Monday, January 28, 2013

experiment #30 - Cobaya Khong


Another experiment successfully concluded: this time we took a trip to northern Thailand with Chef Piyarat Potha Arreeratn ("Chef Bee") of the recently opened Khong River House. We always encourage chefs to cook the food that gets them excited, and Chef Bee clearly did that. Several courses were accompanied by stories of how these were the things he ate growing up, and his enthusiasm and passion came through in every dish. It was exactly the kind of experience we hope to provide through Cobaya.

You can see some pictures in this Cobaya Khong flickr set and read Chowfather's recap here (another will be coming shortly is now up at Food For Thought).

Here is the menu for the evening:


Bar Snacks

Dak Dae Tod
Deep-Fried Salt and Pepper Silk Worm

Mang Do Tod
Five Spice Tempura Water Bug

Appetizer

Yam Kai Mod Dang
Traditional Northeastern Red Ant Roe Salad

Nab Ong Or Muu Yaang
Grilled Pigs' Brain in Banana Leaves

Yam Gob
Northern Country Style Frog Curry

Main Course

Yam Kai Mod Dang
House-Made Chiang Rai Sausage

Gai Yaang
Slow-Roasted Rotisserie Chicken

Bahmi Sua
Burmese Style Egg Noodle with Local Vegetables

Goong Tod Gluar Prik Thai Dum
Vietnamese Style Crispy Prawns

Kha Muu Pa Low Mann Tow
Whole Slow-Cooked Pork Leg

Pad Dok Mai Gaurd Tao Huu
Garlic Chives with Tofu

Dessert

Khaao Neaw Durian
Durian with Sweet Sticky Rice

Ruammit
Sweetened Jackfruit with Water Chestnut

Thai Donut
With Condensed Milk and Chocolate Dipping Sauce

Many thanks to Chef Bee, to John Kunkel of 50 Eggs for helping make this happen, to Allegra Angelo for providing some great pairings to a tricky menu, to all the crew at Khong for their warm welcome to us, and as always, to all the guinea pigs whose support makes these experiments possible.



Monday, January 14, 2013

experiment #30 - 1/24/13

Time for another experiment, the first of 2013:

Quick Details:
Date: Thursday, January 24, 2013
Price: $75 with optional $25 beverage pairing (inclusive of tax & tip)
Start time: likely 7:00-7:30pm

Pretty much the usual routine: we will be doing a drawing for seats from all requests received over the first 48 hours, with additional requests filled, if possible, in the order they're received.

Please send an email to cobayamiami@gmail.com to request seats, and let us know how many you're requesting.

You will be advised by Thursday, January 17 if your request has been confirmed. You'll then need to book your seats by noon on Sunday January 20, or we may need to release them to the waitlist to ensure all spots are filled.

We have limited seating and while we try to accommodate everyone who is interested, that is usually not possible - most events are filled very quickly. We will need to limit seat requests to 2 per person - if you'd like more, let us know and we'll keep track of a "wish list" and fill if possible.

When your seat request has been confirmed, please book it using the PayPal link which will be set up on this page. Please do not book unless and until you've received a confirmation. When you do receive the confirmation, please book your seats through PayPal promptly. There will be a short window of time to book before seats need to be released back to the waitlist to make sure they're filled.

Confirmed and paid-up attendees will receive an e-mail the day before the event, confirming the location and other details.

A brief, but important, refresher course on the whole Cobaya thing: there is no "menu". There are no choices. You'll be eating what the chef chooses to make for the night. If you have food related allergies, strict dietary requirements, religious restrictions; are salt sensitive, vegetarian, pescatarian, or vegan; don't like your meat cooked medium rare, or are pregnant: this meal is probably not for you. Do not expect white-glove service. Don't ask for your sauce on the side. Just come and enjoy.

Plus some legalese: please note that if you're requesting a spot, you understand that any food or beverages you consume are at your own risk, that you voluntarily assume any and all risks, known and unknown, and voluntarily release the organizers of the event from any claims, including personal injury and wrongful death, resulting in any manner from your participation in this event, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. Hopefully it won't come to that.

Look forward to seeing you there. As always, thank you for your support.

FOR CONFIRMED SEAT REQUESTS ONLY:


experiment #30 - choose pairing?