Mango Tree

"Sawasdee Kah."

Although I didn't hear anyone greet me quite like that, they mighty well could have. I went to dinner at the newly opened Mango Tree Bistro last night [Greenbelt 5], and to my surprise was very satisfied with the food. I heard it was a Thai restaurant, and I was just praying it wouldn't be "Filipino" Thai - where everything is sweetened up for our local taste buds. I didn't find that at all in Mango Tree; our dishes had just the right kick, spice, and flavor. I really hope they keep it that way! We attended a tasting dinner and got to sample some of the top dishes from the menu. I took a look at their menu and found other things that I want to go back and try, including some of their drinks as well. They are still in their soft opening stage, so give them a while to warm up in the kitchen. The ambience is not as traditional as the food, it's more of a modern atmosphere with mirrors, beaded window curtains and over-sized red and purple pillows lining the cushioned seats over at the back wall. Come to think about it, those were probably Thai silk pillows... Haha! Anyways, let's show some love and follow Mango Tree on Facebook & Twitter.

Tom Yum Goong [spicy sour soup w/ mushrooms, shrimps kaffir, lemongrass, fresh herbs] This was really spicy for me!

Thod Mun Goong [deep fried fresh shrimp cakes w/ sweet chili sauce]

Som Tum Thai [green papaya salad w/ dried shrimps, peanuts, tomato] Loved this salad, so refreshing.

Talay Prik Thai Dum [stir fried seafood w/ black pepper sauce]

Gai Ta Krai Yung [grilled lemongrass chicken w/ Thai dipping sauce] You *must* get this, I think this will be their star best seller.

Panang Nua [red curry w/ beef and kaffir lime leaves]

Bagoong Rice Don't get plain rice, get this!

Pad Thai Jay [stir fried rice noodles w/ bean sprouts, egg, tofu, peanuts chives] Vegetarian friendly; another dish I would order again.

Khao Niew Mamuang [fragrant sticky jasmine rice w/ coconut cream sauce and mango] My favorite Thai dessert!

Thanks, love.

Cholada

Beach shackin' it up at Cholada [Malibu]

Siam Deli

Another photo-blog. This one from the Siam Deli at JW Marriot Phuket Resort & Spa.

Trader Ming's

Earlier today I engaged my Trader Ming boxes in a raw photo shoot; no touch ups, no accessories, no set design. Just boxes in the nude like you would find them on the shelf at your local Trader Joe's. I know I know, dishes from scratch always turn out tasting better than "already made" or "pre-packaged" meals, but sometimes on-the-go 2-minute meals can cut it. Case in point: Trader Ming entrees inspired by exotic Asian flavors [Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Green Curry, Kung Pao]. Although... I swear Americans made up Kung Pao - I've never really heard this term used in the Asian circuit.

It's soooo easy too prepare, too easy. Open up the sealed noodles or rice package and dump the contents into the to-go box. Open up the other sealed sauce package and dump that into the same box. Separate and mix around with a fork. Close the to-go box and nuke it for 2 minutes and WALA, it's ready to eat! Obviously I know what the real thing tastes like - and I know that it's better - but this is pretty darn good for an attempt at un-frozen Asian convenience food. I always feel like I'm chowing down on take-out when I'm having my Trader Ming's... Hehe.