Delicious Tastes of Thai Blog
Posted on November 27, 2015 by Jackie DeKnock No comments
GOURMET LOVE
“Spreading love, one recipe at a time!”
The back-story that inspired the recipes that inspired the menu. Foodie stories with adventure and sometimes intrigue, co-mingling together! Let me take my paintbrush, paint the scene and the mood to take you to this wonderful, alluring country. With every bite comes a memory; it’s all about experiencing a captivating journey…
Inspired Quote: “Friends for a meal are easy to find, friends until end of life are difficult to find.” ~ Thai Proverb
Check out the complete “Delicious Tastes of Thai” menu
TRAVELOGUE: Starry Eyed
Where: 6eme Arrondissement, Paris, France
When: Winter 1986
Mood: Excited taste buds, somewhat overwhelmed
Emotion: Joy
Take a Chance On Me
My most memorable foodie experience that pairs with this menu is the story that pairs with the Hand-rolled Cold Rice Paper Spring Rolls. Picture Paris, winter, new city, new family, new food experience, all new to little ole me fresh off the boat (OK, OK British Airways jumbo jet). I had just moved to Paris from small-town Northern Ontario to work as a nanny for a French film actress – and not just any ole film actress – she is the top French film actress ever!
Timeless Beauty
To say that I was a little intimidated is an understatement. I was excited at the same time to experience life in this big city, especially the food. My first foray out into this amazing culinary world was to a Vietnamese restaurant. The three of us – my ‘boss’, her daughter and moi (the nanny) all climbed into the family vehicle (yep, you guessed it, I sat in the back). Destination, a nearby and I would soon find out, well-known, popular restaurant. We parked ourselves, I’m sure that might come as a surprise, no valet service, but that’s how it went. The restaurant was a busy, dark huge room. She (my ‘boss’) looked absolutely stunning this evening; she was (and still is) absolutely beautiful, a classic, timeless beauty. I always wanted to just stare at her as I was almost mesmerized by her, but that would have been rude (and I might have lost my job). She just always looked so stunning, always dressed to the 9’s, so well put together, her taste absolutely impeccable; she is a true icon of style. Enough said. She was a hard act to follow or should I say to sit with at the same table with. My dilemma that evening was what to wear (especially considering that I didn’t exactly pack for Paris knowing that I was going to work for someone famous or beautiful)? Oh well, it is what it is or was what it was. What I knew for sure was no track pants…not even at the apartment dinner table (I broke that rule in the first few days…ooops faux pas…I was dressed for comfort and winter). Tonight I had to dress the part. I digress…now, back to the story…
Star Power
It was as though everyone was waiting for us (OK maybe not me). As we walked in, it felt like the red carpet was rolled out, spotlights on and every single head in the place followed us from the entrance to our table. A hush fell over the crowd and whispers ensued. “So this is how it feels to be famous and beautiful!” I thought to myself. It was an interesting experience, one that I will never, ever forget. We we shown to our table at the back, the best seat in the house of course, the seat of power in the world of restaurants. They (my family of two) completely ignored the knowing glances and smiles (they’d seen it all) and turned to their menus. And it didn’t stop there, everyone continued to stare at us as we ate (OK maybe not me)…but, I was actually able to experience what it felt like to have absolutely no privacy and to have all eyes on you. I’ll share an excerpt from a recent quote of hers that describes her attitude: “A star is someone who should be seen a little and then remain discreet, reserved.” And that sums it up, she is very discreet and very reserved. For me – mind you – this was my first taste of this and it was an amazing feeling to me to be watched by all of the restaurant-goers. For a brief minute, it was as though ‘I’ was on a movie set and it felt as though they were wondering, “Who is ‘she’?” I let my imagination run wild for a moment and soaked it all up, trying my best to be nonchalant and not obvious (oh right – discreet is the way to be). What a highlight it was for me…although I was ‘hired help’ it was still amazing to feel what it was like to be nearly famous (close but no cigar).
Spring Roll Power
We ordered…or I should say they ordered (I had never tasted Vietnamese before in my life so it was over to them). Polite conversation ensued. Questions about me, it actually felt a bit like a 2nd interview (or should I say ‘grilling’) although I already had the job and had moved in! I didn’t mind though, I was in heaven with all of it. I got to know my ‘boss’ and her daughter a little better and watched them intently in their environment, doing what they do. Food delivered, looked absolutely delicious. The first bite that I had was into a nice cold fresh spring roll – wow, it was so, so good. I was hooked right then and there. The only spring rolls that I had ever tasted in my previous life were the deep-fried kind swimming in oil (you know the ones…ick). Not this time, the food that we ate tonight, and always, was healthy, no exceptions, ever (not inside nor outside our home). My spring roll was filled with shrimp, mint and vegetables; the fresh flavours and crunch were ‘to die for’. The spring rolls that I had that evening were filled with shrimp with basil, delicious, I loved the combination. It was a trip for my tastebuds, I absolutely loved them and I vowed that I would learn how to make them…I did…here’s the recipe. The nice thing about this recipe is that you can customize your very own spring rolls and make them in any way that you like. And the added bonus is that there are no eyes on you, unless your significant other is staring at you lovingly that is!! Enjoy your taste fame and fortune! My first bite into every single spring roll since that day always takes me back to the dark, delicious restaurant experience. Oh and what my 15 minutes of fame felt like. Food always equals fond memories and happiness for me, I hope it does the same for you. Love your food!
Wish you were here!
XO
PS Not one autograph was asked for all evening…pure class in Paris.