From Greyhound to Paul, Emquartier/Emporium

It was quite interesting that we might get quite hungry after checking in the hotel.  Usually we would go out for some snack.  When the word snack came to my mind, I then thought of chicken wings of Greyhound.  What's more, I had a Pad Thai to go with it.  Later on, we went to the food court for some light dishes as we were already not that hungry at 7pm.  Subconsciously we might save some room for a pastry or pie from Paul.  There we could have 3 meals within 5 hours.

Apinara, The Grove, Central World BKK

Originally I'd like to visit Nara Thai in Emquartier but it was fully booked.  So the next day I brought my friends to try this one in Central World.  Personally I'd prefer the one in Emquartier though this one isn't bad.  This time I gotta try the raw shrimp as not most of my friends would be willing to try it.  Nara's signature ice cream shouldn't be missed either.

A good start from a good breakfast, at Radisson Blu BKK

Happy to see this hotel getting much better than the last time of stay.  The breakfast has improved a lot too.  I also feel relieved of bringing a family to get their stay even more pleasant.

Deluxe room, Radisson Blu hotel, BKK

Tried this hotel 1.5 years ago after it was newly opened.  The hotel was then not well managed.  First the room was quite dusty and some bugs were found.  Then the meal trolley wasn't cleaned and put in the lobby for a whole day.   This time I am bringing a family to BKK, and found the hotel price a big bargain.  I then gave it a try.  Turned out it improved a lot.  Now the room is very clean. Service is good too.  Even though I still prefer its lower brand sister hotel Park Plaza soi 18, I'd give this one on a 2nd choice list.

A coffee break, at Cova Admiralty, HK

Cova's iced mocha has been my all time favourite but this one failed.  It was quite bland without no coffee or dark chocolate aroma.  As you can see, even the color can tell. The tiramisu was still kept at its standard.  

Saboten Japanese deep fried pork chop shop, Causeway Bay, HK

Got delighted with this shop with their Bangkok branch, but this one in HK is on the reverse.  First, it's more expensive than Tonkichi.  Then there isn't any service - iwaitresses and iwaiters who brought us to a 2 person table close next to the exit but this place was only 15% full.  As I asked for changing to a bigger table, the waitress showed a black face.  

I was expecting the food could have made it up.  Very unfortunate, everything from the rice, salad, the pork chop were much below average.  If we take into account the price, it's even much not worth it.  Forget about this shop.

Mr. Fox and Mrs. Fox, Tai Koo serviced apartment, Tai Koo Place, HK

Tai Koo Place has been changing quite much with more new buildings and places.  The Tai Koo Place serviced apartment is one of them.  When it was opened half year ago, this restaurant's name reminded me of Brad Pitt's movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

It offers a 2 course branch menu at HK$140 and some items with extra, like the burger with HK$40 extra.  The starters' choice include soup of the day, yoghurt, cereal, muesli.  The mains with pasta, poached egg, salmon salad, omelette.  All the dishes we had were not bad but if they can also have a coffee or tea, that would be more attractive.  In fact, the place seems to cater for those who drink and smoke.  They have a free flow package of HK$175.  The place has a spacious open area for smokers hanging outside.  This meal might be the last time I would feel like coming here.

Mojo's restaurant, Khao Lak, SW Thailand

The restaurant has been ranked on no. 8 (among 250 something restaurants) on tripadvisor.  The food isn't too bad but if in terms of price, this one is a bit overpriced.  Most dishes are ranged from THB200-400 and each side dish (incl. steamed rice) is THB40.  Compared to Smile Restaurant, this one is definitely at no. 8.

Piazza Doro, Centara resort Khao Lak

Wasn't aware that this cozy place is a cafe run by Centara hotel group, until we got in and noticed from the menu.  I further noticed they have their own brand of ice cream.  It's THB40.  Not bad for a try.  As I had a sip of it, I gave it up.  It wouldn't melt in my mouth, reminding me of the TWG ice cream, but that one even didn't melt for hours.  In terms of price, this one is better than TWG.  After all, if you want a cozy place for a drink, this one is not a bad choice.

Casa de la Flora, Khao Lak, SW Thailand

Sometimes it's good to visit the resort for a meal before actually trying it.  Turned out no need to try this one.  The villa is pretty small and the common pool is not that appealing either.  In considering people flying quite a long way and taking a car journey of about 1.2 hours from Phuket airport, then come here for a squeezed stay.  If it's in a suburban area, this would be fine.  It's Khao Lak with 20-30 miles stretched long beach areas.