|
Throwback to 2017 It's been over 7 years since our family shared an incredible dining adventure, in Bangkok. A floating-dining adventure!  I got inspired to look through old photos, after finishing Season 3 of the White Lotus series. I crave a little trip back to that magical place. Chao Phraya River The show's colorful river scenes, took me back to a balmy January night, when 2 families enjoyed an evening on the river.  We had come to Bangkok, to celebrate the wedding of our son Scott and (now) daughter-in-law, Chali. On one of our evenings, we cruised down the Chao Phraya River. Pre-Cruise Before we headed off. we started the evening at Chali's parents' home. We gathered on the veranda, sitting on pillows. The moon was nearly full. 
Before long, our group of 10 divided into 3 taxis, making sure we had a Thai speaker in each. Across the River We headed into the city and waited near a dock for the ferry.  The view across the water was entertaining. Cruise boats of all sizes! We shuttled across to the River City Mall, to kill some time, before our boarding time. Mall Time Just like middle schoolers, we hung out at the mall! I've never been in a mall quite like this one. We found some comfy seating in a lovely hotel lobby. All Aboard At 8:30 we wandered over to the dock and boarded a traditional teak wood rice barge.  As we headed inside the bi-level dining room, I spotted a table set for 2, looking out towards the water. Nice!  Our party was seated at 2 tables. I was glad to see we also had a woven tablecloth with tiny gold elephants and fresh flowers.  Long trays of appetizers were delivered. Mai Tais arrived.  I remember the food kept coming. I really can't recall what we ate. In fact I hardly knew what I was eating at the time.  But the mood was festive and the views were spectacular. 
 At one point I popped out of my seat and left the table to catch the passing view.  The illuminated buildings were stunning. The tourists in shorts were not. As the boat glided down the river, I wondered why I haven't ever pushed for more river dining cruises in my life! The only dinner cruise I can even recall was on the Mississippi, near St. Louis.  The St. Louis Arch is a pretty amazing thing to see from a boat. But it's hard to compete with illuminated temples!   The glowing Grand Palace, was shimmering in the water's reflection. Traditional Classical Dance I returned to my seat, just in time for a performance.  The costumed dancers moved about the floor, moving their hands and fingers in ways that mine just won't.
Chali's father encouraged me to get up and join the dancers. I assumed this was a let's all participate kind of thing. I was game to be the first.  I gave it a try and did a pretty lousy job with my hands. But I had fun.  When I sat down I suddenly felt pretty embarrassed when I realized, No, not everyone is joining in. I was the first and last dining guest on the dance floor. Lessons The fun spirit lingered after the performance. Chali and her cousin showed us their own demo with hands.   There were a few attempts with those less skilled... but perhaps more skilled than me. Grateful I wish I could recall more details of food and service and sights. But the main thing that stands out, is how fun it was to have Scott's and Chali's families together, celebrating on the river!  I hope to do it again someday... with a new addition. These 2 are expecting their first child in a month!
0 Comments
Restaurant Name? Tonight on New Year's Eve 2018, Don and I are at home in Texas... watching TV... remembering a year ago when we dined at a restaurant in Thailand.  I cannot remember the name and this photo does not help me. I will call it Cafe on the Canal. Remembering Our New Year's Eve Feast Last year, we dined with our daughter-in-law, Chali’s family, while visiting their Bangkok home.  The Cafe on the Canal, was just across the street from their house, in a cozy neighborhood, far from the touristy city. Borrowing the Menu It was nearly 10 pm when we thought about heading over for dinner. Chali's mom, Linda, wanted to place our order ahead of time. Someone ran over to grab a menu and came back with a laminated sign, showing all the options.
In the States, we've feasted on Linda's fabulous Thai cooking, many times. But when visiting their Thai home, there were so many dining choices, just steps from the house. Linda was eager to order us up a meal, that we could never find in TX! From the Canal It was dark when our group headed over for dinner.  A few days before, we had seen the restaurant in daylight, while on a canal tour. On New Year's Eve we headed over, past an opening to a small dining room. It looked like it would seat about 10.
Luckily that was just a small inside space. There was ample seating on the deck, on that balmy night. Tableful of Food The canal-side deck was fairly quiet at 10 pm.
The live music had already finished up and tables were beginning to clear, just as our table began to fill with food. Cheers There were a few toasts to the New Year and a special toast for our daughter's fiance. Jamie was not feeling well and he was in bed, across the street..  Then we dug into our fabulous foods. It's impossible to remember all the dishes we devoured, but Linda chose well and we did not go hungry. I must have used about 50 tissue-type napkins, from the little dispenser.. Surprise Visits While finishing up our meal, Chali and Scott got a surprise visit and a wedding gift.
The newlyweds were quite the neighborhood celebrities, since their Thai wedding (a few days before) had pretty much involved the whole neighborhood... starting with a procession in the street. More Socializing At some point a grandma appeared, showing off a 2 month old baby. Chali and Linda cooed and took photos.  The whole evening felt like we were celebrating in someone's home. Popcorn Time After we were finished feasting, we decided it was time for the fish in the canal, to have their own feast.  Chali's brother dashed home and came back with the giant (Van Gogh decorated) tub of popcorn, that I had lugged home that day, from a movie theatre in the city. Happy Fish Alex was right. The fish did love the popcorn.
I was glad to see the leftover movie snack had not gone to waste. Post Meal Fun By 11, the tables were all cleared and floors were being swept... but we weren't ready to head off, quite yet.
Linda and I did some mom-photo-posing, first. Then we moved down a level, to the ping pong table.
With some World Leaders looking on from their portraits, we played quite a few ping pong matches. Luckily Linda had checked ahead of time and discovered no paddles & balls. She made sure we did some ping pong equipment shopping, earlier that day. We made good use! Back in Time For Midnight We finished up the matches, while the staff finished cleaning the dishes. Then we were back at the house in less than a minute.
We cheered with champagne at midnight, then headed to the terrace to view the moon, which looked pretty full to me! Back Again The Cafe on the Canal, saw us a few more times during our stay. Luckily Jamie's ailment lifted and he was able to feast on the incredible catfish dish that Heidi raved about. I can't remember specifics about the foods I ate, except that they were delicious and plentiful.
 I so wish I could snap fingers and be right back there (with the whole bunch) on this quiet, New Year's Eve!
Authentic Northern Thai Cuisine
Families United  Here we are with our two families on Christmas Eve, at the beautiful Thai Buddhist wedding ceremony of our son and new daughter-in-law. No one is yawning in this photo, but a few of us had flown in from the States, just hours before the morning ceremony. Huen Phen on December 26th  The day after Christmas, we rose early and flew to Chiang Mai. We were a hungry bunch by the time we arrived at Huen Phen. The house-like restaurant was packed at lunchtime so we waited outside. Tired, Hungry and Smiling  Luckily our group was in pretty good spirits. I believe "the Bride" took this photo. Peek Inside  While waiting to be seated, I peeked around a little. I could tell the space was broken up with a few separate dining areas. I was amused with the odd rocking horse and thought about giving it a try. Cooking
There was a good view of the foods and the cooking action, from the sidewalk. But honestly, I could barely recognize any of the foods. 2 Rockin' Mamas
Our table still wasn't quite ready, so it seemed time to make use of that rocking horse. My son's new mother-in-law, Linda, had great horse sharing skills... and humor! Serious About Menus
We were finally seated, in a small room, with just a few other tables. There was lots of light and quiet, which helped give us a chance to concentrate on the menu. Photos
There were photos, which helped a tiny bit. There were words in English and that also helped a bit. Mostly, I was happy to let Linda and her family do the ordering. Meeting Time  Yes, we were a little tired, but I had no idea how serious we looked until I saw these photos. We look like we're gathered around a table, having a very important meeting. And I guess we were. Linda did an excellent job of telling us about our options. She busily worked with the pencil and order sheet. A Full Table!
The food began to arrive and it was time for some serious dining.
I was pretty excited about the little things, like the woven boxes, with lids, that held rice... and the foods, displayed on large green leaves. Khoa Soy!  Then the bowls of Khao Soy arrived, with chicken and egg noodles and curry paste! This is the dish we'd been told about. It is the food, most connected with Chiang Mai's Northern Thai cuisine! Fixing it Up!  Linda and her family helped guide the rest of us. We garnished our soup with sprigs of cilantro, shallots and squeezes of lime. The soup-like dish really was something to savor... tangy, with just enough spice! Other Foods?
Exploring  For a while, my daughter-in-law, Chali disappeared and came back smiling. She chuckled about an odd restroom experience and I had to go see for myself. I headed through the other eating area, where I actually spotted some tourists. I wonder how they found the place? Mystery Area
I must have taken a different route, because I found a mysteriously festive area, that Chali hadn't mentioned. After exploring I returned to the table with my report. I had found a restroom, but it had a regular toilet, not a hole in the floor. Chali grinned with embarrassment, realizing she must have discovered the staff bathroom. However, I was pleased to announce that I had been quite impressed with the door peg that kept the bathroom door closed. Restaurant adventures are so fun! Off We Go!
After our feast we were energized for some touring. Our visit to Chiang Mai was pretty amazing, thanks to the best tour & food guides, ever!
Can't wait to go back! |
The Dining Blog
This is a blog about Dining Adventures. Sometimes, I talk about food. Below, you can read how this started. On July 4th 2011, I set a goal to try 50 culturally diverse restaurants in one year! (I knew that was possible, living in the Houston area) I spent the year pulling in friends and family to join me, on some unusual dining adventures. I met some curious people, tried some scary foods and explored places and cultures I never would have otherwise. Even though I met my goal, I learned too much to end my adventures in dining. I have continued blogging about memorable dining adventures of all kinds, near and far... and all the discoveries and funny things I've learned along the way! Locations and types of dining adventures, are listed further down. Archives
October 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed