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Koh Samui – Tandoori Night’s

Tandoori Night’s

Thailand is always a magical place for travelers, tourists, adventure seekers and those who want a taste of Asian cuisine. Reading about it is not convincing enough till you get the opportunity to go down there yourself. The Indian restaurant Tandoori nights’ in Koh samui is one food joint that stood out from the rest. The experience here will always remain memorable. I had just had a short stroll across the Island and wanted to shelter from the scorching heat outside. So I stumbled across the place by chance.

The service offered to a customer is top-notch, providing a welcoming atmosphere. Arriving at an order is confusing as the air is filled with sweet, spicy aromas of tasty dishes emanating from the kitchen. I decided to try a variety of indian dishes: Smosa, aloo gobi, malai kofta, garlic naan and steamed rice.

Before the meal arrived I took the liberty of trying out a bar cocktail. The bright fruity concoctions have a sweet nectary taste. There is no greater feeling than sipping a sweet drink while listening to Indian music. Outside I could see several other tourists pass by as the locals solicited them to enter into the joint.

In barely 30 minutes my food arrived and the display was remarkable. It’s not my first time ordering Indian food but I have never had anything this tasty before. The garlic naan  was simply the best garlic bread i’ve ever had! The vegetable samosa was crunchy on the outside and soft, hot and comforting on the inside. It was filled with snow peas and potatoes seasoned with Indian spices. The aloo gobi and the malai kofta were also amazingly good. Malai kofta is a hot dish it’s semolina balls filled with cheese and swim in creamy sauce I mixed it with the steamed rice and it was delicious. Aloo gobi is mixed potatoes and cauliflower cooked in strong indian spices. The dish was so moist and tasty.

During my stay in Thailand I hardly took  my tour guide handbook, instead I just went out with an adventurous mentality. With such an attitude I kept discovering amazing places. The locals offer visitors great hospitality and you also get the chance of witnessing raw Asian culture. On leaving the restaurant only one thing was certain, I would be back again.

Written by: Lior Y.


Phetchabun – Starland Restaurant & Bar

 Starland Restaurant & Bar

Thailand at its best is represented by many things: the people, the culture, the food and the atmosphere. When you can find all of these elements coming together in balance, you know you’ve happened upon a real jewel.  That’s exactly the feeling I had when I stopped in for a meal at Starland Restaurant and Bar in Thailand’s Petchabun Province. Nestled at the heart of Amphur Lom Sak, Starland provides an oasis for refreshment from the heat, and a pleasant way to rehydrate and refuel for my continuing tour around the area.

The restaurant is owned and operated by a Thai family, but smiles need no interpretation.  Friendly staff and customers made the language barrier almost unnoticeable, and a dual language menu with good photographs meant that I had no issue being understood while choosing my meal.

The smells that filled the air would have whetted anyone’s appetite. The aromas reflected the unique taste combinations that define authentic Thai food – sweetness meeting the heat of chili, basil dancing with lemongrass, garlic and cilantro teasing the nose and exciting the tongue.  This mouthwatering bouquet urged me to order generously and quickly!

The menu has plenty of options, but is not overwhelmingly large.  I had the choice of anything from steaks, salads, pastas, or typical Thai dishes. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and when in Thailand, do as the Thais do!  Deciding to stick with local cuisine, I ordered a Pad Thai with chicken. While I waited with my taste buds on high alert, I was served with a cocktail from the bar. The bar sets Starland apart from many other local restaurants.  While the beer selections are the standard Singha, Tiger, and Heineken, the cocktail menu serves to brighten up your day.  The menu is boldly presented on a blackboard behind the bar, advertising a variety of bright, colorful, and fruity concoctions. I wanted a cocktail, but was spoiled for choice and asked the bartender to choose for me.  I was treated to the Starland Whiskey Sour, a tantalizing mix of American Bourbon whiskey, sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice.  Great combination! The oakiness of the Bourbon sets a nice bass note for the cocktail, and the sour and sweet elements were in perfect balance.  Highly recommended.

I enjoyed the local music playing in the background. In daylight hours the music plays on an overhead system and has decent variety and good sound quality, while at night live music from a two-piece band is provided.  I watched the hustle and bustle of the passing tourists and locals, willing them to come in and join in this wondrous experience. It wasn’t long before my food arrived, interrupting my people-watching and putting an end to my hunger.  After the first bite, I knew that I would have been willing to wait an hour for such deliciousness, but was glad I didn’t have to! I’ve had Pad Thai many times before, but nothing like this, ever. The fluffy fried rice carried a mixture of herbs and spices that I just could not place. The chicken was tender, juicy and beautifully browned. There is nothing more off putting for me than chicken that is pale and undercooked, but the crew at Starland had this done perfectly.

I questioned the Chef on the spices and flavorings used in the dish, but I was met only by a cheeky grin. I can understand the desire to keep the secrets – this is what brings so many customers back a second time. I will definitely be going back for more. As my plate was whisked away by the very efficient busboy, my dessert arrived. I love coconut, so I settled on the Khanom Krok. These were the richest, creamiest coconut cups I have ever put to my lips and the few pounds on the hips were worth every heavenly bite. A freshly brewed cup of espresso rounded out the meal nicely.

What made the whole experience so wonderful was the cheerful disposition of all the staff. The atmosphere among the customers was festive, and laughter rang out through the dining room frequently. I did not hear one complaint on the night and I certainly had none of my own.

I am sure that there are many of these hidden treasures in Thailand.  All you need to do is look around, remain open minded, and take that step into the unknown. Order a local dish and experience local hospitality and culture. I decided to experience Thailand in every aspect, and to me the food and people are what make the nation great. You might be pleasantly surprised, just as I was. I stepped out of that restaurant back into the steamy afternoon and made a mental note to plan a return visit on my way back.

 

Written by: Cedric Shaddy

 

London – Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill

 

This awesome restaurant is situated in London, United Kingdom and offers attractive and impressive services ever. Dining in this spectacular restaurant is not just a meal but also an experience that has remained to click in my mind. Indeed, I found it to be the best and outstanding in terms of the variety of foods and wines just to mention.

If you are looking for an excellent restaurant, as for me, I would recommend this for your dinner or even breakfast. Amazingly, there are so many benefits that I found out in in the few hours I spend in the same restaurant as is worth for everyone to consider. In this case, the benefits include but not limited to the following:

  • Affordable prices. The prices of the foods, drinks and wine are welcoming. As for my case, I spend a little amount and I was very much satisfied and fulfilled from what I ate. Therefore, the prices are manageable and that means you will never strain out of your budget.
  • Variety. Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill has all that it takes to be called a restaurant. The foods that are available just to mention include the fish pie and stew, lemon sole, Pappardelle, sea bass, crevettes and clams among others. Of all the foods that you can find here, I really enjoyed fish pie and this became my favorite since that day I visited Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill restaurant.
  • Friendly services. Amazingly, the customer service that I found in this awe-inspiring restaurant is just wow! I really liked the welcoming nature of the waiters and everyone in there. In my factual opinion, the services that you can find in here are not just professional but also fulfilling.

Conclusion

In summary, the Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill is indeed the best restaurant ever. The restaurant meals are delicious and cost effective. Therefore, it is a recommendable place for everyone.

Written by: Lay Luck

Link To Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BentleysOysterBar

 

Brazda Lui Novac – Restaurant La Rocca – Ex Cleo

Baked Potato
Baked Potato

Restaurant La Rocca – ex Cleo is a sophisticated restaurant located in street Brazda Lui Novac in Romania. It opens every day of the week, unlike many other restaurants in the area. If you are in Romania for a vacation or business meeting or conference, you should not worry about where you can take your best Romanian dish as Restaurant La Rocca – ex Cleo surpasses the rest in the area with their catering expertise. One thing that makes me comfortable about this place the first moment when I enter is the hygiene and clean air. The restaurant has been designed in such a way that it is in open air and yet looks so comfortable. It allows me to relax as I can choose to stay under a shade when there is some sun shining, or decide to enjoy a cool drink in the free open air space. It is a restaurant that has the capability of hosting large events and all you need is to make some reservations with the management.

They serve great meals just the way you love them at affordable prices. The restaurant has a large garden and courtyard which gives me the comfort that only nature can provide. The trees around and in the area contributes highly in the circulation of air.

My pick of their menu that is serviceable is unquestionable. I mostly love taking Ciolan la protap when I visit this place, which I visit every day for lunch so to say. Ciolan la protap is a slowly roasted pork knuckle that is enormous and is served with mamaliga and sauerkraut. Actually, what I love most about this dish in this restaurant is that, the dish is huge enough for two, but I take it alone. I am the kind of person who love enjoying what they have paid for and in sufficient amounts. In some other hotels, you might be served the main dish, but you might mistake it for appetizer. Restaurant La Rocca – ex Cleo serves their own highly drinkable beer too.

The restaurant is located in the town and, therefore, that makes it easy to rush there for the lunch break during working days. When I am too committed, I sometimes go for take away or takeout services when I have no time to have a seated lunch. If you have occasions you would wish to get hosted in a classic manner, Restaurant La Rocca – ex Cleo is the place to be. It is perfect if your occasion involves:

· Romantic occasions

· Families with children

· Large groups

· Special occasions like graduations and birthdays

· Dining on a budget

 

Written by: Rechel Smith

 

New York City – Marcony Ristorante

Are you in New York and missing to take some Italian dishes? If yes, then you need to do what I did and visit Marcony Ristorante. It is located on Lexington Avenue in the 31st and 32nd street in New York. The restaurant is usually open all the days of the week except on Sunday. It is a clean, cozy Italian restaurant with numerous delicious dishes. There is a reason why Italian dishes (food and drinks) are nearly as famous as Italy’s historical and artistic assets. If you want to have a taste of Amarone, Chianti and Barolo among others while in New York then this is the place to be.

In this restaurant, you are first welcomed by the Italian décor images and statues. The restaurant has got diverse ways to decorate the tables with various table clothes. Since I started visiting Marcony Ristorante, I have witnessed a different type and design of table clothes every time I visit. To me, the restaurant gives me an attitude of comfort and joy of life.

The table arrangements encourages the comfort of every person, whether a group, couple or individual. This is because there are tables that have been arranged to accommodate more than two people, while others are for two only. This gives the opportunity of holding events like parties and birthdays. All you need to do for this is make reservations with the management in order for you to get the kind atmosphere that you are looking for. This is where I held my graduation party and the arrangement process is easy and simple. You only need to make a call and give details. After that consider everything done after paying a down-payment.

My favorite dishes in this restaurant are:

· Fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, shrimp and fettuccine with leeks. This mostly I take during summer in order to keep light and healthy.

· Burrata fondue sauce with Eggplant soufflé. This is an elegant way for Marcony that makes me forget my diet and just smile.

· Pink pepper corn together with tuna carpaccio. This is usually combined with frisse salad, red onion, extra virgin oil and sweet orange. This is my best dish of all.

You should visit and taste their special food and best dish. The master of the kitchen is Chef Cesar and without him, the restaurant would be far from what it is right now. I love his job and it is what makes me feel I must drop by to have a taste of what he took time to prepare so to say. Marcony Ristorante is one of the best in New York so to say.

Written by: clirack

Link to Restaurant Facebook: www.facebook.com/Marcony-Ristorante-124866924243850/

New York City – Pizzeteria Brunetti

Pizzeteria Brunetti, a Home Away From Home!

Pizzeteria Brunetti - Wine & Pizza
Pizzeteria Brunetti – Wine & Pizza

Me and my husband have a tradition of eating out at a new restaurant every weekend. This weekend, we decided to try out ‘Pizzetteria Brunetti’. We have tried and tested almost all the big pizza chains in the New York City, yet we had no idea that the pizzas at Brunetti will be better.

We reached the restaurant early, which worked in our advantage as we got to sit outside in the cute garden and enjoy the open air sunset. The ambience of Pizzetteria is beautiful, and offers something for everyone. For hopeless romantics like us, there is the garden outside, for the bachelors and mates, there is a bar with high quality beer and wine, for the hygiene fanatics, there are kitchen views.

The way staff operates inside the restaurant is also remarkable. It reminded us of a choreographed routine, with one member continuously kneading the dough, the other sprinkling all the toppings and the third putting the pizza in the oven.

We started off our order with a bottle of Alglianco, mixed olives and potato croquettes. The buttery sauce on the croquettes was to die for. Then we ordered their signature Vongole pizza, which was a perfect combination of garlic, clams and cheese. The quality of the pizza was amazing. The balance of different elements struck all the right cords. The dough was soft, the crust had just the right crisp, and the amount of toppings was just about right.

We called the night an end with a tiramisu as a dessert. With amazing restaurant service and delicious food, Pizzetteria Brunetti has become one of my favourite places to stop by for my pizza cravings. However, the prices of the pizzas incline towards the high-end, so I would reserve this place for special occasions only. If anyone wants to tantalize their taste buds with the best pizzas in NYC, this is the place to be.

 

Written by: Alan Parker

Link to ‘Pizzetteria Brunetti’ Facebook: www.facebook.com/pizzetteriabrunettinyc/

 

 

Oklahoma – Napoli’s Italian Restaurant

Napoli’s Italian Restaurant, Oklahoma

The restaurant is located in Alex, Oklahoma, home to quite a few stake joints, so it stands out a little. Ironically though, you will find Napoli’s in a strip mall back in the corner, meaning when you come into the parking lot you have to look for it. The overall setting is adequate and the staff is quite amicable. The restaurant has a chilled atmosphere and they have quite a few strong dishes, regardless of the searing reviews from critics on yelp. This comes from the fact America has fine-tuned its taste for exotic dishes through the melting pot of cultures that have integrated in urban centers for the past few generations. For a unicorn, this restaurant gets a few things right though.

The first dish worth mentioning is the Chocolate Tiramsu. Classic tiramisu does not usually have chocolate but the way that it paired was a pleasant surprise. All skeptics are invited to try it out for their benefit. The best dish I would say is the dinner salad with the creamy marinara dipping sauce for the homemade garlic rolls. The rate is also quite appealing considering the dipping sauce portion allocated.

This is a good place to go to if you are looking for something above the usual within the Italian market for any meal. The customer service is on point and the food is on another level. Positive reviews from clientele always claim about original flavors. At the same time, the pricing is quite good considering. Most items on the menu go for $15 or less and the servings are so significant, they are almost suspicious. So the next time you go come through Alex, Oklahoma, this is one of the best options if you are feeling Italian or gourmet. I would say one of the best Italian places in the country.

 

Written By: Jeff Willingtone