RHK's annual Asia trip
Nov 17th, 2018, 12:10 AM
#102
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MA--- take a wild guess-- it's bacon-- great addition to fab soup.
Saturday
Busy day for sure... Breakfast in the lounge.
A van came for us at 10:30 from SJ Jewelry.... We were their first customers today.
K&I looked at touramalines...green ones -- a bonus gift from me--rings... What we liked was 12 times the price of Thai Stone (albeit that the stone was twice as large). We are thinking about. We had June, the owner helping us and P&L had Kathie's friend Lily helping them.
P&L found a few things
KATHIE--- Lily says hello and sends her best wishes and looks forward to seeing you again soon in BKK.
From there the van dropped us at Royal Orchid Sheraton on the river in the midst of a flooding rain storm. We took the 2nd floor bridge to River City Mall to take JT material K had bought yesterday to Penny for 2 projects-- PJ pants... She also ordered a thai themed silk shell..
Peter ordered several silk shirts.
we had a bite to eat and then took a taxi to Lim Silver on a soi off of Oriental Lane. Inexpensive silver knockoffs (Tiffany, Cartier, etc). Lots of purchases there.
Finally we went around the corner to the stainless shop on Oriental. K bought stuff (flatware) for us, a wedding gift and some stuff for our youngest daughter.
Taxi back to our hotel in full sun shine.
Tonight we will be meeting Pook at Zanotti for dinner.
Tomorrow we head to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam for 5 nights at the fab JW Marriott there.
Saturday
Busy day for sure... Breakfast in the lounge.
A van came for us at 10:30 from SJ Jewelry.... We were their first customers today.
K&I looked at touramalines...green ones -- a bonus gift from me--rings... What we liked was 12 times the price of Thai Stone (albeit that the stone was twice as large). We are thinking about. We had June, the owner helping us and P&L had Kathie's friend Lily helping them.
P&L found a few things
KATHIE--- Lily says hello and sends her best wishes and looks forward to seeing you again soon in BKK.
From there the van dropped us at Royal Orchid Sheraton on the river in the midst of a flooding rain storm. We took the 2nd floor bridge to River City Mall to take JT material K had bought yesterday to Penny for 2 projects-- PJ pants... She also ordered a thai themed silk shell..
Peter ordered several silk shirts.
we had a bite to eat and then took a taxi to Lim Silver on a soi off of Oriental Lane. Inexpensive silver knockoffs (Tiffany, Cartier, etc). Lots of purchases there.
Finally we went around the corner to the stainless shop on Oriental. K bought stuff (flatware) for us, a wedding gift and some stuff for our youngest daughter.
Taxi back to our hotel in full sun shine.
Tonight we will be meeting Pook at Zanotti for dinner.
Tomorrow we head to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam for 5 nights at the fab JW Marriott there.
Nov 18th, 2018, 09:16 PM
#104
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So the wonderful Zanotti dinner---
We got there a bit early--it is near to Silom Rd and Rama IV. The place was already 1/2 full. We were seated at a nice corner table with 6 chairs, a bit out of the main stream. PERFECT..
Dang and Pook (Hanuman) arrived shortly and the play began... Hugs and kisses all around. Pook had brought some lovely French champagne (my fav orange label). That was continuously poured---thanks Pook. Lots of chitter chatter and Dang gave a gift bag to Karen and Linda-- thai treats--- she is always so kind and thoughtful...
Pook began to order hors d'ouvres for the table-- special fried Chinese mushrooms-- finger food; over the top large perfectly cooked sea scollops with a fabulous saffron sauce each served on a shell, a warm clam salad, an over the top shaved artichoke salad and maybe something else I have forgotten..
Next up was ordering the mains from the extensive: Karen, Pook, and Linda each had the Salk encrusted baked cod, with one of the 3 fish deconstructed at our table--makes for a nice show. Dang had octopus, I had a fillet, and Peter had a risotto dish.
A light white Italian Pinot was selected and served around the table.
We had to sample desserts so a tray of ice cream was served but the real star was the two enormous supply inglaise-- a rich layered flakey, merrigned, pastry-- so rich... Benita-ish...
4000B+ per couple-- a bargain really, but elegant... BUT more important is the continued friendships--- all Fodors based...
Sunday we were up early and a pre-scheduled van came for us at 8. Our luggage (4 of us was overweight to the tune of $194, which was reduced by $40 because they found K was an active FF member-- mine was inactive).
Our Bangkok Air flight from BKK to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam was on time. Turbo prop ATR 72-600. I had a wheelchair so we were loaded first from the rear of the plane---did someone say tiny seats-- I managed for the 1.5+ hour flight. Lunch was served..
K hired a large van to get to the hotel 20-30 minute ride-- $17.
Our rooms were upgraded and we ended up almost next to each other in Bldg 5, the fine arts department of this university replica 1920's French style. Our room al lows you to step directly outside onto the adult swimming pool deck-- how do you say perfect.. K&I have the option of moving to a super large Turquoise suite later in the stay if we want-- tempting???
The campus is quite large so we call for golf carts to take us around...
We had a lite lunch after settling in at French & Co, the snack restaurant.
Last night was the weekly "street fair" from 6-10. We walked through the lantern lit Main Street where stalls were set up with goodies, foods, crafts, etc for sale-- very festive.
We took our dinner in the main dining room... Good menu: I had pumpkin soup and some sushi, Peter had beef fettechiny (sp), Linda had a huge Pho, and K had 1/2 a baked chicken and a side of rattitouille... ice cream, sorbet, chocolate raspberry cake for dessert. Excellent dinner.
Monday
The girls walked the beach at 6:30-- about 1 mile.
Buggy to breakfast, Benita's fav (she came here with us last year). Amazing... Nice greeting from staff. Ty Collins, the GM, stopped by to say hello and we had a nice chat. We have been following him for about 10 years since he was our fav GM at the JW Marriott in Khao Lak, Thailand.
He told us that this hotel has just been declared #4 in Asia--- that's no surprise to us... and also one of top 50 resorts in the world.
Relaxing today, with pool, internet, etc. It is overcast and there have been two showers so far.
Tonight we have a 7PM res at the fine dining French restaurant on the property. Looking forward to that...
We got there a bit early--it is near to Silom Rd and Rama IV. The place was already 1/2 full. We were seated at a nice corner table with 6 chairs, a bit out of the main stream. PERFECT..
Dang and Pook (Hanuman) arrived shortly and the play began... Hugs and kisses all around. Pook had brought some lovely French champagne (my fav orange label). That was continuously poured---thanks Pook. Lots of chitter chatter and Dang gave a gift bag to Karen and Linda-- thai treats--- she is always so kind and thoughtful...
Pook began to order hors d'ouvres for the table-- special fried Chinese mushrooms-- finger food; over the top large perfectly cooked sea scollops with a fabulous saffron sauce each served on a shell, a warm clam salad, an over the top shaved artichoke salad and maybe something else I have forgotten..
Next up was ordering the mains from the extensive: Karen, Pook, and Linda each had the Salk encrusted baked cod, with one of the 3 fish deconstructed at our table--makes for a nice show. Dang had octopus, I had a fillet, and Peter had a risotto dish.
A light white Italian Pinot was selected and served around the table.
We had to sample desserts so a tray of ice cream was served but the real star was the two enormous supply inglaise-- a rich layered flakey, merrigned, pastry-- so rich... Benita-ish...
4000B+ per couple-- a bargain really, but elegant... BUT more important is the continued friendships--- all Fodors based...
Sunday we were up early and a pre-scheduled van came for us at 8. Our luggage (4 of us was overweight to the tune of $194, which was reduced by $40 because they found K was an active FF member-- mine was inactive).
Our Bangkok Air flight from BKK to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam was on time. Turbo prop ATR 72-600. I had a wheelchair so we were loaded first from the rear of the plane---did someone say tiny seats-- I managed for the 1.5+ hour flight. Lunch was served..
K hired a large van to get to the hotel 20-30 minute ride-- $17.
Our rooms were upgraded and we ended up almost next to each other in Bldg 5, the fine arts department of this university replica 1920's French style. Our room al lows you to step directly outside onto the adult swimming pool deck-- how do you say perfect.. K&I have the option of moving to a super large Turquoise suite later in the stay if we want-- tempting???
The campus is quite large so we call for golf carts to take us around...
We had a lite lunch after settling in at French & Co, the snack restaurant.
Last night was the weekly "street fair" from 6-10. We walked through the lantern lit Main Street where stalls were set up with goodies, foods, crafts, etc for sale-- very festive.
We took our dinner in the main dining room... Good menu: I had pumpkin soup and some sushi, Peter had beef fettechiny (sp), Linda had a huge Pho, and K had 1/2 a baked chicken and a side of rattitouille... ice cream, sorbet, chocolate raspberry cake for dessert. Excellent dinner.
Monday
The girls walked the beach at 6:30-- about 1 mile.
Buggy to breakfast, Benita's fav (she came here with us last year). Amazing... Nice greeting from staff. Ty Collins, the GM, stopped by to say hello and we had a nice chat. We have been following him for about 10 years since he was our fav GM at the JW Marriott in Khao Lak, Thailand.
He told us that this hotel has just been declared #4 in Asia--- that's no surprise to us... and also one of top 50 resorts in the world.
Relaxing today, with pool, internet, etc. It is overcast and there have been two showers so far.
Tonight we have a 7PM res at the fine dining French restaurant on the property. Looking forward to that...
Nov 19th, 2018, 10:39 PM
#110
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Relaxing as usual yesterday and today. I finalzly got into the pool-- so refreshing and relaxing to hang on the infinity edge and to listen to the pounding waves hitting the beach just 100' away. Lots of surf this year.
Our room is so nice with huge windows overlooking our patio and across the pool to the beach and ocean. It is so nice here that we have decided to refuse the upgrade to a turquoise suite, even though that would mean 5X more room and a huge living room.
The breakfasts have been especially delicious with so many homemade treats, including all the pastry and breads. The eggs, the cheeses, the sushi, the Japanese foods, the cereals, the fruits, and on and on.
Last night we went to happy hour at the Chemestry Department. We had a nice table at a ceiling to floor bi-fold door, which let in the cool evening beachside breezes. I drank mascerated mint mojohitos (sp)---yum-- new to me. Wine for the ladies and Grey Goose for P. A live Russian trio played great music which really added to the vibe. 2 for 1 btw.
At 7 we moved next door to the Pink Pearl Restaurant. It is the onsite fine dining French restaurant. It is located sea side also in a magnificent classic purpose built mansion. Like most of this hotel no expense or restraint was used in the interior decoration. Soaring 2 story plus ceilings give it a cathedral feeling. Pink and reddish hues is the color theme. Comfortable sofas and chairs are placed throughout giving it a very clubish feeling.
A trio (violin, piano, and operatic voice) provided classic music, show music etc in a soaring operatic style through our several hours there.
The menu options were a 3 or 5 course fixed priced meal , a 4 or 6 course fixed priced meal or a la carter choices of the same dishes. What to choose??
We all chose the 3 courses. This was supplemented, of course, with chef additions. Could not have eaten a larger meal honestly.
3 hors d'oeuvres were served first in a wooden box atop a ribbon folded starched white napkin and two spoons-- visually lovely but odd tasting to me. 1st course for me was a painting: a large white soup dish with a couple of mushrooms and 3 slices of truffles plus some foam on one side to which they carefully poured a rich pumpkin soup next to it. Not only magnificent looking but it tasted fabulous. With this course a choice of breads was served (I chose the dark walnut roll) with a large pyramid of herb flavored butter. The others had a flavorful mushroom tart I think.
Next was a cleansing sorbet with herbs.
K & L chose an Alsace White to have with their main course white fish.
P&I selected the lamb-- the best choice. The meat was two small round medallions of perfectly cooked medium rare lamb surrounding a circular confit of lamb. A natural gravy was poured over all three. This was accompanied by a couple of mushroom, a dollop of whipped potato and 3 beautifully roasted miniature carrots. It was delicious, rich and filling.
Next came a pre-dessert of some kind.
I chose a cheese course of 3 very fine French cheeses.
Lastly we all had the individual apple soufflé. What can I say---Perfection. It was served with a rounded teaspoon of ice cream cut into the center.
Finally a post dessert of 3 or 4 kinds of rich cookies were served under a glass dome.
All the time we were senerated by soft very French vocal music between the sets of the fabulous soaring voice of the English born operatic star and violin solos.
At the conclusion of the meal we were offered a tour of the mansion, which the ladies accepted.
For sure one of my most memorable meals.
Tonight we have a reservation at the open air seafood restaurant.
This afternoon the ladies have gone to a Chinese lantern making workshop. K did it last year and enjoyed the experience. Her lantern hangs today in her walk-in closet at home.
Off to a late lunch, ice cream happy hour.
DID I SAY HOW MUCH WE LOVE THE JW MARRIOTT RESORT AT PHU QUOC, VIETNAM !!!
Our room is so nice with huge windows overlooking our patio and across the pool to the beach and ocean. It is so nice here that we have decided to refuse the upgrade to a turquoise suite, even though that would mean 5X more room and a huge living room.
The breakfasts have been especially delicious with so many homemade treats, including all the pastry and breads. The eggs, the cheeses, the sushi, the Japanese foods, the cereals, the fruits, and on and on.
Last night we went to happy hour at the Chemestry Department. We had a nice table at a ceiling to floor bi-fold door, which let in the cool evening beachside breezes. I drank mascerated mint mojohitos (sp)---yum-- new to me. Wine for the ladies and Grey Goose for P. A live Russian trio played great music which really added to the vibe. 2 for 1 btw.
At 7 we moved next door to the Pink Pearl Restaurant. It is the onsite fine dining French restaurant. It is located sea side also in a magnificent classic purpose built mansion. Like most of this hotel no expense or restraint was used in the interior decoration. Soaring 2 story plus ceilings give it a cathedral feeling. Pink and reddish hues is the color theme. Comfortable sofas and chairs are placed throughout giving it a very clubish feeling.
A trio (violin, piano, and operatic voice) provided classic music, show music etc in a soaring operatic style through our several hours there.
The menu options were a 3 or 5 course fixed priced meal , a 4 or 6 course fixed priced meal or a la carter choices of the same dishes. What to choose??
We all chose the 3 courses. This was supplemented, of course, with chef additions. Could not have eaten a larger meal honestly.
3 hors d'oeuvres were served first in a wooden box atop a ribbon folded starched white napkin and two spoons-- visually lovely but odd tasting to me. 1st course for me was a painting: a large white soup dish with a couple of mushrooms and 3 slices of truffles plus some foam on one side to which they carefully poured a rich pumpkin soup next to it. Not only magnificent looking but it tasted fabulous. With this course a choice of breads was served (I chose the dark walnut roll) with a large pyramid of herb flavored butter. The others had a flavorful mushroom tart I think.
Next was a cleansing sorbet with herbs.
K & L chose an Alsace White to have with their main course white fish.
P&I selected the lamb-- the best choice. The meat was two small round medallions of perfectly cooked medium rare lamb surrounding a circular confit of lamb. A natural gravy was poured over all three. This was accompanied by a couple of mushroom, a dollop of whipped potato and 3 beautifully roasted miniature carrots. It was delicious, rich and filling.
Next came a pre-dessert of some kind.
I chose a cheese course of 3 very fine French cheeses.
Lastly we all had the individual apple soufflé. What can I say---Perfection. It was served with a rounded teaspoon of ice cream cut into the center.
Finally a post dessert of 3 or 4 kinds of rich cookies were served under a glass dome.
All the time we were senerated by soft very French vocal music between the sets of the fabulous soaring voice of the English born operatic star and violin solos.
At the conclusion of the meal we were offered a tour of the mansion, which the ladies accepted.
For sure one of my most memorable meals.
Tonight we have a reservation at the open air seafood restaurant.
This afternoon the ladies have gone to a Chinese lantern making workshop. K did it last year and enjoyed the experience. Her lantern hangs today in her walk-in closet at home.
Off to a late lunch, ice cream happy hour.
DID I SAY HOW MUCH WE LOVE THE JW MARRIOTT RESORT AT PHU QUOC, VIETNAM !!!
Nov 20th, 2018, 05:15 AM
#115
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Great mid-afternoon lunch and happy hour ice cream.
Back to Chemistry Dept for drinks at 5:30. Dinner at open air Red Rum tonight-- mostly seafood. Disappointed overall-- mine was cold for instance. They forgot K's dinner.
Girls loved the lantern class.
The GM and his wife invited us to the Thanksgiving turkey feast later this week. It should be fun.
Quiet day again tomorrow
P&L are enjoying their stay.
Back to Chemistry Dept for drinks at 5:30. Dinner at open air Red Rum tonight-- mostly seafood. Disappointed overall-- mine was cold for instance. They forgot K's dinner.
Girls loved the lantern class.
The GM and his wife invited us to the Thanksgiving turkey feast later this week. It should be fun.
Quiet day again tomorrow
P&L are enjoying their stay.
Nov 20th, 2018, 10:06 PM
#116
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Well I've seen it all now: a 20 something Chinese man , who knows only 1 vocal range--EXTRA LOUD, removed the emergency orange safety floatation from it's stand at the pool outside our room, and proceeded to ride around it in the pool. Now finished, he just left it floating in the pool.
Other than that it is a beautiful day here today.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and GM Ty Collins extended us an invitation last night to join he and his wife for Thanksgiving dinner at the main dining room.
Today we received a formal written invitation to a VIP cocktail party at Pink Pearl before the dinner.
We are looking forward to both.
Other than that it is a beautiful day here today.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and GM Ty Collins extended us an invitation last night to join he and his wife for Thanksgiving dinner at the main dining room.
Today we received a formal written invitation to a VIP cocktail party at Pink Pearl before the dinner.
We are looking forward to both.
Nov 21st, 2018, 05:46 AM
#117
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At 5 we went to Chemistry for happy hour.... Very relaxing sitting by a large open door near to the beach... Lovely breeze, green lights in the water from fishing boats-- maybe 25-30 of them.
At 7 we headed across the courtyard to Tempus Fugit Restaurant for dinner. Very quiet as many people have left. Great meal: sushi, shrimp thermidor, baked chicken, FF, morning glories with garlic, summer rolls, spring rolls, asparagus wrapped in bacon, ice cream, flan, chocolate cake, plus fab bread--- ~$85/couple. Really good dinner.
A buggy came for us about 9:15.
Pics to follow.
At 7 we headed across the courtyard to Tempus Fugit Restaurant for dinner. Very quiet as many people have left. Great meal: sushi, shrimp thermidor, baked chicken, FF, morning glories with garlic, summer rolls, spring rolls, asparagus wrapped in bacon, ice cream, flan, chocolate cake, plus fab bread--- ~$85/couple. Really good dinner.
A buggy came for us about 9:15.
Pics to follow.
Nov 23rd, 2018, 06:54 PM
#120
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Thanksgiving---
Breakfast as usual... it could not be better... pastry is as good as in France.
Leisurely day..
VIP cocktails in the garden at Pink Pearl. Ty hosted us for a turkey dinner-- lots of fun-- chit chat and catching up with Kim, Mrs GM. Good Italian wine.
Friday
Sadly our last day on the island..
Pre-arranged taxi at 11:30 to airport...Haggle about overweight bags again, but ended up paying nothing when supervisor stepped in.
1.5 hour flt to Bangkok. 2 taxis to Le Meridien hotel and golf course near airport. Upgraded to a nice suite overlooking golf course. Great alternative hotel to going into city.
Drinks in the bar (nice hours for Platinum members and 2 free drinks).
Dinner res at hotel Italian restaurant. Very good and reasonable.
Minestrone soup, Caesar salad, sausage with white sauce homemade pasta, wagu (sp) beef carpaccio, homemade fettuccine with meat sauce, sea bass, mango sorbet, chocolate fondant, tiramisu, and for me-- nothing-- now that is a first. All perfect.
Good bites sleep.
Breakfast downstairs-- good except for pastry..
12:30 hotel van to airport.
Bangkok Air flt to Luang Prabang, Laos--1.5 hours. Looking forward to a return trip here as it has been about 10 years. Expect to find this small town a bit overrun.
��
Breakfast as usual... it could not be better... pastry is as good as in France.
Leisurely day..
VIP cocktails in the garden at Pink Pearl. Ty hosted us for a turkey dinner-- lots of fun-- chit chat and catching up with Kim, Mrs GM. Good Italian wine.
Friday
Sadly our last day on the island..
Pre-arranged taxi at 11:30 to airport...Haggle about overweight bags again, but ended up paying nothing when supervisor stepped in.
1.5 hour flt to Bangkok. 2 taxis to Le Meridien hotel and golf course near airport. Upgraded to a nice suite overlooking golf course. Great alternative hotel to going into city.
Drinks in the bar (nice hours for Platinum members and 2 free drinks).
Dinner res at hotel Italian restaurant. Very good and reasonable.
Minestrone soup, Caesar salad, sausage with white sauce homemade pasta, wagu (sp) beef carpaccio, homemade fettuccine with meat sauce, sea bass, mango sorbet, chocolate fondant, tiramisu, and for me-- nothing-- now that is a first. All perfect.
Good bites sleep.
Breakfast downstairs-- good except for pastry..
12:30 hotel van to airport.
Bangkok Air flt to Luang Prabang, Laos--1.5 hours. Looking forward to a return trip here as it has been about 10 years. Expect to find this small town a bit overrun.
��
