THE DRINKS PAGE

EURO-STYLE!

'British cuisine', like 'military intelligence', is one of the world's great oxymorons, someone said. A gastronomic tour of this city will surely dispel that myth, with the great British breakfast, fish and chips and pie and mash available in many locations. But 'mainland Europe' has a certain extra style, panache, whatever. It ain't what you do it's the way that you do it!

One of Chiangmai's great gourmets, British, (amazingly?) agrees with me and underlines how fortunate we are to have fine local examples of Italian, French, German and Swedish cuisine. Recently he drew my attention to two of his favourite Europlaces - with a fun Thai place for good measure.

Years ago the Brits had a long running kids' TV series in which the hero travelled through space in a tiny police box. This was about 10 times bigger inside than outside, a fete achieved masterfully by Chez John Coq Au Rico out near the airport, a stylish, up-market place where advance bookings are recommended. John Evelyn himself has years of experience here, hosts Extremely High Ranking clients, gives consistent top quality and some very rare and wonderful wines. A must-try for special nights out.

The Thai member of the stylish trio also has years of quality accolades (30!) of pleasing people. Ban Rai Yarm Yen means 'country house at sunset' and indeed the lovely old house just across the Superhighway off Farham Road is just that, offering northern Thai cuisine accompanied by cowboys playing live northern folk songs every night. Drop over!

* Getting by in Thai aids imbibers, so Aussie Maurice and Scots John at True Blue have sensibly put the two together. Fun, informal lessons from a qualified Thai teacher cost only 50B out back in the evening quiet of Up 2 U bar. So U2 can poot passar Thai Monday to Friday from 6.30pm. True Blue quiz nights continue strongly Tuesday nights from 8.00pm and there are improvements to the menu. "And our mashed potato is still real potato" adds John proudly.

* The young at heart would never forget, but I'll remind the rest of us that February 14th is Valentines Day. Special events all around, but the Amari Rincome is the only place which bothered to tell me about them. Chef Stefan Frenzel has a special menu for romantic couples in La Gritta restaurant and there's even free glasses of sparkly white stuff from 7.00pm. Reservations on 221123, ext 14, might be a good idea.

* "Let them eat cake" said Marie Antoinette, but few of her listeners realised she was previewing German Eckhard's innovation at Grillstation. If she'd got her PR act together properly she'd have added that Swiss and German cakes at 40B or 60B each are now for consumption or take-away at this neat little place off Charoenprathet, across from the Diamond Riverside. I reckon Grillstation and The Irish Pub are two of the best places for Grand Prix watching, first 2 being scheduled for March 4 and 18th.

* December Bar, run by Khun Ot, sits at the top of Rachamanka Road near Moon Muang and the top of Loi Kroh. Happy hour until 6.30pm offers low prices and there's quite an astonishing choice of cocktails. Often open until breakfast time (and the food next door at The Corner is equally good value) this is a busy, friendly place well worth your attention.

It's from Ponderosa Pine, "President" of the USA "Government in exile" here in Chiangmai (see the news pages) re his home nation, though he could have been speaking for so many western expats: "Leave it to love it!"

BUT I DON’T GIVE A CLUCK!

Please Prime Minister Stop the drugs! Pay the police! End animal abuse!

David Hardy, Suphat Mahawan, Wiyada Kantarod

Chiangmai and the North

My Chiangmai

David Hardy

Mountain People

The Hmong

That's the Spirit!

David Hardy

The Drinks Page

Night Fowl

Letters

Heart to Heart

MAMMOTHS NOT FOUND IN CHIANGMAI!

On-going debate on the reported presence of a whole herd of mammoths in south western Chiangmai province!.(...).

MISS THIPAPORN. I am 28 years old and single. I am only 155 cms tall and weigh 45kgs. I don’t smoke or drink alcohol. (...).

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