Stupid_American

Thai girls/women often go out with girlfriends, probably more often than they go out with guys. Every time I show this photo to a Thai, from 16 to 60 years old, the single, immediate reaction was "working women." This is based predominantly on the clothes, not the environment/situation. My point being that what we might consider stylish or fashionable, is often seen as loose by Thai standards. Yes, there are Thais that push the envelope, but they stir up lots of talk. As Westerners, we can push that envelope without causing too much distraction. It's actually expected of us. Dressed like this, one would be treated well, but would garner little respect. As a tourist, this is possibly of marginal value. But, if you are concerned, or want to leave a good impression, it is something to consider. There are more reports of poor treatment of tourists by Thais. This is sad because Thailand has always been know as the "Land of Smiles." I truly believe that those being treated badly are those who push the envelope too far. This is easy to do with all the boards and blogs passing out anecdotal tips about travel in Thailand. Most guidebooks will stress the modesty/respect issues. Much of the internet tends to take these issues lightly. I am probably a bit more anal than most about these issues. When in Thailand, I am not on holiday; I live there. I don't really live a typical "expats" life. My entire family and social base is Thai.

This photo is from a press release, announcing a new shopping complex in Bangkok. Every Thai I have shown this to has made the same comment. I wanted to see whtat comment might come from other cultures. Shout quickly! One more week and Tustin will be but a memory. I am moving to Bangkok permanently.

On the manners/cultural issues.... I can't think of any culture where touching someone's head is really acceptable. Now, if we are talking cute children, and it seems appropriate, touch away; Thais won't be shocked or offended. But, when it comes to adults, I wouldn't really be touching them at all. Thais, for the most part, aren't touchy-feely people. They don't hug when they greet or say goodbye; they bow their head and wai. If you are dining in a group, and you are ordering individual, set meals, then it would be considered impolite to start eating before others recieved their meal. This isn't necessarily a Thai thing. But, when dining classic family style, most dishes will be served up as they are presented. Eating while walking isn't so much considered bad manners. Although very sutble, is percieved more as low class. Dining is very social for most Asians, and anyone of any status should have time to sit and enjoy the meal. No Thai is going to call you on your mistakes or otherwise make you uncomfortable. They are the most welcoming, hospitable people I have ever encountered. Short of a major confrontation, you will never know if you have acted poorly. As time passes, more and more is becoming "acceptable". Thais pretty much feel we are rude, crude and stink anyway, so most of these minor faupaxs will go unnoticed. But, I prefer to try my best to prove them wrong! I leave you will a photo taken at a stylish new cafe. I welcome you comments and will offer mine soon.

The winner is .....

IMHO, although neither used khao soy noodles, Austin's had more of the curry consistency I associate with khao soy. OnigiriFB's appeared more of a soup.

I was just commenting on the access to Thai ingredients we have here. With the exception of a few banned fruits, there isn't much that can't be found in fresh abundance! I have SEAsian friends all over the Midwest, and constantly here complaints about lack of ingredients. As stated before, I don't care for khao soy. There is actually a restaurant in Santa Ana that does have it on their menu. I haven't tried it, but what I have eaten there has been excellent. When in SoCal, I have been known to whip up a killer batch of pad kee mow. My wife does great ladna and pad see ewe. In Bangkok, about all I cook is American stuff. With the availability of fresh, hot entrees everywhere, I've never really consider cooking Thai there.

Here, in Southern California, one might be able to give you a run for your money. But, can anything but the most basic ingredients be found in Iowa? I know our friend in Nebraska can't find anything!

I've had kapow kai from dozens of Bangkok street vendors, including a women a couple doors up our soi. Although many are similar, no two are really the same. From chicken chunks, to minced, from very sweet to blistering hot, everyone has their own variation. The women up the soi makes her's on the sweet side. This might be due to the many school kids in the hood: IMHO, there are no restaurants that will ever beat a cart, stall or small shop when it comes to great food. Althought there is good and bad in both categories, when the menu is one item, there is no doubt what they cook best. I really think that is why it is so hard, even in Southern California, to find great Thai reastaurants. When a Thai cook tries to be all things to all people, he/she rarely masters anything. Even in Bangkok, most will go to a full menu restaurant for a particular dish. Although much of the menu might be edible, it's usually one item that makes the place. I often think that's why there is always such a debate over full-menu Thai eateries. Often you'll find many loving and many hating the same place. It's probably a case of ordering from different sections of the menu.

It's obscure enough that none of my wife's family, 3 generations of Bangkokians, had ever tried it. My wife was the first, on our trip to Chiang Mai. Not being big curry fans, neither of us much cared for it.

The only pad thai I have ever liked is from a stall in Big C Wongsawang's foodcourt. It is very lightly sauced and comes with a marinated tofu (yellow & red 'skin'). Western incarnations have always seem too sweet for me.

Another good perk at Valley View is one free buffet during your birthday month. My favorite item there is the pecan/walnut pie!

Dined there a few years back with a work associate. Pacific Bell / SBC is a corporate member. The buffet was great! Served some of the best roast lamb I have ever had. Disney desserts are fantastic too. It is a members only proposition. Anyone offering to sell a "pass", will have to accompany you. For the same, or better, view of Fantasmic, you can reserve a dessert buffet seat in the balcony adjacent to the Disney Gallery. It runs about $50 and must be booked a month before your visit at 08:00 sharp; it books in minutes!

You found Big C's foodcourt! I love the tom yam soup from one of it's stalls.

I simply don't get this place.

I was informed that is was the worst food ever tasted, but their fruit pies were good. I guess they've been faking everyone out for over 50 years! La Palma Chicken Pie Shop

After my ordeal, I was inspired to head on over. It was fine for me.

Wow! I like Northwoods Inn, but never mention it. The last time I did (on a certain snobbish board) I was berated! Those potatoes with butter cheese sauce are great. I love when the server throws the peanuts at your table.

My "Cheap Eats" link, below, will list some eclectic eateries.

On Thai TV, cooking segments are now starting to substitute canned milk for coconut milk as a "healthy" alternative.

Although the curry pastes themselves don't contain coconut, they are often mixed coconut milk in many dishes.

I wonder what it was...............

Taro?

For the non-manufactured eclectic, you might look into some of the spots on my site: Cheap Eats Hollyweird

DisneylandResortInfo.com offers menus for many Disney's restaurants and surrounding eateries. It will give you an idea of what is available.

Looks like I'll have to find fast food at DCA - we'll be there at lunchtime and won't want to walk all the way over to Disneyland for lunch. ← Pacific Wharf Cafe isn't too bad. They put chowders in great Boudin sourdough bread bowls. You can also opt for a salad in said bowl. If you're a fan, DCA does good corn dogs. In the Grand Californian, there's also Whitewater Snacks. They do pretty good sandwiches and such. Be sure to take in Tower of Terror after lunch!