Central Festival Mall, Pattaya

On our recent trip to Pattaya, we went a number of times to Central Festival, a newly completed shopping mall right in the middle of Pattaya city. The kids loved it as they had so many outlets for food. So, this blog will contain visits from the few times that we were there.

View of the front facing the sea.

View of the sea.

View at night...well lited up.

The mall is well designed and have all the major retailers there (not counting the numerous food outlets). It has also a great sea view and with all the night happening places just right next door. This mall is just perfect for those with children and not wanting to be walking around outside with all the go go bars, etc.

We had dinner one night at the Food Loft which is an upmarket food court. The decor is very chic and it had around 10 "stalls" serving various food. The quality of the food is not bad.

A view of the Food Loft.

My son's lamb shank. Not bad.

My other son's mixed seafood and meat pasta. He said it was yummy.

My daughter's noodle soup. I had some and it was good.

For dessert, our family's favorite in Thailand is Swensens where we will share the earthquake. (8 scoops of ice cream) Yummy and reasonably priced as well.

Nice deco and cosy.

Count the scoops and cherries....yummy. Not forgetting the whipped cream.

The second time round, we had a fondue and some sundaes. equally great finish to a meal.

My daughter's coloring...well, can't blame a doting dad, right?

One thing you won't see in Malaysia is KFC selling beer in its outlets.


Also, Secret Recipe selling beer and RED ROSES....wah.

During the last night, there was a huge storm just after we got into the mall. The wind was so strong that the glass doors facing the sea was pushed opened and we could feel the rain and wind in the mall. Water was also leaking from the plaster ceiling.

It was quite hilarious to see the security personnel and cleaning crew wiping the water and trying to keep the doors closed until someone thought about bringing keys to lock the glass doors.

We also had Japanese food at Fuji restaurant, one of the larger chains in Thailand and as usual, good food at reasonable prices.

Until the next time, cheers.

EAST AND WEST IN PATTAYA SIDE BY SIDE

We took a drive out of Pattaya and saw a signboard which pointed us to Silverlake Vineyard. Out of curiosity, we followed the sign. After just a few kilometres, we came across a hill which had a huge image of Buddha done on its face. The view of majestic. The place is called Buddha Mountain and the temple where the hill is located is called Wat Yansangwararam. The image is inlaid with gold leaf and it is 130 metres tall and 70 metres wide. Awesome.


Just next door is the Silverlake Vineyeard. It is a 1,000 rai estate belonging to a veteran actress (as told by the workers). Although we did not see the winery, we manage to take a tour of the estate in a large tuk tuk. The tour which last around 20 minutes cost Baht 300.

The owner must have loved Europe very much as the place had a windmill, giant clogs, European type flowers and gardens. With the nice weather (not too hot) it felt like a beautiful summer day.













It was a pleasant hour spent there. Nothing spectacular but interesting in a place like this. There were also a few tour buses with tourist from China there. Can't expect the Europeans to want to come here, right?

Around the corner, there was also elephant ride or trek. There is dual pricing for locals or foreigners. For locals, we paid Baht 400 for 2 elephants for a 20 minute trek.

It was an experience for the kids. The two boys did a ride once a number of years ago in Ayuthaya but they can't remember much of it.

This trek was more fun as it went around the village area and bushes.

Trying to get on the elephant.

A view from on top of the elephant.

Feeding the elephant with bananas. They were famished. Pity them.

View of their village. Very simple and spartan huts.

Until the next time, cheers.

Oh my Penang! Food, food and food!!!!

I was recently in Penang for some work and stayed overnight. I have not been to Penang for the last 5 years as the last trip was not good due to the horrendous traffic as it was the National Day holidays.

However, this time round, it did not feel that bad. In fact, I was looking forward to the trip as Penang conjours to me nostalgic memories where it is laid back, holiday island and most importantly fantastic hawker food.

I was not wrong. A business friend whose family was from here brought us to his childhood places to eat. We had a good time going place to place to eat for dinner, breakfast and lunch.

As the portions were small and as we were also sharing the food, we could order a number of dishes. Another Singaporean business friend who has never been to Penang before. Before the end of the day, this will not be his last trip. He was hooked on the food.

Oh dear, we had Char Keoy Teow (3 times), Penang Assam Laksa, Pork Satay, Lobak, ABC, Hokkien Mee (Prawn Mee), Apam (in various types), Chee Cheong Fun (with shrimp paste), Stewed Pork Leg, etc, etc, etc.

As we drove, we even "ta pau" food to eat on the way as well as to bring home.

The weather was just perfect, it was not hot and it was windy....just perfect for eating and talking.

Wow, now planning for the next trip with the family. Maybe for a weekend. Now I know of a few more places to eat in Penang. I was so busy eating that I forgot to take any pictures.

Until the next time, cheers.