Thailand

I have never been to Thailand, prior to this trip to play in the LAGT (Ladies Asian Golf Tour). So, when the tournament was announced I couldn't say no to a place that I have been wanting to go to in the past few years. Every Christmas my mom, sister, and I would beg my dad saying we wanted to go to Thailand! We wanted to see elephants, play in the ocean, get Thai massages, drink coconut water, and obviously eat delicious Thai food. My dad was worried for our "safety" and gave countless excuses. Why you may ask, I don't know though my dad says it has to do with the airport riot.... though it happened three years ago... So for me being able to go to Thailand, even though it was for a tournament and not to be all touristy and do all the fun things I wanted. I was as excited as a five year old waiting for Christmas to come. I think I will let my pictures do most of the talking for me.

Stands under a mall selling local food. Everything from dried bananas to sausages, even offering to cut fresh mangoes as from the picture below.

I realized that people in Thailand don't just eat fruit, their love to put all types of powder on their fruits. Anything from the type of dried plum powder to eat spicy chili or even saucey type sauces. (wow... I realized that being in Asia for two years I sometimes can't think of proper words to describe what I want... sad... but my Chinese and Taiwanese has significantly improved in the past few years ^_^)

Coconut water! Loved it, wanted to take a picture of the one on top because the packaging is a lot different then the normal coconut that we are use to seeing.

I love this feeling. The picture on the bottom, the sofas on the left were used for people getting Thai massages at our hotel. I saw a couple getting a massage and I thought it looked pretty romantic and cute ^^

One of my favorite Thai dishes! Pad Thai! Unbelievable how delicious simple ingredients can make our tummies feel so happy! I bought this at a food stand and to be honest with you I was a bit scared that I might have food poisoning but I guess my immune system has improve significantly eating all the night market foods in Taiwan! Just like Taiwan these food stands serving simple snacks are often time more delicious then restaurants. I had Pad Thai at the golf course and was disappointed with the lack of depth and simply missed the Pad Thai that I had bought at the food stand close to our hotel.

My ankle was bothering me before I left for Thailand so my message therapist taught me how to tape my leg to give it more support.  This is the aftermath of my first day practicing with the tape. The sun is simply too brutal in Thailand! My hand was just as tan! Thankfully I wore the sun protected longsleeved underarmor so only my hand, face, and legs got the brunt of the sun! I can't imagine the terrible farmers tan I would have gotten if I had simply only worn a collared shirt!

All in all, Thailand was fun! I can't wait to go back, though I didn't play well this is a place I want to come back to vacation! I already miss the coconut water, yummy food! Though honestly I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get to try authentic thai curry or their desserts! I guess that means there will be a next time! Good bye Thailand, but not for too long! I WILL BE BACK! ^_^

French: 法月

法月 or the english name being Lafete

No. 587, HuiWen Rd, Taichung City
(04)2252-1680

website: www.lafete.com.tw
hours: 11:30-2:30pm; 5:30-9:30pm

$$$

A merge of Southern French food with a modern twist.

Considered one of the better french restaurants in Taichung. To be quite honest I was a bit disappointed. The architecture of the restaurant is indeed lovely. The contemporary architecture really stands out in this more residential part of七期(the southern area of Taichung). It's a great place to take your loved ones for a nice romantic dinner, however I do wish that their tables were not so closely situated. The presentation of their food was attentive, such as that of their service!

French Onion Soup! The staple of French cuisine! The flavor was rich and unlike many french onion soup that is found in Taiwan there is a good amount of cheese. I honestly think I order french onion soup just for the melted cheese on top!

Asparagus Poached Egg with Parma Ham, Mozzarella Cheese and Mustard Vinaigrette. It was light and savory. With the egg half cooked the yolk oozed out when cut and mixed with the vinaigrette it blended well with the little bunch of salad. Quite heavenly and the parma ham being a bit salty worked harmoniously with the egg and mozzarella cheese.

Grilled US Angus Rib Eye Steak with Brandy Morel Sauce. It was a bit bland and I felt as though the meat was cut a bit thin and quite bland. Though the wide selection of sea salt that they recommended in my opinion tasted much better then their Brandy Morel Sauce. With the sauce I felt as though you lost the flavor of the beef. Though once seeing what my dad ordered I quickly regretted not ordering Grilled US Beef Short Rib with Beef Jus. It looked a lot tastier. Wish I took a picture of his meal.

Toffee Ice Cream with Orange Sabayon. Quickly devoured! Though I wish the taste of toffee was a bit more noticeable in the ice cream the Orange Sabayon really surprised me as being delicious. Looked like a macaroon though more cakey, yet with a chewy taste.

Rhubarbe Parfait with Banana Chocolate. Stole a picture from my dad's desert, must have been good because every one who ordered it finished it.

Kwan-Fan Latte a flower based Latte at first I was hesitant to order because I don't like flowery teas. Yet, I was surprised with the depth of the coffee. It was strong and with only a hint of the Kwan-Fan it somehow made it a bit less intense and all the more delicious!

It's a great place for a very romantic dinner to wow. I would come back again, but not as much for the food as for the atmosphere.