Monday, May 30, 2011
Traditional Thai Restaurant
Bangkok - Our channel partner took us to a Traditional award winning Thai restuarant - Ruen Mallika. This is a difficult to locate restaurant as it was deep within one of the soi (lane) in Bangkok. This famous resturant is located @ Sukhumvit 22 - http://www.ruenmallika.com/ - telk: 02-663-32112. The food is very fresh and meticulously prepared. On that particular day, the air-conditioning was not working too well and I was sweating like in a sauna. I had to persuade the waitress to bring the air-condition temperature down.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
So Hot! in Manila
Manila - Arrived from Singapore in the afternoon and the 1st thing that hit me was the extreme heat...wow so hot is the weather. After clearing customs, I headed straight to the meter taxi queue and waited for my turn. Took the yellow airport taxi and he told me that he is going to charge me Php500 which not knowing I agree to it - this is daylight robbery - he seems polite but he is a sneaky. The ususal taxi ride is around Php200 - 250. That is almost double the price.
I stayed at New World Hotel and this is the first time I am staying there. A nice 5-star hotel.
Just opposite of the Hotel is called Green Belt which is one of the upper-end shopping mall in Makati. We had dinner @ Italianni. The mussels was not good, the Magherita Pizza was so-so and the Spaghetti vongole was OK - for the price they charge - it's an over-priced Italian restaurant.
Exchange your money in Manila - you get better rates than @ Singapore airports.
I stayed at New World Hotel and this is the first time I am staying there. A nice 5-star hotel.
Just opposite of the Hotel is called Green Belt which is one of the upper-end shopping mall in Makati. We had dinner @ Italianni. The mussels was not good, the Magherita Pizza was so-so and the Spaghetti vongole was OK - for the price they charge - it's an over-priced Italian restaurant.
Exchange your money in Manila - you get better rates than @ Singapore airports.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Quan An Ngon - # 1 restaurant in Hanoi
Hanoi - I planned to have an early dinner with good fresh spring roll before leaving for home tommorrow. So, I headed downstairs and asked the concierge where the best fresh spring roll are - he was not sure but directed me to Quan An Ngon. A popular restaurant for both local Hanoi and tourist.
The taxi fare cost 28,000 dong and the restaurant is located @ 18 Phan Boi Chau. It was crowded when I when at about 6pm, waited for a while and was given a seat with 2 joint tables. After a while, a group of 3 Japanese came and the waiters split it into 2 tables. A while later whilst I was eating my fresh spring roll, the waiters gave the seats in front of me to 2 local vietnamese - how rude I thought these waiters are?
Even in Singapore, we asked permission whether anyone is seating before taking the seat.
I was very uncomfortable throughout my seat - it is like paying for restaurant food but in a glorified hawker centre. In actual fact, it was there were many Hawkers all around the restaurant in an open concept.
It is a once a visit experience and never to visit again.
The taxi fare cost 28,000 dong and the restaurant is located @ 18 Phan Boi Chau. It was crowded when I when at about 6pm, waited for a while and was given a seat with 2 joint tables. After a while, a group of 3 Japanese came and the waiters split it into 2 tables. A while later whilst I was eating my fresh spring roll, the waiters gave the seats in front of me to 2 local vietnamese - how rude I thought these waiters are?
Even in Singapore, we asked permission whether anyone is seating before taking the seat.
I was very uncomfortable throughout my seat - it is like paying for restaurant food but in a glorified hawker centre. In actual fact, it was there were many Hawkers all around the restaurant in an open concept.
It is a once a visit experience and never to visit again.
Nha Hang Ngon in Hanoi
Hanoi - This is the sister restaurant of the one I tried in HCMC. This time for lunch, I was a bit adventurous and tried their fried spring roll wrapped in cabbage and bamboo shoot noodle. I really do not like the Bamboo shoot noodle the extremely strong smell of the bamboo shoot was a turn off.
Located @ 26 Tran Hung Dao Road a short walk from Hilton Opera Hotel
Located @ 26 Tran Hung Dao Road a short walk from Hilton Opera Hotel
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
KTX back to Seoul
Daegu - For brunch we had the Korean pancake, dumpling and oysters noodle which YJ and I shared. After a hearty meal - we catched out high speed train back to Seoul. I managed to do some work on the train though the internet access is slow - my notebook shut down automatically as the power was so low. I did not manage to charge it over night because I did not bring the adapter to Daegu.
I decided to buy some Kim Chi, fresh gingseng and seaweed for my family - so we walked to Lotte Supermarket which is next to the KTX station. This supermarket have this refrigerator that stores organically grown vegetables growing inside.
Checked into Renaissance Seoul again and only had 30 minutes of free time before catching up with Young Jin to head for our next meeting. For dinner, we had Eel and is my favourite food here in Seoul.
Congratulations to Kevin for his son passing the entrance Exam to enter Seoul National University.
We had 3 Gilled Eels on our first course and then another 2 grilled eels. After which we are served an Eel brooth.
It is so deliciously cooked that all 3 of us finished the Eel broth.
I decided to buy some Kim Chi, fresh gingseng and seaweed for my family - so we walked to Lotte Supermarket which is next to the KTX station. This supermarket have this refrigerator that stores organically grown vegetables growing inside.
Checked into Renaissance Seoul again and only had 30 minutes of free time before catching up with Young Jin to head for our next meeting. For dinner, we had Eel and is my favourite food here in Seoul.
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| Eel bones deep fried as apetitisers |
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| Eel Gall liquor |
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| A Happy Kevin Chae |
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| Eel Liver - an apetitiser |
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| Grilled Eel - the main course |
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| YJ stiring the Eel broth |
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Yeongdeok Renewable Energy - Wind Farm
Yeongdeok - After our lunch of Snow crabs - Mr Kim drove us along the East of Korea to Yeongdeok. Yeongdeok is famous for their Snow Crabs and held a festival every year - Yeongdeok Snow Crab Festival.
We decided to go to Uljin instead of Yeongdeok as it's less crowded but the crabs are just as good.
The scenary with the flowing mountains and sea hitting against the cliffs is so beautiful. The temperature is very cold around 3 degree celcius.
We arrived at Yeongdeok New and Renewable Energy Center - this is Korea's first private Wind energy power plant complex.
I have read National Geographic about Wind Farm and it was surreal to see it first hand. It was a marvelous sight to behold. I got up close to one of the Wind Turbine generator - it is massive. We had to climb up a small hill to reach the base of one of the Wind Turbine.
The Yeongdeok Wind Farm is also a tourist area with nice broadwalk and wooden chairs for couples and family. Furthermore, it overlooks the beautiful sea.
From we drove back 2 and half hours to Daegu - it was to be a tiring trip back with Mr Hoe and Young Jin falling asleep. I kept awake and intermittently asked questions so as it can be tough drving whilst everyone else is asleep. Whilst the car was driven at 140km/hr, I used Young Jin's iPad with unlimited 3G plan to updated this blog but manage to only complete half as the bandwidth is very narrow and slow for uploading.
We reach Daegu and checked in to Y'S Hotel for an overnight stay. The Hotel is clean unfortunately the rooms are all smoking rooms and you can still smell the previous occupant lingering smoke in the room.
For Dinner we had BBQ pig large intestine - in Korean it's called Makchang - this is Daegu favourite dish. We met Mr Doo who is the GM for dinner. He is the cook for this dish and that's his hand turning over the meat to ensure all the sides are cooked.
We decided to go to Uljin instead of Yeongdeok as it's less crowded but the crabs are just as good.
The scenary with the flowing mountains and sea hitting against the cliffs is so beautiful. The temperature is very cold around 3 degree celcius.
We arrived at Yeongdeok New and Renewable Energy Center - this is Korea's first private Wind energy power plant complex.
I have read National Geographic about Wind Farm and it was surreal to see it first hand. It was a marvelous sight to behold. I got up close to one of the Wind Turbine generator - it is massive. We had to climb up a small hill to reach the base of one of the Wind Turbine.
This is what it looks like looking up from the base of the Wind powered Generator.
The Yeongdeok Wind Farm is also a tourist area with nice broadwalk and wooden chairs for couples and family. Furthermore, it overlooks the beautiful sea.
From we drove back 2 and half hours to Daegu - it was to be a tiring trip back with Mr Hoe and Young Jin falling asleep. I kept awake and intermittently asked questions so as it can be tough drving whilst everyone else is asleep. Whilst the car was driven at 140km/hr, I used Young Jin's iPad with unlimited 3G plan to updated this blog but manage to only complete half as the bandwidth is very narrow and slow for uploading.
We reach Daegu and checked in to Y'S Hotel for an overnight stay. The Hotel is clean unfortunately the rooms are all smoking rooms and you can still smell the previous occupant lingering smoke in the room.
For Dinner we had BBQ pig large intestine - in Korean it's called Makchang - this is Daegu favourite dish. We met Mr Doo who is the GM for dinner. He is the cook for this dish and that's his hand turning over the meat to ensure all the sides are cooked.
Going to Uljin for Snow Crabs
Seoul - Woke up at 8am to get ready for the KTX (high speed train) to Daegu city. YJ met me at the Hotel and we travel via taxi to KTX station and booked the 10:30am train. It cost 51,900won per person as we chose 1st class seating. It is much comfortable, free internet and also you can do much work on the train. The coach train is too cramp without much leg room to do anything so your 2 hrs train ride is idle time. I am typing this and updating the blog whilst on the train.
I had Bibimbap for breakfast and chose hot because the weather is freezing cold. Young Jin likes the cold dish of Bibimbap. Bibimbap means 'mixed meal'.
The KTX train left on time and immediately took out my notebook to get on line. The Internet access is free but very slow as everyone is using the same narrow 2G bandwidth pipe. The train ride is smooth and looking out of the window, the trees are shades of brown as it is still winter.
I have to shut down my notebook as it will be 6 minutes left before we reach our Daegu station.
@ Daegu
YJ and I waited along the road for our channel partner to turn up. Moments later they arrive and decided to move to Uljin, which is 2 and half hours by car. This is the season of the Snow Crab. The scenary was beautiful dotted with many mountains. I think it would look much lovelier in spring when the leaves and flowers are in full bloom.
It was a long and tiring journey and I dozed off for a few minutes on the way to Uljin.
I found out about Snow Crab by accident when I entered what's happening in Korea in the month of March - and out popped 'Snow Crab Festival'. So, here we are...
Crab Nutrition Facts
As a member of the crustacean family, any variety of edible crab is known for its high nutrient content.
Crab, a shellfish, used to have a bad reputation for having a high cholesterol content. As more and more research has been done into this subject, however, this myth has been proven invalid. Shellfish, overall, are known to have higher cholesterol content than most fish. However, if you eat it in moderate quantities – as is recommended – you will find crab and other shellfish to be extremely good for you. This includes king crab legs, snow crab legs, and all types of crab.
Crab is known to be very low in fat and a heart-healthy food. Crab is also an excellent source of protein, and, to top it off, contains few calories. Crab is a good source of chromium, which is known to help lower the levels of “good” cholesterol in our bodies. In turn, this lowers the risk of both heart and circulatory disease. Chromium also helps diabetes by stabilizing glucose levels. In addition, crab contains selenium, which is known to aid in the prevention of cancer.
Crab meat contains vital amounts of essential fatty acids, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorous. These nutrients are all important for a well-balanced nutritional diet. The conclusion? Crab is a nutrient-rich powerhouse.
When we arrive Uljin, we were very excited because we will be having snow crabs for lunch and we were so hungry. The best season to eat Snow Crab is in the month of March.
We ordered 6 crabs (4 large and 2 small) plus 3 types of raw fishes. The raw fishes and sea squirt came soon and we chowed into itimmediately.
When you eat the Snow Crab legs it's so delicious and sweet. The Blue-green Snow crab taste much better than the red crab. Of course, the price is different too. The Blue-green Snow crab is larger and cost Won20,000 and Red Snow Crab cost half the price.
I had Bibimbap for breakfast and chose hot because the weather is freezing cold. Young Jin likes the cold dish of Bibimbap. Bibimbap means 'mixed meal'.
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| Cold Bibimbap |
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| My Hot Bibimbap |
The KTX train left on time and immediately took out my notebook to get on line. The Internet access is free but very slow as everyone is using the same narrow 2G bandwidth pipe. The train ride is smooth and looking out of the window, the trees are shades of brown as it is still winter.
I have to shut down my notebook as it will be 6 minutes left before we reach our Daegu station.
@ Daegu
YJ and I waited along the road for our channel partner to turn up. Moments later they arrive and decided to move to Uljin, which is 2 and half hours by car. This is the season of the Snow Crab. The scenary was beautiful dotted with many mountains. I think it would look much lovelier in spring when the leaves and flowers are in full bloom.
It was a long and tiring journey and I dozed off for a few minutes on the way to Uljin.
I found out about Snow Crab by accident when I entered what's happening in Korea in the month of March - and out popped 'Snow Crab Festival'. So, here we are...
Crab Nutrition Facts
As a member of the crustacean family, any variety of edible crab is known for its high nutrient content.
Crab, a shellfish, used to have a bad reputation for having a high cholesterol content. As more and more research has been done into this subject, however, this myth has been proven invalid. Shellfish, overall, are known to have higher cholesterol content than most fish. However, if you eat it in moderate quantities – as is recommended – you will find crab and other shellfish to be extremely good for you. This includes king crab legs, snow crab legs, and all types of crab.
Crab is known to be very low in fat and a heart-healthy food. Crab is also an excellent source of protein, and, to top it off, contains few calories. Crab is a good source of chromium, which is known to help lower the levels of “good” cholesterol in our bodies. In turn, this lowers the risk of both heart and circulatory disease. Chromium also helps diabetes by stabilizing glucose levels. In addition, crab contains selenium, which is known to aid in the prevention of cancer.
Crab meat contains vital amounts of essential fatty acids, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorous. These nutrients are all important for a well-balanced nutritional diet. The conclusion? Crab is a nutrient-rich powerhouse.
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| Snow crab festival 2011 |
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| A row of restaurant selling Snow Crabs |
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| Red colour Snow Crab |
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| Blue-green Snow Crab |
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| Cook catching our Snow Crab meal |
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| Into the basket |
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| So delicious Sashimi |
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| The lady is preparing our Snow Crab |
The lady waiter cuts up the legs and body of the Snow Crab
So delicious Snow Crab legs
When you eat the Snow Crab legs it's so delicious and sweet. The Blue-green Snow crab taste much better than the red crab. Of course, the price is different too. The Blue-green Snow crab is larger and cost Won20,000 and Red Snow Crab cost half the price.
More Snow crab legs
Fried rice in the Snow Crab Shell
and more food - spicy Kim Chi soup
@ Uljin Harbour
Numerous fishing nets
Fishing boats
Uljin Harbour
What are you looking at??
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