Thursday, May 24, 2007 Utzurrum: From Thailand with love By Chinggay Utzurrum The Scene
THE very solemn and sacred Songkrain (Thai New Year) ceremony was performed at Krua Thai Thai Restaurant by no less than the ambassador of Thailand to the Philippines, Asha Dvitiyananda, whose visit lent an air of exclusivity to the occasion.
Held at the 2nd floor function room of the resto, the formal ambience was evident in the exotic table arrangements and Siamese wall and table accent pieces.
Songkran also means a “cleansing”, so the Thai guests present took turns dipping their hands in ceremonial basins, simultaneously with the ambassador.
The cleansing done, the assemblage settled down to a sumptuous mean prepared by thai chefs, who else? Host Anthony Ballreich, lovely half, Cheryl, parents Carol and Pongsak Hiranpruck, literally rolled out the red carpet of welcome and warmth, that instantly, made guests feel at home.
Jazzing up the evening were entertainers, who sang and danced their way into our hearts.
Another occasion, also at Krua Thai, had keyman Anthony B. and Cheryl, who are now parents for the 2nd time, hosting the media darlings who were celebrating a milestone that month. Take a bow, Jo Magsaysay, Nelia Neri, Mayen Tan, Jonas Panerio and Roger Serna.
Needless to say, the Thai chef that evening outdid himself with such delicacies as: Tofu in sweet and sour sauce; tofu with cashew nuts in chili sauce, vegetables in red curry with tofu, mixed veggies in panang curry with tofu, vegetarian Phad thai and bean sprout with tofu.
Notice that tofu and veggies are very much a common denominator here, for as Anthony says, “healthy eating is now a lifestyle, and Krua Thai is in the forefront meeting the new demand.”
We’d like to introduce the Chef responsible for that painstaking imaginative menu” Chef Natthawut Buphasiri or in simpler terms, “Chok”. Congrats Chok and now you know who to ask for!
Incidentally, Chok has two brother chefs: Ronnachai Buphasiri, assigned at SM Cebu and Phontheb Buphasiri, in Mactan Marina Mall.
