Khao soi gai..northern Thailand chicken curry noodles

This was a recipe I was tagged in one day on Facebook by a work friend. She knew I loved Thai food and loved to cook it at home. Little did she know that I was supposed to go to Chiang Mai last year (2017). The trip got cancelled when my husband Mr N was called away to work. I had this dish on my bucket list of foods. Now was my time to try it myself at home . Well what as delicious mix of flavours and spices.

To To Vietnamese , perfect lunch for a winters day

This was the wonderful bowl of prawn and pork rice noodle soup.

That warmed the body on a cold winters day. 

Sanur laneways and gangs

We have been in Sanur, Bali. Indonesia for three days now staying at Duck Inn Bali. During this time we spent a lot of time wandering the lane-ways and back gangs as they are known here. Our inn style accommodation is on a gang down a lane way. Pasar Sindhu as it is called . It runs south from the Pasar Sindhu market in the northern part of Sanur and links with the main bypass road one way and then Jl Puntugan on the other side . I have lost track of how many gangs run off Puntugan but there are little food warungs , shops that sell groceries and drinks plus villas for permanent living and holiday accommodation . Eventually you wander into the lane-ways of Bumi Ayu . These then lead onto Jalan Kesari and this leads to gang Jasmine which comes out in a lane way next to The Oasis hotel and you are just south of Hardy's ...
We have never ventured much down these lane-ways in the past even after over a dozen trips to Bali and mostly staying in the Sanur area. It has been a wonderful adventure getting lost and then finding the way again

                                      The rooms at Duck Inn Bali

                                         
                                             The swimming pool

                                                            Pool

                                          views from upstairs verandah

                                                Bar and reception area

Bar area 

                                             Artwork by Family

                                         
                                               humorous signs

FreshTartSteph Recipe: Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Savory Pancakes) - Twin Cities Taste - June 2011 - Minnesota

FreshTartSteph Recipe: Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Savory Pancakes) - Twin Cities Taste - June 2011 - Minnesota


About time I made some pancakes again.

My Fiftieth in Bali day 5 final day

Day 5 our last day

Once again we slept past 7.15 amazing as we are awake by 5am at home.
We had talked about how the last day should be spent as we drank our champagne the night before and a last trip to Carla Spa was the way to start. Off we went to Jalan Pantai Sindhu and the girls were not busy. I had the foot massage followed by a facial for $11 total and my sister had her nails painted and a hair creme bath. Around the same cost . A last stop into tootsies as I really loved the new style happy pant. Plus my sister didn't get enough sunnies the day before (joke).

We looked everywhere for the green chilli sauce I had eaten at breakfast but couldn't find it . Lunch at Retro Resto and we shared the Megibung feast containing sates, fried duck ,pork in Bali sauce, fish and prawn in coconut chili sauce , vegetables, rice, prawn crackers and sambal. Followed by coconut Bali crepes. Two drinks plus black coffees for $30 the lot.

A quick trip to Hardy's to buy take home Bali coffee and back to our room for a final pack and small rest before the flight home. Got to love the midnight horror flight. As usual not wanting to take everything back with us we left a bag of shoes and clothes for the staff to distribute or discard their choice. Food and drinks left over we put on our neighbors verandah table as they had fine for the evening and still had a week before they were heading home
Our last meal was close to the hotel. The Mona Lisa had become one of our favorites in Jan 2010. Straight forward menu , reasonable prices , lovely presentation and a complimentary bruschetta salad with fresh baked bread. Lovely cold juices too.

As usual we just arrived in time . This had been the recurring theme where ever we had eaten during our holiday . We would sit down place our order and then all of a sudden the restaurant would be full and tonight they had to turn away customers . After days of local cuisine the surf and turf caught my eye. Mainly because it would have been my hubbies choice had he been with me. We have a standing family laugh about my husbands bad choices in restaurants. I always seem to pick the best dish for value , taste and quality. My poor husband is usually the opposite. On occasions even when we order the same dish somehow his is smaller , tougher or not cooked the way he expected. We always tell him he shouldn't order steak in Asian countries even ones we were recommended by forumites. He likes to test his luck and is sure he is served water buffalo. The steak I had at Mona Lisa that last night was so beautifully cooked I could have cut it with a cardboard knife. My sister ordered the beef saltimboca from the blackboard specials. It was a lovely way to end our trip. With two lime juices $19.70.
Our trip to the airport with our driver was one of the quickest ever as traffic was light at 9pm. Even at the dreaded roundabout roadworks .Had web checked in at home and were thru immigration in no time. A long lingering coffee at the new Starbucks and a chat with 2 off-duty staff . Part of the extensions inside and many changes outside plus shops are now open along with the butterfly walk entrance. Those last three hours always fly by . There was the usual congestion and confusion at the departure gates as there is three flights that leave gates 7,8 & 9 at that time of night. Two Melbourne flights, then Perth plus shortly after that Osaka. You wouldn't want to end up on the wrong bus. A very long bus ride out to the AA plane which seemed to be in darkness except for light on the steps up to the plane. Everyone hesitated getting off the bus. Not me I was first to my seat.
Home by 6am and wow what a mess to greet me..

My Fiftieth in Bali day 4

Day 4
The time is going faster each day and soon it will be the last day of our trip. Today is my fiftieth birthday and I woke early and sat on the step of the locked hotel restaurant and used the wifi to get my birthday wishes from friends and family at home. How did we ever cope with out Facebook and gmail.

A breakfast of nasi goreng and Bali coffee with fruit eaten we headed off to Carla spa for a full body massage. Sheer bliss and for 45000Rp truly the best bargain. Thanks again Mum. Suitably relaxed we made our way past the Sindhu market ladies on our way to Tootsies fixed price shop. We had asked the prices and sizes back on Friday before dinner so we had changed enough cash for a big shopping. Telling the other ladies we had already placed an order so we couldn't stop to buy or look at theirs. It's not hard to spend a million or close to for me and over it for my sister.

The looks on the faces as we left the market with the big red plastic bags handles tied up . You lie they shout you say no shopping today. Not happy at all with us. We just smiled.
We decided to walk south along the walkway till we came to Jalan karang I think it is called. It is where Billy's Cafe and yulia 2 home-stay are. We stopped for satays, Lumpia and lemon juice. The filling in their lumpia is so fresh and very juicy so be warned you need hand wipes afterwards. A quick look around coco mart and yes my sister found a 400ml body moisturiser for 99 cents. I finally found the little wooden boards I had been looking for. At $1.04 each I took the risk even if customs took them off me.

Back to the hotel for a rest as we were heading to Massimo's for my birthday dinner.
About 4.45pm we set off but remembered my sister wanted a look in Biasa over the road from our hotel. I can tell you we were in there quite some time. The two staff were so helpful in finding larger styles and loose fitting designs for us to try. In the end we both treated ourselves to something. I got a sheer cotton musilene top very long but with slits right up the side. Loose around the arms too as many of their designs are one size and have small arms. It will be nice in summer over my white happy pants from tootsies and the white singlets I have at home. I can dress it up with my new Silverberry jewelry or a pashmina or scarf.

My sister got a cotton dress full length lose fitting with drawstrings. A rich burgundy colour.
Happy with that we walked to Hardy's . A quick look upstairs but nothing grabbed our eye and I had forgotten how humid it was in there. Downstairs and a little sarong shopping for me and 11 sarongs for my sister. Plus a load of the Bali soaps.

We grabbed a Bali taxi and got to Massimos' in time to get a table in the air-conditioned no smoking wine room. Every other table was booked and soon this room too was full. A man at a nearby table had found out it was my birthday and he and the staff wished me well. We decided on the frozen strawberry daiquiri and mojito for our drinks. Then then brought us the cheese puffs with bread sticks and we were careful not to eat too many.

My sister ate the fettuccine with two types of clams while I had the lemon risotto with shrimp. Both yummy a little too many tomatoes for my sister and they never offered us black pepper or parmesan. We should have asked but did not want it to go cold. We declined dessert as we were full. Waiting for the bill the lights to the room were turned off and suddenly 4 staff come in singing happy birthday carrying a desert with a candle in it. My sister laughed so much I thought she would have an accident. They all clapped and shook my hand it was very nice.

On return to the hotel we sat on our beds and ate chocolates and drank champagne and talked and laughed. The only way to end my 50th birthday celebration.

My Fiftieth in Bali day 3

Birthday day 3

Champagne brunch at the St. Regis

I had thought about what special activity I could do to celebrate my birthday and had read about the buffet brunch at the Boneka in the St. Regis Hotel in Nusa Dua. On checking their website I saw that in their Kayuputi restaurant they had just started the Astor diamond Sunday brunch which was sit down pass around and a la carte for 995000Rp. Around 60 dishes were on offer give or take. The only restriction was the caviar with champagne was once only and the cocktails were available from 11am till 12 unless you bought the drinks package as well. But I felt 4 drinks was enough as we had to fit the food in.

The food we ate included canapés with our cocktails and this is copied straight from their menu as I would never remember it all.

SERVED AT YOUR TABLE Amuse Karat caviar served with blinis and accompaniment (A onetime served dish) Freshly baked from the oven Croissant, Danish pastries and breads, soft butter and preserves Prime Charcuterie Pastrami, salami, prosciutto, serrano ham, black forest ham, homemade terrine and paté with truffles PASS AROUND CONTINENTAL FAVORITES Homemade bircher muesli Flavored low fat yoghurt with sweet bread crumbles Fresh seasonal fruits with aromatic light syrup SEASONAL OYSTERS A la Mignonette Lemon cucumber vinaigrette, salmon roe and lime foam Classic Rockefeller.

TRIO OF HOT AND CHILLED SOUP TESTERS Chilled cucumber dill gazpacho with smoked salmon aspic Light crustacean bisque with lemongrass and seafood dumpling Black truffles and mushroom consommé with chicken cappelletti HEALTHY LEAVES Wild cress with lemon olive oil vinaigrette Arugula leaves with poached egg, salmon roe, walnuts and virgin oil OUR STEAK TARTAR with sterling silver leaf, V.S.O.P cognac LINE CAUGHT FISH Kobachi served in a small portion with daikon Horoshi Shirome fresh thin slices of white fish with Tobiko roe, lime, soy and fresh ginger.

CRUSTACEAN Lobster A la Russe Blue shrimps cocktail with avruga pearls HOME COOKING Classic fish meuniere with lemon garlic butter Free range chicken casserole with bitter chocolate mole SPECIALTIES Vol-au-vent with ragout of escargot Frog legs fricassee and fresh herb FROM THE KITCHEN TABLE DUCK FOIE GRAS Classic foie gras terrine served with brioche toast and dark cherry compote Pan seared duck foie gras served with caramelized plum and balsamic meat reduction Duck foie gras - lemon oil confit, served with onion jam, young salad and lemon coulis Pot-au-feu of duck foie gras in a herbal consommé, braised daikon and enoki mushrooms Duck foie gras mousse with strawberry compote.

SHOWCASED AT THE TABLE Prime rib wagon Yorkshire pudding, natural meat jus Buttered seasonal vegetables Cheese Matured AOC French cheese Soft and semi hard served with red wine poached figs Walnut bread Chocolate Our famous homemade praline (presented in a wooden case) A LA CARTE PASTA AND GRAIN Linguini seafood tossed in a white wine butter sauce and fresh herbs Penne rigati with homemade tomato sauce and shaved Reggiano cheese Spinach gnocchi with smoked salmon, avruga pearls, wild cress and parmesan foam Pan seared barramundi fillet with zucchini risotto and saffron emulsion Duck confit and mushroom risotto with shaved foie gras and white truffle foam Lemon barley risotto with prawns and basil emulsion.

MEAT Wagyu beef tenderloin done medium rare with butter glazed asparagus and sauce Perigord Lamb medallion with ratatouille ravioli, mint jelly and rosemary jus 62 hours slow poached beef oyster blade in a nutmeg broth, root vegetables, steamed potato dumpling Curd roasted Peking duck breast, braised red cabbage and prunes FISH AND SEAFOOD Kayuputi modern walewska with truffles and lobster King prawns a la provencal with baby spinach Half spiny lobster thermidor served with sautéed vegetables Moule mariniere and crispy garlic herb baguette.

SWEET PASS AROUND Paris-Brest with crème praline and choux pastry Oeuf a la neige Orange-campari verrine 24 gold leaf macaroon Pumpkin tart with sour cream Raspberry Charlotte Traditional biscuit with raspberry mousse Romanoff Marinated fresh strawberries with cointreau and vanilla ice cream Tiramisu nouvelle Seasonal fresh berries sabayon Rhubarb compote with vanilla chantilly DESSERT Classic Grand Marnier soufflé (Allow us 20 minutes to prepare and serve straight to your table) BGF Deconstructed black forest gateaux Freeze dried raspberry, dry ice ice cream Sneakers toffee crumble It tastes like Bounty Chocolate Milk chocolate, candied young coconut, coconut milk sherbet Venezuela Chocolate Amade Chuao 70% vs Valrhona Araguani 72 %.

I would have to say this would cross off one of my bucket list dreams. It is five star dining we were sat in the best seat a corner one with an amazing view over the beachfront and pool area of the St Regis hotel in Nusa Dua. From the moment we pushed open the door we had stepped into another world. The attention to detail both in the food, drinks, setting of the tables and the precision of the timing of the kitchen and wait staff attendance was all orchestrated by the restaurant manager Harald Wiesmann. Ever observant I noticed a quick look from him and the staff jumped to attention immediately. The restaurant ran with smooth almost military organisation. Even from the first canapés with our cocktails as soon as we had tasted the little morsels of food we went to put the Asian style spoons onto the table in front of us . Suddenly an empty plate was whisked under the spoon before it even hit the table and away the plate and spoon went.

My sister and I knew from that minute and with the first sip of our Bloody Mary and champagne cocktail I was in for a wonderful birthday treat. How do I pick my favorite dish, impossible to day it was all devine. The pâté with sweet berry compote and brioche toast, the chocolate tiramisu ball and the grand mariner soufflé are the top three in my mind. Oh of course and the smooth champagne . Yes the real stuff was so good too

Needless to say we had to roll out the door of the restaurant.

Our driver had waited for us and even though the traffic at the round about was bad we made him drop us at the galleria Bali mall and we had a quick shop in the hypermart and guardian chemist they are so much cheaper than at home.

Of course we were thirsty on our return and decided we did not need dinner as we were so stuffed from lunch.

My Fiftieth in Bali day two

Well been so busy no time for BTF. Woke day 2 after a 12 hour sleep long overdue . It's amazing there is as much organization to go to Bali for 4 nights and 5 days as there is when you go for 3 weeks. Especially when you are escaping the husband and teenage children and taking your sister for her first trip to Bali to celebrate my birthday.

Day 2 all refreshed we headed to the Ramayana Dept store in Denpasar. Had not been there in the last 3 trips but was looking for a dress for my daughter who is on the outer limit of Balinese dress sizes now she is 15. Used to always go there when she was little as their prices are local and as luck would have it they were having discounts store wide for the Lebaran? Does anyone know if that is Ramadan or their national day?
Found her a lovely lace dress in burgundy fitted so let's hope it fits. Only $11.90 so no drama if it doesn't. Also grabbed her a fitted black skirt for work for $8.59. Fully lined and nice fabric
Then grabbed some girls hair stuff and iPod earphones, nail files etc in the sweet sixteen store. My sister grabbed heaps of stuff for the nieces birthdays. We were such big spenders. Haha everything was so cheap. Later found out the iPod earphones were 2pairs for $2.20 that's cheaper than eBay.
Upstairs to the handbag section my bug downfall. Not a lot of things fit me in Bali (joke). But handbags and jewelry do. So they are my weakness. Otherwise I am usually spending my money on my kids as you do. I know everyone will say buy the bags at the markets as they are cheaper there but honestly have done that over the last 10 visits including trips to Phuket and Malaysia. The bags in the markets dont last for me. There is something that always goes wrong either the lining or zips or handles break. I am really rough with them
Well I was looking for a nice clutch for my daughter got her a black satin one with a black and white bow in sweet sixteen. But hen saw a coral pink one for $11.90 so had to have that for her. Grabbed myself an orange stitched bag decent size for me and another orange clutch for me with a snakeskin effect. All the clutches have detachable chains.
Upstairs to the supermarket for a cold drink oh and really cheap schick mens shavers at the checkout .
A word of caution the toilets at the Ramayana upstairs where the time zone is. Unless you really can't hold it don't go. I would not let my sister in there after I had an inspection
That is a side to Bali she does not need to know about as so many nice toilets are around now. Next we headed to Mang Enking for lunch

Well I had read about this place somewhere probably here on the forum and another site not allowed to be mentioned starting with T quite some time ago. I had never got to it the last two trips. Recently I had found their Facebook page and worked out in my mind that I could use it as a lunch stop between Denpasar and Semiyak and Legian on our shopping trip.
We left Denpasar and with a hand drawn map for our driver Made off we went . I hadnt been that way before so I was hoping something would give me a hint of where we were . Long story short only one wrong turn down Jalan nakula a quick u turn and we found it. Mainly because I knew what the roof structure looked like as the numbers were all over the place along the road.
It way surpassed my expectations. My sister and I got to sit in the bales out over the water. You put your legs through a hole under the table and ther e is foot rest just above the water. The lakes have a number of these tables settings around them are full of koi carp and other fish. Plus there is more tables on dry land.
You can buy fish food for 30 cents and you should see the fish jumping over each other like they haven't eaten in weeks. Got some great shots of the lovely lake and the fountains.

After our lovely lunch at Mang Enking we braved the streets of Legian in search of the other item I always fit into no matter where I travel, jewellery. Heading into Legian I spotted Silverberry. We had shopped there in 2010 and I noticed it is now on the other side of the road. Well there stuff is amazing and it wasn't hard for me to grab a ring, two chains three sets of earrings and 4 pendants . Thank you in laws for the birthday money. I got so many items I now have a whole new look.

We wandered up and down looking for some clothes for my sister to take to Queensland on her conference but nothing grabbed us. We did however get some vans for my daughter at two thirds of the price we refused to pay back in December. A little more window shopping and we were done for the day. Back to our hotel to refresh and unload the shopping.

We felt as if we needed our hair washed and as the shower in our room was dodgy and the water supply unreliable we headed to Ayu spa they were shutting early and they wanted us to book for the next day. Too busy we said and headed down Jalan Pantai Sindhu until we saw Carla spa empty . My sister spied package 3 a creme bath and foot massage for 90,000Rp. Well we were in and it was the best one and a half hours I'll say.

All relaxed and squeaky clean hair we decided to have dinner at street cafe. The band was setting up and it was BBQ night we declined and ordered nasi goreng and seafood mie goreng. Was a bit surprised to find a caterpillar in my salad. At least it was pesticide free. As the band was good we ordered cocktails a mojito and a ......... We listened until the band had a break and then home to bed.

My Fiftieth Birthday in Bali

Day one:

We didn't get a lot of sleep before our 4.50am AAsia flight from Perth, a mixture of excitement and last minute rushing after I had worked late . I was sure I was going to forget something as I drove to my sisters house as she lives only 15 mins by taxi from the international airport.

We were first to board the plane as everyone else was sitting back and finishing their food and drinks. We thought we would have a spare seat next to us but at the last minute we were joined by a NZ gentleman . He later told us it was his 40th birthday and because of a mix up with his NZ passport he had to miss his original flight and was now surprising his partner who was already in Bali and arriving the night before she expected him.

We landed 10 minutes early and cleared customs and immigration with only a quick glance at the frozen dim sims i had brought with me for the hotel owner where we were staying We were ready at the arrivals door by 8.50. No driver to be seen but Made did arrive 40 minutes later apologising for the traffic and roadworks that had caught him by surprise.

Check in to the Ugly Duckling Hotel was smooth and our room was ready. We later found out it was their worst room #14 but it was ok for what we wanted. Quick trip to the money changer and I had to meet the owner of the villa we are staying at in Dec. I had a look around the complex and one of the other villas as the Hijau was occupied at that time
and I finished paying Hans the rest of the money due. That sorted we decided to have brunch at Cafe Batu Jimbar. I decided on the chicken satay with urup vegetables and a tropical juice that was spiced with real ginger mmmm. My sister had the beef pho noodles and lime juice. Mine was fantastic but hers was a little spicy for her and a touch greasy too.

A trip to Hardy's for supplies and we were getting a bit silly plus my sister had developed a sinus migraine and we headed back to the room for a nanna nap. I was well rested after my two hours sleep but my sisters head was still throbbing. We decided on showed to freshen up and the head to the Sindhu beach market to check out some prices and the spa place I had read about. The market stalls are serious ly tired looking and I have never seen them so messy and neglected looking. Tootsies was fine but Jennie's was a bit so so.

We had dinner on the sand at the beach in the blowing gale winds. Might be the last time we do that. It cools the food down too fast. Although Bonsai is closed down you can still access the beach from the main road instead of taking the long way around. I had spring rolls plus bakmi goreng and my sister had chicken , cashews and broccoli with rice.

As my sisters head was still pounding we decided on an early night and finally had a chance to talk to the kids using face time. Ah in honor of a friend I finished the night with a gin and tonic. Mmmm Bali I am home

Albion Hotel , Cotteslo.

Wanted somewhere to meet the parents for lunch. Nothing too pricey or crowded. Dad needs his space at any table and somewhere that has parking close by is needed too. Well we were more than impressed with our meals at the Albion in Cottesloe recently. The dining area only had 3 or 4 tables occupied and minimal staff. Saying that we had a lovely lunch. My dad had the super sized veal schnitzel with gravy chips and salad, my mum had the Cajun open chicken sandwich also with chips and salad. My hubby and I shared the tapas plate entry and the pan.seared scallops in lettuce cups with balsamic dressing. All the items on the plates were delicious.