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[brahmburgers]

I haven't read the earlier postings here, so I don't know if it's been mentioned....

However, there's a small restaurant downtown near the night bazaar.   I think it's called TAPAS, across from the south entrance of the department store (with TOPS) across the street.    It's a few doors east of Starbright restaurant/spa.    The Brit owner's wife also runs the massage place next door on its left.  

Have only been there once, but the serving was more than ample.    A big chunk of tasty chicken with bunches of veges and salad around it.   Enough for two!   .....and all for under Bt.100.     Plus the veges were farang style, so you can actually taste them - rather than overcooked, heavily seasoned Thai style.

[brahmburgers]

I'm going to amend my own post.  Turns out the place I mentioned in the previous post is now called Tascas - though it's original name was Tapas.

I also like Chat House g.h. - just west of Overbrook - for American breakfasts - at only 70 baht.  For that you get the eggs, decent bread, bacon, potatoes and o.j. or caffeine.   Real coffee is 10 baht extra.   Their fruit salad with yogurt and muesli is quite good - and is also low priced.   They probably have other good stuff on their menu, tho that's all I'm familiar with.

If you're there with a half hour of so to spare, check out the temple complex next door.  Particularly the all wood newly built temple - incredible craftmanship, especially for its large scale.  Upstairs is a very respectable little museum of Buddhist artifacts.  Also, their turtle pond is fun - especially if you have kids along.   Above the turtle pond is a small Buddhist chapel with impressive paintings.  Incidentally, a Chinese slang word for penis is their word for 'turtle head.'

[lannaman]

The name of the temple is Wat Phra Kaew. It was the original home of the Emerald Buddha, now the most highly revered Buddha Image in the temple of the same name in Bangkok. There is a replica of it in the Crai temple.
The Chat House GH is a little way up the small soy (as you look at the temple gate) to the right. I agree about the good breakfasts, their lunch menu is good too, I had lunch there today - Tom Kah Gy with a large plate of rice- aroy! 50 baht.
Lannaman is often found there reclining on their comfortable sofas taking a nap when he has a two hour or so break between teaching! There is also a copy of the BKK Post there daily. Don't all turn up at once as it an oasis of peace!

[brahmburgers]

update on my earlier mention of Tascas - the little restaurant that I raved about.  It was near the entrance to the night Bazaar (across from Tops' north side).   It no longer exists.  The place is now just a blah little beer bar.

It's a weird pattern:  Many times when I've found a great restaurant in Chiang Rai - the place closes down soon after.  It happened with Gary Garron (1st and 2nd places), and with an open air place near the old airport (run by some pretty Sai Baba devotees), and several other places.    I must be a jinx.  Message here:  if you open a groovy little restaurant with great food and low prices, don't allow me to be a regular customer - you may have to shut down operations.  

Meanwhile, most of the thousands of tamada (regular) restaurants all over town stay open - with their blah denatured rice, their MSG, their coagulated pig's blood soup, fried crickets. fried eggs dripping with week-old oil.  I guess the people have spoken, and that's what they like.  Actually, for most Thais, it's not the quality of the food that counts, it's the cheapness of the place.  If a place has 15 baht meal, it won't matter how decrepit the food is, it will have customers.  If the place next door has the same menu item, but a lot better quality for an extra 5 baht,  the crowd will still flock to the cheaper place.

[sceadugenga]

Not my wife, I went to a computer expo at the Little Duck Hotel a while back and she lost interest early and went across the street to a small eatery.
When I followed her over later the barely touched food was still in front of her while she berated the cook for the substandard offering. She will never go back there even if they give it away.

[goski]

That's a very interesting aspect Brahm. Generalizing that because a cheap eatery is full it must mean that most Thais are cheap. Not even a single circumstance as well like what age group, time of the day, weekend etc etc. Doesn't really fit well logically in my book. Fair enough that western owned places shut down, that happens all the time and Chiang Rai is not a place for western food unless you're aiming at coach tours, e.g Ayes etc. We all know that. Well, we should anyway.

I could probably mention that every time I go to a more expensive Thai restaurat, there are alot of Thais in there but I don't say that means all of them have alot of cash. Simple logic and much more correct since Thailand is as any other country in the world with both people with a little money, and those with alot. And they of course, choose their place accordingly.

[chang35baht]

Or it could just be that Brahms hasn`t got a f#@&ing clue what he`s talking about. Could be!

[ray23]

Ayes Resturant Chaing Rai
869/170 Phaholyothin rd.
053-752534

Thsi si actually my favorite Resturant in Thaland.

Bring your ATM card though not cheap.

But then again I only visit Chaing Rai about every four years

[brahmburgers]

chang35baht, on 2008-12-26 07:23:54, said:

Or it could just be that Brahms hasn`t got a f#@&ing clue what he`s talking about. Could be!

yes, that must be the case.

[Jahil]

I am actually in town.

Is there any updates about the good restaurants in town????

[goski]

If anyone else misses their surkål I can give them a tip. Go to the market and buy either white or red cabbage. Boil it with a little bit of water and vinegar, salt, whole pepper corns and maybe a bay leaf or two. Basic cooking for the farangs with some spare time, about 30 minutes.

[chang35baht]

goski, on 2009-04-29 13:43:40, said:

If anyone else misses their surkål I can give them a tip. Go to the market and buy either white or red cabbage. Boil it with a little bit of water and vinegar, salt, whole pepper corns and maybe a bay leaf or two. Basic cooking for the farangs with some spare time, about 30 minutes.

Sounds exciting, boiled cabbage with a vinegary taste. Thanks for the tip Goski.

[goski]

Well, it's not a Swedish recipe and looking into some from your own pitch we have culinary disasters as "cullen skink", "herring in oatmeal"and of course the highly technical "claggum" with the explanation: "It is a very simple recipe and MAY be suitable for younger adults to make IF THEY ARE SUPERVISED". Ingredients: One teacup of cold water and two teacups of black treacle.

[chang35baht]

goski, on 2009-04-30 06:46:43, said:

Well, it's not a Swedish recipe and looking into some from your own pitch we have culinary disasters as "cullen skink", "herring in oatmeal"and of course the highly technical "claggum" with the explanation: "It is a very simple recipe and MAY be suitable for younger adults to make IF THEY ARE SUPERVISED". Ingredients: One teacup of cold water and two teacups of black treacle.

Takes years of experience to get that one just right. Also used for sealing roofs.

Edited by chang35baht, 2009-04-30 08:42:23.

[mcgriffith]

I'll stick with the steak, medium rare, with green peppercorn sauce. Liberal lashings of red plonk to accompany...


Herrings with oatmeal?  

[sceadugenga]

Big C has a nice South African Shiraz, Mont Claire Bin 9 Reserve at 285B a bottle that is very drinkable.

[EASYDOGG]

sceadugenga, on 2009-05-01 10:40:25, said:

Big C has a nice South African Shiraz, Mont Claire Bin 9 Reserve at 285B a bottle that is very drinkable.

I stayed at Laliuna resort and hotel on Sannambin Road near the old airport prior to eventually moving here and they have a great selection of steaks, as well as a delicious Butter Chicken-get down there!

[KhaoDam]

sceadugenga, on 2009-05-01 10:40:25, said:

Big C has a nice South African Shiraz, Mont Claire Bin 9 Reserve at 285B a bottle that is very drinkable.

Following your rec I picked up a bottle of the Bin 9 today at Macro, 285B...typing this now with nice wine buzz.  For about a year I hoarded 'Red Center' Merlot/Cab (Australian) from Macro at about 400B a bottle...great stuff but no longer available.  This is nice...very peppery/ripe, but you get what you pay for.  Thanks for the rec.  A great bottle for the price.

Edited by KhaoDam, 2009-05-27 23:00:48.

[sunholidaysun1]

This section needs some real upto date information . Many of the places are no longer and as someone said , no sooner some farang owned places open up , they soon close. Mainly due to competition in the area and also the lack of tourism . The local Expats tend to go to the best places that are also the cheapest and to keep your bread and butter customers is most important as without the locals , trade dies and places close. Rent is HIGH for building rentals in the centre of town , 30k bht per month on average  and add that to the cost of equiptment , staff, electricity etc etc , the profit margin is zero unless your packed out every day .

If your seriously thinking of opening somewhere here , its best to come and do your homework . check the place out , see what the trade is like in the area at all times of the day, otherwise you will be throwing your money away .

Bars are equally dire here at the moment . Rentals per month can range from about 5,000 bht per month , with no key money required but you have to
set the place up (dont forget all the legal paperwork from the police ) .
Bars also already set up can cost anything from 5-30k per month and generally Key money for the intereior assets / goodwill is required. Again , at the moment the trade is dead , I would think near on every bar in the area are either at a loss every month after all deductions or possibly breaking even . Those bars making a profit ? Does anyone want to lose face ? Thai or Foreign owned or run.

[chang35baht]

Sorry, were you answering a question or just making an observation?

[sunholidaysun1]

On approaching the traffic lights at Den Ha from the market direction , on the right hand side of the road is a car wash and coffee shop. The Muslim Thai people who own and run it also do CURRY. Beef , Chicken or my favourite LAMB. Served with yellow rice, roti and sweet cucumber side dish and mint relish.
In my opinion the best curry for miles and only about 60 bht for the lamb inc.

Deeeeeeeeelish.

[Limbo]

chang35baht, on 2009-04-30 00:02:28, said:

goski, on 2009-04-29 13:43:40, said:

If anyone else misses their surkål I can give them a tip. Go to the market and buy either white or red cabbage. Boil it with a little bit of water and vinegar, salt, whole pepper corns and maybe a bay leaf or two. Basic cooking for the farangs with some spare time, about 30 minutes.

Sounds exciting, boiled cabbage with a vinegary taste. Thanks for the tip Goski.

Me too, thanks Goski  

I tried out the new one next to the veterinarian at San Khong Luang, called 'Steak Lovers'.
Prices inbetween 50 and 100 Baht. Nice ambience, food good.
Had the fish with the white sauce. Little bit too sweet, but absolutly good.

I was on my way to have a pat thai at the Akha ladies place, but they were closed.
And I wasn't hungry enough for Barry's smashing/bombing hamburgers, so I cultivated my experimental mood.
Barry's hamburgers number one,
Rico's hamburgers number two.
So far everybody agrees.

On the way home I picked up a couple of beers and some pays (pai's, pastries) at Tic's, Jason's lovely wife, on the San Khong Luang.

I went to the Chat House before to try their hamburgers, but when I arrived the place was full.

Hi everybody, still there?

Limbo  

[lannaman]

sunholidaysun1, on 2009-07-24 12:31:22, said:

On approaching the traffic lights at Den Ha from the market direction , on the right hand side of the road is a car wash and coffee shop. The Muslim Thai people who own and run it also do CURRY. Beef , Chicken or my favourite LAMB. Served with yellow rice, roti and sweet cucumber side dish and mint relish.
In my opinion the best curry for miles and only about 60 bht for the lamb inc.

Deeeeeeeeelish.

I tried the place last Friday. Very friendly lady and pretty daughter. Kao Man Gai Muslim style was good. On a par with the muslim restaurant just of Tanalai Road next to the mosque. Same quality food, Denha a shade dearer.
The place was empty and I haven't seen anyone eating there whenever I pass by.
They said they had Wi-fi and they gave me the password. Couldn't get a signal, they said the transmitter was in their house, I think not a good output although it was quite near.

[lannaman]

Limbo, on 2009-08-01 19:48:16, said:

chang35baht, on 2009-04-30 00:02:28, said:

goski, on 2009-04-29 13:43:40, said:

If anyone else misses their surkål I can give them a tip. Go to the market and buy either white or red cabbage. Boil it with a little bit of water and vinegar, salt, whole pepper corns and maybe a bay leaf or two. Basic cooking for the farangs with some spare time, about 30 minutes.

Sounds exciting, boiled cabbage with a vinegary taste. Thanks for the tip Goski.

Me too, thanks Goski

I tried out the new one next to the veterinarian at San Khong Luang, called 'Steak Lovers'.
Prices inbetween 50 and 100 Baht. Nice ambience, food good.
Had the fish with the white sauce. Little bit too sweet, but absolutly good.

I was on my way to have a pat thai at the Akha ladies place, but they were closed.
And I wasn't hungry enough for Barry's smashing/bombing hamburgers, so I cultivated my experimental mood.
Barry's hamburgers number one,
Rico's hamburgers number two.
So far everybody agrees.

On the way home I picked up a couple of beers and some pays (pai's, pastries) at Tic's, Jason's lovely wife, on the San Khong Luang.

I went to the Chat House before to try their hamburgers, but when I arrived the place was full.

Hi everybody, still there?

Limbo

Where the Akha Ladies place? I like Pad Thai for lunch! Can't stand bergers!
Try the soups at the Chat House Tom Yum and Tom Kah Gai are delish, The breakfasts are still good, English Brekie with fresh coffee -80 baht, nice friendly well run place.

[lannaman]

Limbo, on 2009-08-01 19:48:16, said:

chang35baht, on 2009-04-30 00:02:28, said:

goski, on 2009-04-29 13:43:40, said:

If anyone else misses their surkål I can give them a tip. Go to the market and buy either white or red cabbage. Boil it with a little bit of water and vinegar, salt, whole pepper corns and maybe a bay leaf or two. Basic cooking for the farangs with some spare time, about 30 minutes.

Sounds exciting, boiled cabbage with a vinegary taste. Thanks for the tip Goski.

Me too, thanks Goski

I tried out the new one next to the veterinarian at San Khong Luang, called 'Steak Lovers'.
Prices inbetween 50 and 100 Baht. Nice ambience, food good.
Had the fish with the white sauce. Little bit too sweet, but absolutly good.

I was on my way to have a pat thai at the Akha ladies place, but they were closed.
And I wasn't hungry enough for Barry's smashing/bombing hamburgers, so I cultivated my experimental mood.
Barry's hamburgers number one,
Rico's hamburgers number two.
So far everybody agrees.

On the way home I picked up a couple of beers and some pays (pai's, pastries) at Tic's, Jason's lovely wife, on the San Khong Luang.

I went to the Chat House before to try their hamburgers, but when I arrived the place was full.

Hi everybody, still there?

Limbo

Went to "Steak lovers" with my family. I had the fish, wife - pork streak with tasty sauce and our boy had a good size chicken steak. All delish, none was tough as it is so often in Thai Steak places.
Agree, nice ambience and very pleasant couple running it. Cost just over 200 baht for the three of us.