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!