2/21/2010

Chiangmai - Steak for Dinner


Kantary Hill Chiangmai, has good restaurant which I have customers to hangout there quite often
44 Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 12, Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
Tel: (66) 0-5322-2111, 0-5340-0877 Fax: (66) 0-5322-324
Taxi Chiangmai: 081 617 2116 Patrick

I have got the confirmation of superb Steak quality from my English Customer today regarding "Duke" see more details from Paul also I would like to introduce "The Steak" near by JJ or the side road after Tesco Lotus, Kam Tiang but a buffet steak just to fill up your stomach then recommend "Brownie", cheap 83 Baht and good location at the riverside near by TAT Office but services are quite poor and unpleasant reception - need to pay right at the reception and any one who join your group without paying buffet is mentioned at the entrance just to wait outside

The Dining Out Group

Coordinated by Paul Schoenkopf

The next outing is on March 4, 2010 at 7:00PM at “The Original Dukes.” This is one of the best western restaurants in town. David, the owner/manager is a restaurateur from the USA and has been doing this for a long time. He likes to hear customer feedback to improve his restaurant.



The following is a 5 year old review. The review still stands in my opinion but naturally disregard the prices.

The Duke’s

Gina Hahn

I love having a menu available before I visit a restaurant, so I was happy when The Duke’s menu slipped out of my copy of Chiangmai Mail and happier yet when I started looking through it. Some of my favorite foods were just waiting for me—spinach and Greek salads, ribs, seafood, pizza, gourmet burgers. The Duke’s was definitely on my schedule.



Located near the “little” Rimping Supermarket on the east side of the Ping River, The Duke’s is open every day, serving lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. (with lunch specialties) and dinner from 5 p.m. until closing. Look for the large green signs outside the restaurant, and park on the street. The restaurant is roomy, clean and tastefully decorated with seating both inside (air-conditioned) and out.



The menu was planned for the resident expat community and there’s something for everyone, even the kids. Managing partners David and Pin Anichowski lived in the U.S. for 14 years before returning to Thailand with their four children. The Duke’s features the only menu I’ve seen in Chiang Mai with a special Kid’s Menu and a note that says, “Kids are always welcome at The Duke’s”.



There are a few things to consider as you plan your meal at The Duke’s. First, appetizers are offered at a special happy hour price every day. Buffalo wings, steak kabobs, shrimp and a fabulous concoction called “Broke the Mouth”, a huge plate full of mixed starters are all featured.



Second, the amazing desserts are half price on Wednesdays at dinner for eat-in customers. Can you handle toffee fudge double chocolate cake at the usual price of 50 baht or 25 baht on Wednesday evening after dinner? How about a variety of homemade cheesecakes or a stacked high Dutch apple pie with a sweet, crunchy topping?



We started with Chicago steak kabobs served with steak sauce; mozzarella sticks battered with breadcrumbs crisply fried and served with pizza sauce; and deep-fried jalapeno peppers served with ranch dressing. Appetizers start at 65 baht for a sampling of The Duke’s ribs and go up to 225 baht for Broke the Mouth, which serves several hungry diners. The appetizers were followed by a delicious Greek salad filled with plenty of olives and cheese and served with a light, tasty dressing. A sampling of New England shrimp chowder, creamy and packed with shrimp, followed. Salads and soups start at 45 baht for a cup of Brunswick stew and go up to 85 baht for a bowl of the delicious shrimp chowder.

An entrée้ of lasagna arrived with a plateful of The Duke’s signature ribs and a prime filet mignon imported from Argentina. The pasta was cooked just right and the serving was enormous. We were delighted by the ribs, which are prepared in the restaurant’s impressive wood-burning brick oven and come with the sauce on the side. The sauce is slightly sweet and offers a nice contrast to the tender smoky ribs. The medium rare filet mignon, served with the diner’s choice of sauce, was tasty and tender.



Entree้ range in price from 145 baht for fried chicken to 995 baht for a huge combo meal of imported strip loin steak and shrimp fettuccini Alfredo. Filet mignon begins at 565 baht, ribs are 250 baht for a full rack and the lasagna is 175 baht.



The Duke’s also features a wide range of dishes to delight vegetarian diners such as spinach and vegetable lasagna at 135 baht and a grilled vegetable and cheese Dagwood sandwich at 110 baht. Seafood lovers will enjoy a variety of delicacies including a creative honey smoked chili tuna filet at 315 baht.



We saved room for dessert, and were not disappointed by the fabulous Dutch apple pie that easily served the three of us, 55 baht.



I can’t wait to try a few more specialties at The Duke’s - the Cuban sandwich, the shrimp and chicken picatta, and the pastrami Reuben come to mind. So does the homemade ice cream. According to Pin, “We make everything fresh on the premises, except the butter, of course!”



The Duke’s, 49/4-5 Chiang Mai–Lamphun Road, Chiang Mai, telephone 053-249-231, take out and catering available.

Paul’s Ratings

Food Quality 8

Service 9

Ambiance 8

Value 7

Average cost per meal excluding alcohol 350-400 baht

Booking for Group dining: diningoutcnx@yahoo.com

Directions: From the American Consulate follow the river south and cross the Narawat Bridge (2nd left turn). At the traffic lights on the other side of the river turn right and go about 200 meter. You’ll see the big green side “The Dukes” on the left side of the road.

Amazing Thailand เมืองไทยน่าเที่ยว

2/17/2010

Thailand as best tourist country for its eighth consecutive year winning award


Thailand wins 'Best Tourist Country Award' from Swedish magazine

BANGKOK: -- (TNA) – Thailand has been named the world's Best Tourist Country by a leading Swedish magazine, marking its eighth consecutive year for winning the award, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office in Stockholm, the Swedish capital.

Picture: Doi Suthep - Chiangmai, Taxi Chiangmai 081 617 2116 Patrick

Thai ambassador to Sweden Thanarat Thanaputt and TAT Stockholm office assistant director Anchalee Kumwong last week accepted the Best Tourist Country Award presented by the Swedish publication "Travel News" in its 2010 annual Grand Travel Award ceremony.

The kingdom was voted as this year's winner from seven other nominated countries, Australia, Egypt, Italy, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, and the United States.

The Thai envoy said the country won the award because of its unique and wide-ranging tourist attractions.

Not only tropical environment—sun, sea and sand, but also various cultural and beautiful tourist destinations are the strength of Thailand's tourism.

Due to the diversity of tourist attractions, tourists can experience the "3Vs" -- value for money, variety and very Thai (Thai-ness), while enjoying their holidays in Thailand, Mr Thanarat said.

Meanwhile, national flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) won a second place award for the Best International Flight in 2010.

The annual Grand Travel Award ceremony, the Sweden's largest travel-related event, has been held by Travel News, a leading Swedish travel publication since 1993.

The awards also feature other travel-related categories including tourist countries, airline and cruise services. (TNA)

MCOT News
-- TNA 2010-02-16

2/08/2010

Flower Festival Parade in Chiangmai

Thanks Tim-Photograper, following are a nice photos from Flower Festival Parade in Chiangmai which is self-explainatory







2/05/2010

House of Palm, one of the Best Thai cuisine in Chiangmai

Reviewed by Paul Schoenkopf and he gonna coordinated a dining out group for next Feb 18th, to join please e-mail diningoutcnx@hotmail.com

Taxi Service: 500 Baht round trip 3-4 persons per car, call 081 617 2116 Patrick

House of Palm
f Palm Restaurant
162 / 6 Moo 5, Raungnaue, Doi Saket, Chiang Mai +66 (0)53-291401 +66 (0)81-9508559 (01/12/2008) After living in Los Angeles and owning and operating the very successful "Jitlata" restaurant there, Khun Montree and his lovely wife Khun Tim have returned to their native Chiang Mai and opened the " House of Palm " in Doi Saket. An inviting tropical garden style restaurant features primarily Thai cuisine with their own personal flair. Attended by a very helpful and friendly staff each dish arrives after having been carefully prepared and is artfully presented for your dining pleasure. The exotic menu offers delicious selections for every taste from the very spicy to mild.

A modest wine list is available as is a selection of beer and soft drinks. It is well worth the short drive out the Chiang Mai-Doi Saket-Chiang Rai Rd. 500 meters past the 13 kilometre marker turn left on Soi Luang Nua a short distance to the "House of Palm" on the left hand side of the soi.

Most major credit cards are accepted and there is ample parking on the premises.

Reservations are recommended Tel: 059 291 401.

Open Thursday through Sunday.

Taxi Service: 500 Baht round trip 3-4 persons per car, call 081 617 2116 Patrick

Paul’s Ratings:

Food Quality 10

Service 9

Ambiance 9

Value: 9

Average meal excluding alcohol: 200-250 baht per person