Archive for May, 2006
Feeling somewhat nostalgic, I was going through the HD and came across some holiday pics that I had intended to upload some time ago. The pics were taken earlier this year during our holiday to Laos and Thailand. If any of you are considering a simular holiday, just do it, you will not be dissapointed. The Vansana Hotel is a great place to base yourself whilst in Vientiane.
Our popular mode of transport is the back of a Toyota Pick Up. The hair and mouthfull of dust and sand seems a small price to pay when you can afford the luxury of open-air travel….
Rose with one of the stone Elephants outside the Don Chan Palace. We went there for evening drinks and must say that we were surprised at the elegance and luxury that it offers. Seeing this mamouth (geddit) hotel, reminds us all that Vientiane is changing and welcoming more visitors.
Laurene and King take it easy on a River Boat after some Sao Noi Disco. It a beautiful and relaxing way to enjoy an after lunch drink. You can even order your food to from the restaurant to take with you on the pleasant journey.
The urge to shout “Iceberg! Right ahead!!!” was scrapped when I realised that the only ice you see in Vientiane is the cubes that float in Beerlao….
Most kids this age would be scared of Ladybirds or Spiders. But our young friend here from Khon Kaen, Thailand shows us how it is done. Needless to say, Rose refused a photo with the snake whilst I was thinking about how it would taste….
Whilst the rest of us would use Tuk-Tuk´s, Rose and Laurene decided to take the old fashioned way. The funniest moment was when the driver didnt admit that “he didnt know where we were going”, tried to keep up with our Tuk Tuk, gave up and basically dropped the girls off “somewhere”. Luckily we managed to find them…
There is something wonderful about eating Kobe Beef. Perhaps it is the knowledge that the cows were fed beer, listened to soft music and recieved daily massages that makes the beef so interesting. That and the price of course…
I have the ability to find Oysters in every country that I visit. Though I like my Oysters with a dash of Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Salt and Pepper, the Thai way of eating them with Crispy Shallots, Nam Pla and Lime Juice is also interesting, and very tasty…
“Mr. McGee, don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry”….
The Lao Cook Team are always sad to see members leave, but as always, we wish them the best in their future endeavours. The charismatic Laotian duo will be remembered for their hard, honest work and ability to to enjoy whatever they were doing.
Peng, fondly known as Campo (after Cruzcampo, our mascot beer), taken in our small Herb Garden.
Toon chills next to the pool.
**
The Lao Cook Team is small now, but our ideas keep growing. King and I are hard at work coming up with a dish that will be dedicated to Alexandra.
It (hopefully) will be a cross between Laotian and Bulgarian cuisine, to reflect on Alexandra´s background. You can get more information about Alexandra, her music, talent and bio at her official site or at Laomusic.nu.
Stay tuned… ;)
At the close of the three week Press Launch of the new Porsche 911 Turbo, the Lao Cook Team were honoured to make one of the Farewell Dinners.
Toon finishes his Watermelon carving.
It takes concentration and skill to make such a beautiful piece of art. (Like most pics on the site, you have to ignore the Time Stamps, some of us have yet to learn how to remove them…)
The main course was one of our favourites. Ping Gai!!
We like to use the thigh as it cooks well and remains moist. For the Rice Parcel, the rice is first fried with Eggs, Maggi and Coriander, then carefully wrapped in a Spring Roll sheet. The Vegetable “Basket” is made with Yuca.
The Sauce is made with Coconut Milk and Red Spices which have been infused with Kaffir Leaves.
**
The Lao Cook Team is not only about work, it is also about being together, and those who work hard, party hard.
Kuchi, Laurene and Peng (in the background Saki and King)
Patti and I join in the fun.
“Control” is when you can freely dance without spilling a drop…
**
Not all Party´s take place at night..
Summer Tracks spun by the resident DJ…hehehe
Everyone loves a good “Lum”…
It is customary at all Lao Cook BBQ party´s that all people get wet. That means everybody.
Jopi receives her “Welcome”…
Dont trust Kuchi near the pool when he has that “Grin”…
Saki makes his own splash….
Following the Congress of the “Maitres Cuisiniers de France”, several Journalists have written about the event.
In Japan, they have written an article about the Tuna Cutting Exhibition, and we are glad to say that King can be seen in the pics.
The Front Page
There is King.
A close-up
Okay, its not an article about Lao Cook, but King is proud…
:)