Dungheap

Hang in there Phil. ATB from Tokyo.

I switched to Nam's this trip after getting pissed off with a rival's drivers for texting and yakking on the phone while driving. Nam's drivers were excellent, very courteous, professional and safe. Would definitely use the company again.

See ya at the end of next month Phil to watch the Ryder Cup, and tour temples...

Slightly off topic, but is it business as usual at Tahitian Queen and Kinnaree in the afternoons?

Thanks Rhino. Your pic report brings back a lot of fond memories from about 30 years ago. We also flew up from Chang Mai and stayed at a basic guest house and then some nearby bungalows in the jungle.

Yes many times over the years as I normally stay nearby. I've always found the food very good, but don't expect Soi Bukhao prices. The menu is very expansive and the bar is a popular venue to watch sports, especially football. http://www.ogaraspattaya.com/restaurant/ More info here. http://www.ogaraspattaya.com/

Hooters "food" is about one rank above McDonalds standard. It does have other attractions though. :) With the numerous options on offer presented in this thread surprised you foodies chose Hooters for ya Xmas dinner. Thanks for taking one for the team.

A thousand apologies if our generalized input didn't meet your strict criteria for posting on a subject ...

Teelack, Agree, Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc's are bloody hard to beat, especially for the price. Hard to justify paying double for Cloudy Bay when ya can have 2 bottles or regular Sauv Blanc for a similar price. Funny you mention the preservative taste, I find that with some California wines but didn't find that on a recent Hunter Valley tour. Good to see more wines choices in Thailand. Though proper storage could be a concern for high-end stuff.

Thanks again Evil for these reviews. But what "herbs and spices" go into an authentic bolognese sauce? While regional variations of an authentic "ragu" vary even in Italy, I believe most classic recipes don't have herbs and spices.

Very well balanced review Evil. Raw onions have no place on a burger, IMHO, only good for making one feel bloated ... and follow up gas! Caramelised all the way.

Hmmm, Man City "lucky"? They tore Man U apart in the first half. DeBruyne and his midfield were totally dominant. The new keeper was nervous and gifted Man U a few chances. The better team clearly won, IMHO and according to media reports. Shame it wasn't a better game from a neutral viewpoint. BTW, how does Fellaini get a game in that company? He was comically pathetic, just jogging up and back but nowhere near the action. As for "surging" Stoke City , no need to panic yet but we need a win to state the obvious. Right now we aren't keeping possession and play too many meaningless

Nice pics Grubert! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for these reviews EP. One minor detail, those are udon noodles not soba.

Not on this scale ... :)

Raw beef can be amazing but it needs to be high quality and the right cut. Beef tataki, or lightly seared beef, also can be delish. A huge Japan food boom seems to be sweeping Thailand. A few select Thai spiced up dishes also seem worth trying. Thanks for tthese reviews.

Stoke need a win ... a goal ... some fookin thing!!! #prayforthepotters

Heard many good reports about this shop. Look the real deal, true blue! :) Thanks Evil.

Boardies, Returning to Patts after a few years' absence and will again stay near Patumnak Road on the hill. One minor problem with this area has always been the shortage of baht buses. Any improvements? Or are ya still expected to charter one, if a bus miraculously appears, or ride motor bike taxis? Cheers

FBF, good points on Giggs, though I wonder how much input he has in LVG's decision-making. If I recall Ryann had a short stint at the helm as caretaker manager and did ok. Surely one of the most exciting attacking players of his era would coach the same way but who knows. Jose obviously has the credentials. Would Fergie consider one last cameo for the rest of the season? Interesting to see how much activity Man U gets up to during the transfer window. They have certainly spent (wasted?) their share, but all big clubs can be accused of the same. Look at Soldadildo and Spurs ...

Thanks Sam for those kind words and the diplomatic tone ... Agree with all you wrote. Give Giggs a chance to salvage the season. As bad as Man U have been they are still only 9 points behind the leaders. On another point, two EPL rounds in two days is too much. Expect some bore draws tonight.

C'on Stoke! :) Surely LVG has to go. Chelsea didn't look much better either. Leicester looked fatigued against Liverpool.

Good point Gary.

The Leicester Xpress rolls on. Stoke crushed an invisible Man City -- best I have ever seen the Potters play. Newcastle picked up a huge win. Why did Klopp change the team so much after last week's success? They looked very flat. Man U and Spurs both disappointing. The Premier League Merry-Go-Round continues, where inconsistency is the norm.