International Edition of Tasty Travels: Thailand--Part 3 Phuket

9.12.10 Kan Eang Seafood Restaurant #2

After a day of travelling--it took us about 8 hours, with the rest stop in Krabi, to drive from Trang to Phuket, we took advice from someone at the hotel and found this seafood restaurant.  Granted we got lost during the first couple of days in Phuket, this seafood restaurant was in a remote area of Phuket and it took us a couple of wrong turns before we found it.


But it was definitely worth it. We ate pineapple crab fried rice--they put the crab fried rice in hollowed out pineapple and I think they grill it. Also, we ordered one crab per person--steamed and served with the traditional thai chili sauce (oil, thai chilis, and red pepper flakes blended for dipping)--Sounds simple... but oh so good!

At this restaurant, we did a "hot pot" type of cooking dish. They gave us a steaming hot broth and sliced raw fish and meat to throw in to the broth. I wasn't really in to it--like some of the "hot pot" experiences in life, you just want to eat... you don't want to have to cook it! But the variety of steamed fish and steamed seafood really came out well.


Of what I remember about the mussels in Kan-eang style, they were steamed with lemongrass, ginger, and of course, thai chilies. Unfortunately, I cannot remember beyond that. And the crab was so fresh and so yummy!



9.14.10 (Another) Local Seafood restaurant on the waterfront


We found a nice table on a cement boardwalk that reminded me of Ocean beach (San Francisco, CA).  Among the dishes we ordered were the favorites, pad thai and we got a steamed clam dish.  My mom loves clams! Any style... but her favorite, in the US, is steamed mussels and/or clams in a garlic white wine sauce--this dish was right up her alley. This dish was so good--she had to order another.


Honestly, my only criticism was that mine were a little sandy. Eeks! But if you look at the photo, you can see how rich in flavor the broth or sauce was that came with it, seasoned with chilis and basil (of course).

9.15.10 Ratri: what we called the Jazzastaurant (jazz and a restaurant)--Lizzie's Birthday

To our disappointment, this place advertises of jazz and fine dining (it's in the name! for goodness sake), but really, they were playing CDs. There was no live music that we were hoping for, and since it was rainy that day, there was only one party other than us.

To our delight, they sent a car to pick us up. The drive up the mountain is windy and reminiscent of going to Lake Tahoe. And when you're finally up there, it's the most beautiful view! We even caught fireworks that night-- what luck, since it was Liz's birthday.


Off the menu, we had chicken, lamb and beef satay as a starter.
I'm not sure if you recognize those appetizers of what I call "pancakes". They're like asian quesadillas  but instead of cheese inside, there's usually green onions or maybe a meat stuffing. And I have no idea how to make them. When I find out, I will blog about it;o)

Aside from the tamarind shrimp and lemongrass fish (not pictured), we also what I noted as sweet and sour duck. Me, I love duck! So this was delicious!

Below, in different version of mussels, we had steamed mussels in a creamy curry sauce. Looks as good as it tastes... always!

Tasty Travels 2011: Brick Restaurant, Jacksonville

My one and only entry of eats in Jacksonville is going to be on Brick Restaurant.  Located in the Avondale district of Jacksonville is this classy restaurant. If you're traveling with a meateater like Coby (Boyfriend), and you love seafood like me, then this restaurant is perfect for you. It's got something for everyone.

For starters, we had Paella Croquettes. Yes! They sound as delicious as the name. It's basically a rice ball, breaded and deep fried to yummy goodness. Served with a chipotle dipping sauce. I'm pretty sure if I wasn't traveling with so many people, I would have eaten all of what came on the plate! We also had a bread and cheese platter--it's their "Caramelized Brie with bread and served with pecans". I loved it. The melty cheese you can have by the spoonful... along side a pecan... or smeared on a slice of baguette... or BOTH!



For the entree: The scallops came highly recommended. BUT, I opted for something different. I guess that day I felt like some seafood. I chose the Sesame-crusted Ahi Tuna. Unfortunately for me, it was seared a bit longer than I desired. Overall it was a great dish! One of my favorite things about the Brick is that with every entree you have the choice of chilled couscous, coleslaw, french fries, baked potato, or side of the day. When I saw couscous, I was sold!!! It was delicious... with the raisins... and not overcooked or dried out at all. Served with a large tomato--kinda throws me, but is a refreshing palette cleanser when you've completed your meal.

This is the prime rib... cooked what I can only imagine to be medium-well. It's monster! And one of the pluses of this place is the well proportioned plates they serve. The prime rib was yum!

(I know it's taking me a while to get to it...) Fortunately for me, everyone at the table was kind enough to give a sampling bite of their meal. I, of course, was sitting next to the largest, juicest, perfectly cooked ribeye in the whole restaurant. Coby's ribeye (Please note: This item is not on the menu.) was so good that when he had finished three-quarters of it. I took up the task of finishing the rest! (**snicker**) [T, I hope you're enjoying the food photography on this one. Turns out I DO like to take pictures of food with a fork poking in to it!]




Warm Turkey Sandwich - caramelized onions, swiss cheese on ciabatta bread and chef's dressing

 This is the Brick's Warm Turkey Sandwich. Sounds as good as it tastes... makes you want to curl up by a fire with a blanket over your lap... and no one to share it with. You'll devour this thing on your own.  I was lucky enough to get a bite of this. I think Alex, the honored guest, ordered it with extra caramelized onions on the side. I appreciate having this sandwich on ciabatta, I think it's light enough to balance out and not overtake the turkey, swiss and onions. (and of course, not so tough that you're ripping up the insides of your mouth--if you eat a lot of sandwiches, I think you'll know what I mean.)


And finally, I must go to the Sea Scallops--they're seared with crystallized ginger, served with coconut jasmine rice, bok choy, and spinach and citrus cream sauce. This by far, is definitely a favorite at the restaurant and comes highly recommended for good reason. The chef has clearly perfected the crust and flavor palette for this dish. The rice was good--which is surprising (sorry) considering it's not an asian restaurant. And well, I've always loved scallops. 

Finally, the Brick will always hold a special place in my heart. Not just because Alex worked there, and not just because it was my last meal in Jacksonville (for now), but because it was a wonderful dining experience--the atmosphere and the service were great too!


http://www.brickofavondale.com/