Vegas

I enjoyed a very nice meal here on a recent trip to Las Vegas.  The menu is enormous!  With so many tasty choices it is wise to engage your server for advice.  The prices are completely reasonable.  A stark contrast to what is being charged on the strip at the big hotels.  Standouts on our visit were the crispy pork with Chinese broccoli and the northern ginger curry.  The flavors are entirely authentic.  Without hesitation the kitchen will bring the heat, if you give them the green light of course. 

The wine list is voluminous and surprisingly affordable.  There are plenty of good German Rieslings that match perfectly with the Thai cuisine.  Take your pick of new releases or bottles with age.  We enjoyed at beautiful bottle of 2009 St. Urbans-Hof Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett.  If you are a fan of minerality in your Riesling, look no further than St. Urbans-Hof.  One of my favorite German producers.  

The best buys on the wine list are actually the big reds; Chateauneuf du Papes in particular.  2006 Clos des Papes for $125?  YES! 

Lotus of Siam is justifiably famous.  On my next trip to Vegas, I will definitely be back.   

Go! Go! Curry, NYC

I had a great lunch this afternoon at my favorite Japanese curry restaurant in NYC.  I've been frequenting Go! Go! Curry for years now and it is probably the best curry I've had outside of mother Japan.  This afternoon I had the Grand Slam, which is a rather large plate of food.  Don't worry, I didn't eat it all myself!  The curry is so rich and satisfying here.  It is not at all spicy.  The toppings are all moist and delicious.