Cabbages and Condoms on Sukhumvit 12

Before Aunty Zen left for the Philippines, she planned a get-together meal  at Cabbages and Condoms on Sukhumvit 12. I had long heard stories about the restaurant having a weird theme but did not actually check the web to see what it was like til she invited us. I Googled the name and here's what I'd found.


"As one of the most unique restaurants in Metropolitan Bangkok, the Cabbages and Condoms (C&C) Restaurant has attracted international attention. Conveniently located near one of Bangkok's main business districts, C&C is very popular among local and foreign clients.

Our restaurant was conceptualized in part to promote better understanding and acceptance of family planning and to generate income to support various development activities of the Population and Community Development Association (PDA),a non profit organization inThailand.

And remember, our food is guaranteed not to cause pregnancy"


There was no explanation on how they came up with the name. 

Entrance to the restaurant

The Fifth Thailand Bakery, Coffee and SME Fair 2012 and The 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show

As I was reading the local paper last week, an  advertisement for Thailand Bakery, Ice Cream, Coffee, Tea and Drinks Fair caught my eye. I have a thing about trade fairs and exhibitions so I'm not one to miss it. The show is Thailand's biggest event on bakery and ice cream sector and now in its fifth year. It will be to my advantage to attend the event as I will have the opportunity to meet my fellow industry professionals, agents and distributors of bakery products, and keep up to date with the latest technology and developments in the pastry arts industry.

Entrance to the fair

My expectations for the show were high after attending Thailand's Food and Hotel Event two times. FHE introduces hundreds of local and international companies in the food and hospitality industry..  The bakery fair was a far cry from what I had anticipated..There were few exhibitors in my field. Most products they launched and services they  provided were in beverage sector. Although the event did not meet my expectations, I was glad I met  people working in the same field as me.

Kerry Flour Mills Company

Coffee machine

This suits Naung's barista brother. I don't think I can ever spend 230,000 Baht on a coffee machine

I got all these flavored syrup in 50 ml bottles for free.

Compound chocolate

Macarons

One thing I like about trade fairs and exhibitions in Thailand is how the organizers hold many at the same time and  in one venue. My friend and I took advantage of the chance to see the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show. Boy, it blew me off my feet.

Mercedes - Benz was frequented by many.

Loved the BMW

Rolls-Royce was off-limits to general public

After seeing all the cool cars and motorcycles I look forward to the next motor show.

Mantou ( Chinese Steamed Bun)

In seven years I lived in China , I noticed that mantou, rice and noodles were eaten the most among all their staple food.  Mantou, known as Chinese steamed bun and other wheat products are staple among people living in  northern parts of China.  Whereas, rice is a staple of Southerners. The warmer climate of the south makes it favorable for  rice production. This is the reason why rice, rather than mantou, is the staple food of  Southern Chinese diet.

My love for mantou started in 2001 when I went to China to work.  The Director of Foreign Affairs Office welcomed me upon my arrival with two dense white bun. I had no idea what they were. He put them in the fridge, told me what they were and reminded me to steam them the following day for breakfast.

No Cook Tomato Sauce

When it comes to pasta dishes, I consider tomato sauce as its ideal partner. It is amazing how the rich flavor of  tomatoes could turn the bland pasta into something exceptional. We eat a  fair amount of pasta dishes at home so learning how to make a flavorful tomato sauce is ongoing.  Two years ago I attended a potluck at a friend's house. My friend prepared a no-cook spaghetti sauce. Yes, spaghetti was the first dish I ate and I fell in love with it in an instant. Since then I have reconstructed the recipe  numerous times at home. I vary the flavors by adding different ingredients and the result surprises me each time I make it.

Jullian Celebrates his 1st Birthday

I was at the Immigration Office for my visa renewal when I received a call from one of the members of the church I go to. Her son was turning 1 and she asked if I could make him a Mickey Mouse cake. It was Thursday, my last day at work. ( Friday and Saturday are my days off) I spent all morning waiting for my new visa and it was only half past one when it was released. I was thinking of going straight home from the Immigration Office. It was almost time for me to go home anyway. When the woman told me she had been searching for someone who could make the cake for a week, I hesitated. It's her son's first birthday. The last thing I would do was turn her down.

 The party was Saturday. I was off on Friday.  Well, I could bake the cake on Friday but I'd rather work overtime on my last day and enjoy my day off. I told her I'd do it.