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S.P. Publishing Group Co., Ltd.
11/1 Soi 3 Bamrungburi Rd., T. Prasingh,
A. Muang., Chiang Mai 50200
Tel. 053 - 814 455-6 Fax. 053 - 814 457
E-mail: guidelin@loxinfo.co.th
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No, it is not a mirage. It's a resort: three spheres of paradise regained.
As you enter, you are lost in the lush foliage of a Balinese garden, which then clears to reveal an orange middle plane of cylindrical lanterns like simmering suns hovering above seats and tables of minimal design, with a glowing stage at the front. The plane is then neatly cut by a line of swaying tamarind trees which function as a filtering screen for the river and the mountains beyond. One can choose to wine and dine in any of these spheres, but the seating by the river with a breath-taking view of the sun setting over the mountains can glue one there throughout the seasons.
The Resort Bar and Restaurant located at 369/1 Charoen Raj Road, T. Watket and open for dinner daily has a comprehensive and eclectic menu of Thai, Japanese, Korean (by request), and Western food. Sophisticated cocktails such as the enigmatic Purple Dew, a blend of gin, pineapple, grenadine and blue calypso, garnished with a purple orchid, are available. Accompanied by our gracious hostess, Khun Thanyarak Takhiao, our dinner began with a lush fruit salad of watermelon, pineapple, melon, and apple chunks coated with a thin mayo dressing over a bed of lettuce and topped with a latticework of ham and cheese. It makes a refreshing start to an onslaught of dizzying flavors. Triangular shrimp and pork cakes followed in a delicate arrangement reminiscent of the flower-burst pattern found on traditional Thai pillars. These sumptuous cakes, injected with tear drop slivers of Chinese sausage, are dipped in a plum sauce and melt in your mouth, a sheer pleasure to the tongue. A California Maki, fresh and delicate, topped off the appetizers.
The Resort then served us a red curry teeming with deep fried fish and vegetable cakes: rich and tangy with a spicy kick that was just right. As a finale, they brought in a deep fried snakehead swimming in a sea of heavy tamarind sauce thick with shrimp, squid, and fish balls. Fried basil leaves garnished the length of the fish. We engulfed this delicious freshwater creature like whales with bottomless stomachs. Our leisurely meal concluded with a visit from the very personable Mr. Ario Saptamo who manages the lively entertainment sets every evening, from 7 pm to 1am, at The Resort. He praised the legendary resident cover band the Bangkok Carnation which is known for its 70s and 80s ballads, but also seamlessly rocks out with Top 10 tunes. They cover songs in various languages: Thai, English, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Korean. Next month, The Resort is sure to start ripples along the normally placid riverbank with its anniversary festivities. We invite you to relax in this otherworldly oasis. Please view www.theresortcnx.com or call 053-262-099, 263-131 for more information.
Dina Diva
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