Cent

Would love to see the 'Gov' try to justify these ridiculous meter minimum charges. Keep both sides happy? He means keep the police and the tuk-tuk mafia happy. How about just being fair to the tourists and others who use these contraptions and keep those who need to use these happy? 250 baht? I'd rather rent a motocyke for the day (and that has its own set of problems and ripoffs down there).

"Unfortunately, he is also quoted as saying that the minimum charge could be around 250 baht as opposed to the 35 baht for the regular taxis in Bangkok."

Cent

Dave,

Last Friday's Open Mic at Starbeam's was fun. Where'd you all get off to after the music was done? JJ's? Had a few guys there until almost 2 a.m.! Hope to see a crowd at Norbie's this Friday as well. Ran into Coffee Corner Ray and a couple new Surinites just in town to live here over at Norbie's this past Tuesday (was having a couple German black beers myself.)

Mike

It was a heavy night, Mike.

I think it went like this..

1)Starbeam (You know)

2)JJ Bar (not impressed much)

3) Soi Kola Karoeke (Against my better judgement, got 'Lipped- off' big time)

4) Speed 3 till about 4am ( it was heaving and gr8 fun)

5) Fun Bar, next to Saren till about 6.00am ( that the place the girlies go after 'work')

6) 7/11 Hot dogs then home at 6.30am Saturday morning.

Cannot wait until the 'REAL' party in March! Hope it gets me through working in Syberian England next week

Dave

Dave,

Ow! Sounds like a huge hangover in the making! :-)

By the by, spoke with Dan and David last night at Starbeam's. The Open Mic Music Night will be at Norbie's N&N Restaurant tonight on Soi Kola (across from the Surin Speed 3 Disco for those who do not know the location of N&N Restaurant). Should start around 7 p.m. Pass the word around and let's see if we can have a crowd to keep interest in these musical happenings and jam sessions and promote them so the musicians keep doing these gigs for all to enjoy. And if you meet anyone who can play an instrument and a song or two, please do encourage them to get there and have a go at the mic. Everyone is welcome to give it a try and it is a lot of fun for all.

Mike

p.s. Anyone know if American John is back from Chiang Mai yet? He is always a fun addition to the Prakon Chai 'Time Out' music jams and would be great to see at one of these Open Mic Nights in Surin!

Open a can of beer and leave it in the fridge overnight to get flat.

In the morning, take your sourdough starter out of the fridge and let it warm up. Once that's done make a sponge from a cup of the starter, two cups of flour, two teaspoons of salt and enough water to make a very wet dough.

Simmer the beer in a sauce pan. Once it's simmering add a half a cup of cornmeal. Continue to cook until you have a thick cornmeal mush. Add a half a cup of molasses, a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of instant coffee.

Let the cornmeal mixture cool to about 35C.

When cool, combine the sourdough sponge with the cornmeal mixture. Add whole wheat flour, rolled oats, rye or whatever other whole meal flours you like.

Add just enough flour so that the dough can be kneaded without sticking too much. Knead for ten minutes. But the dough ball in a covered bowl and let rise for three hours or so.

Punch down the dough, form into a loaf and let rise for a couple of hours.

Heat the oven to its highest temperature. Put the bread in. Spray the oven with water to make steam.

Cook the bread at the high temperature for ten minutes.

Turn the temperature down to about 175C. Spray again.

Cook for another 40 minutes. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when you tap it.

Turn the oven off and leave the bread inside. Spray again, if you like.

Leave the bread in the over for a couple of hours or until you're ready to eat it.

This is an all day project.

Ratsima,

Sounds good. Where are you getting your cornmeal though? In Korat? I haven't seen cornmeal in the Surin stores as yet. Any info would be appreciated. (Also would be interested in getting molasses as well in the Korat/Isaan area).

Mike/Cent

DECEMBER

06th. Timeout 'jamming' afternoon near to PrakonChai.

08th.IQ Moderntrade free BBQ/Thai food/Beer & Music

11th Starbeam 'open mic' music night

18th Norbby's 'open mic' music night

21st Rock's Coffee shop meet-up from Buriram Expats

25th Xmas Day. Starbeam have a Xmas menu

JANUARY

01st. Norbby's 'open mic' music night

03rd. Timeout 'jamming' afternoon near to PrakonChai.

08th. Unofficial&unsponsored meet-up at Starbeam 'open mic' night

FEBRUARY

MARCH

05th SURINFARANG Party at STARBEAM (free booze and nosh,13.00 to 17.00hrs)

................................................................................

...........................

Norbby's Open Mic starts at 7pm on New Years Day, with HB Fest Bier (1/2L) for only 99b and a special 'Gypsy Snitzel' in addition to usual menu

Dave

Dave,

Last Friday's Open Mic at Starbeam's was fun. Where'd you all get off to after the music was done? JJ's? Had a few guys there until almost 2 a.m.! Hope to see a crowd at Norbie's this Friday as well. Ran into Coffee Corner Ray and a couple new Surinites just in town to live here over at Norbie's this past Tuesday (was having a couple German black beers myself.)

Mike

Mike,

Thanks for the information. Sounds good

Is it one sitting at 2.30pm or will it be served as and when the customer rolls up or has booked?

Starts at 2:30 and runs until closing time, but pre-booked customers are guaranteed their meal, walking off the street hours later with no booking and there may not be any food left to serve. 300 baht pre-booked, 400 baht for walk ins. So come around and book and prepay to guarantee a place.

Mike

Another update folks.....

DECEMBER

06th. Timeout 'jamming' afternoon near to PrakonChai.

08th.IQ Moderntrade free BBQ/Thai food/Beer & Music

11th Starbeam 'open mic' music night

18th Norbby's 'open mic' music night

21st Rock's Coffee shop meet-up from Buriram Expats

25th Xmas Day - Starbeam Restaurant providing a Xmas Menu

JANUARY

03rd. Timeout 'jamming' afternoon near to PrakonChai.

08th SURINFARANG Party at STARBEAM (free booze and nosh,13.00 to 17.00hrs)

................................................................................

Please note that the planned events at Farang Connection on 25th & 31st Dec have now been cancelled by Martin.

Dave

The open mic night at Starbeam Restaurant for this Friday night is still on as far as I know. Spoke to Dan and David who will be playing, as well as myself when I have the time. 7-ish start for the music upstairs in the music and sports lounge.

Dave,

The Friday night Open Mic Music Jam was a great night and a lot of fun. Next week (Friday the 18th) will be at Norby's N&N Restaurant. I will try to make it with my bass and amp and jam with the guys there. Was great to see Norby and Noi at Starbeam's last Friday night.

Mike

Dave,

Managed to get over to Norby's place for the Open Mic Music last night. Good time and good music. There was a German guy on holiday there who did some great music (Floyd, Kinks, etc), as well as David and Dan, myself, and my bartender 'Love' who played 4 Thai songs and sang as well. Sounded good.

Next Friday, Xmas day (evening around 7) there will be an Open Mic Night at Starbeam Restaurant, as well as the Xmas Dinner which starts around 2:30 p.m. Should be a fun afternoon and evening.

Mike

CTO,

We will be having a Xmas turkey dinner on Xmas Day at the Starbeam Restaurant. Dinner starts @ 2:30 (1430). The cost is 300 baht per person if you sign up/reserve a chair and pay in advance. It is 400 baht per person for walk-ins. Children age 8 to 12 are 150 baht, and under age 8 are free. Please come by and let us know if you will be coming and reserve your seat. All are welcome. We wish you all a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.

The dinner menu is:

Turkey

Stuffing

Cranberry sauce

Mashed potatoes

roasted potatoes

Gravy

Pumpkin puree

roasted pumpkin

Peas

Carrots

Corn

brussel sprouts

pudding

pies

Spinach (if available)

Dinner rolls/bread/bisquits

Dessert will be ice cream with toppings and whipped cream with nuts, homemade cookies, and American Yellow Cake

Cheers,

Mike

Another update folks.....

DECEMBER

06th. Timeout 'jamming' afternoon near to PrakonChai.

08th.IQ Moderntrade free BBQ/Thai food/Beer & Music

11th Starbeam 'open mic' music night

18th Norbby's 'open mic' music night

21st Rock's Coffee shop meet-up from Buriram Expats

25th Xmas Day - Starbeam Restaurant providing a Xmas Menu

JANUARY

03rd. Timeout 'jamming' afternoon near to PrakonChai.

08th SURINFARANG Party at STARBEAM (free booze and nosh,13.00 to 17.00hrs)

................................................................................

Please note that the planned events at Farang Connection on 25th & 31st Dec have now been cancelled by Martin.

Dave

The open mic night at Starbeam Restaurant for this Friday night is still on as far as I know. Spoke to Dan and David who will be playing, as well as myself when I have the time. 7-ish start for the music upstairs in the music and sports lounge.

Dave,

The Friday night Open Mic Music Jam was a great night and a lot of fun. Next week (Friday the 18th) will be at Norby's N&N Restaurant. I will try to make it with my bass and amp and jam with the guys there. Was great to see Norby and Noi at Starbeam's last Friday night.

Mike

Another update folks.....

DECEMBER

06th. Timeout 'jamming' afternoon near to PrakonChai.

08th.IQ Moderntrade free BBQ/Thai food/Beer & Music

11th Starbeam 'open mic' music night

18th Norbby's 'open mic' music night

21st Rock's Coffee shop meet-up from Buriram Expats

25th Xmas Day - Starbeam Restaurant providing a Xmas Menu

JANUARY

03rd. Timeout 'jamming' afternoon near to PrakonChai.

08th SURINFARANG Party at STARBEAM (free booze and nosh,13.00 to 17.00hrs)

................................................................................

Please note that the planned events at Farang Connection on 25th & 31st Dec have now been cancelled by Martin.

Dave

The open mic night at Starbeam Restaurant for this Friday night is still on as far as I know. Spoke to Dan and David who will be playing, as well as myself when I have the time. 7-ish start for the music upstairs in the music and sports lounge.

Norby's N&N (Norby & Noi's restaurant) restaurant (German) here in Surin has a decent slection of wines, mostly German, Italians and Chileans. Good prices as well, especially if you buy in quantity. Try the New Zealand Cabernet Merlot (Stables). Very nice I think.

Mike/Cent

Went to the first night of Starbeam - back next day for breakfast - very clean very nice place - will do a detailed revue elsewhere in Isaan threads.

Dave,

I still cannot get into Suringfarang site since the sever change. What's up? Is it finished yet? Need my surinfarang fix and info of what is going on as I can't get out and about much now with the new restaurant open.

Mike/Cent

CTO,

We finally got the rest of the tables and chairs in for the 'Upstairs Music and Sports Lounge' at the Starbeam Restaurant in Surin. So Happy Hour prices will commence on Saturday, November 14th. Hours will be 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with prices matching the Farang Connection's Happy Hours.

Did our mutual friend make it up to your place today yet?

Mike/Cent

The Starbeam Restuarant in Surin now has free Wi-Fi available. We are near the Surin Majestic Hotel, Bus Depot, Train Station, Majestic Apartments, and the Thong Tarin and Petchkasem hotels. All within walking distance to us.

Mike/Cent

................................................................................

..........................

OCTOBER

28th. Starbeam bar/restaurant opens in Surin

Coffee Corner official opening in PrakonChai

NOVEMBER

01st. Timeout 'jamming' afternoon (plus Loy Kratong) near to PrakonChai.

11th. Bums Rush meeting in Buriram (overnighter??)

21st. Sisaket Bike run (overnighter??)

ELEPHANT FESTIVAL

28th. RAYBANS bash at Timeout

DECEMBER

06th. Timeout 'jamming' afternoon near to PrakonChai.

T.B.A. ?

JANUARY

03rd. Timeout 'jamming' afternoon near to PrakonChai.

2nd week SURINFARANG Party at FC (free booze and nosh for members)

................................................................................

...........................

Dave

Thanks for the mention, Dave.

The address for the Starbeam Restaurant is:

Info/Address for Starbeam Restaurant

Starbeam Restaurant

28-30 Surin Phakdi Road,

Nai Muang, Amphur Muang

Surin, Thailand 32000

E-mail: [email protected]

English language tel. #: 081-304-7742

Thai language tel. #: 081-600-4121

GPS settings for Starbeam Restaurant: Lat 14 53 25.38 / Lon 103 29 57.76

Hi all,

Just hoping someone has some info, links, or other places where I can find info on the Denmark Burger stands you see around Pattaya. Is this business owned individually or is it a corporate structure selling franchises? Any and all info would be appreciated. Searching so far seems to bring no useful info on the net. Any phone numbers, links, pics even, etc are appreciated. Thanks in advance for your replies.

Cent

All,

Just was told by my sis-in-law that this emergency decree will also have a 'curfew' from 6 p.m. until 5 a.m. Has anyone any info on this curfew she is yakking about? (I am off to BKK tomorrow night for a meeting and a couple days visiting friends.) Anyone hear anything about this supposed curfew? The present news shown here and elsewhere on the net in English say nothing about this and I am wondering if they are saying this on Thai TV (where Sis got her info she says) and it has yet to hit the usual English language news sources. Any new info appreciated.

Cent

Barry, FYI, the new International School is set back off the main road to the north of town from Surin to Roi Et. I suppose it is about 4 kilometers from the railway line, past the traffic lights and past the Toyota, Isuzu, Mitsubishi and Honda car show rooms and before you come to the next set of traffic lights at the junction to the ring road. If you look to the right after the last car show room (Honda?) you should see the new school about half a kilometer from the main road. The main school is a large, 2 x 4 floor buildings with red/brown roof and brown and white painted facia. The admin office is at the end of the front wall to the school although they may also be using the private house located in the grounds of the school (turn left at the admin building and head down a track to the right in the school grounds). Still no signs or advertisements outside the school as of a week ago.

I've just heard recently that there have been some sort of difficulties getting gov. permit/permission to open. Something about the construction of the school building, some sort of conflict about the size of the building and pilings used or not used. Construction safety issues I was told. Does anyone have any more info about this? I was told they would open in September, and am thinking of sending my 14 yr old daughter there for the immersion in English in the classes. Any new info appreciated on this. It looks like the construction has stalled or stopped? I'd love to see this open and want the English taught classes.

Also, are they, has anyone heard, going to run on a western schedule (Sept to June) or will the school shcedule in the Thai school months and holidays?

Cent

Ok Buckwheat, sign me up +1. I'll tell Jingjing as well. I live right down the street. (Is there someplace else to sign up for the BBQ, or is this it?)

Cent

This is the right place for signups....consider yourself +1 included!

Thanks Buckwheat. BTW, I like your avatar. I have a stash of many of the Stooges shorts on DVD/VCD here in Isaan a friend gave me. Will you be attending the BBQ? If so I can maybe make copies of these for you if you enjoy them and would like some to watch.

Cent

Ok Buckwheat, sign me up +1. I'll tell Jingjing as well. I live right down the street. (Is there someplace else to sign up for the BBQ, or is this it?)

Cent

Today's the day that, if I were back in the States, I or some friend or family member would assume the task of cooking up a huge turkey and all the trimmings... stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes (yams), and at least fifteen other side dishes of all descriptions, and probably a baked ham as well just for good measure.

Folks will stuff themselves silly, go back for seconds, thirds, and for the truly fat gluttonous bastards, as many times as their host will permit them to refill their plate.

Beer, wine, and whiskey will be quaffed. Massive headaches and stomachaches will result. Leftovers will be eaten as a midnight snack.

It's a ritual that, disgusting as it sounds, I will sorely miss, being here in the LOS.

Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Yanks out there, and anyone else who cares!

Jing Jing,

Hey, brother! Happy Thanksgiving! Getting ready to sit down to the feast in another hour or so. Wonderful aromas fill the house and the beers are cold and the football is on. But, it's cold and rainy, and will get worse before I get my arse back to Surin. Things are good though and everyone is well. Have a nice day. Maybe go over to my shop and have my wife cook you up a nice curry for Thanksgiving? I'll call later this week.

Cent

Just to keep the topic on the front page. (not so many TV members in Ubon Province)

Come on guys - join in and have a Sunday or weekend away from home.

Trond

Bergen,

As said earlier in PM, sorry I will not be able to make this. I will get up there once I return from the states with my wife and daughter. Really would have liked to make this bash. I'll tell my friend Mike though and maybe he'll pop in with his wife and baby. I'm sure he'd enjoy that.

Cent

yank holiday

Being a Yank, I'll admit to it, but hey, any holiday devoted to eating, drinking, and watching sports can't be all bad

I had a good friend who was a native american. his gret grandfather was murdered in cold blood infront of his grandfather for no reason other than being a feather-headed and brown skinned. it seems yanks have a long history of abuses.

And the Abos of your country have been treated with kindness, and nothing like that has never happened in Australia has it? People in glass houses should not be throwing stones. Read up on your own rather bloody colonial history.

Cent

One of the things I have always enjoyed about the Issan forum is the lack of slagging off & arguing that occurs in most threads in the Pattaya or Samui subforums.

Is it because Issan dwellers are too isolated from other farang to make comparisons or disagreements as they are too spread out or have they just adopted the famously laid back Issan attitude, as living in a small village or town miles away from the toursit hot spots mean that the things that pattay/samui/phuket dwellers may find important & frustrating are just so uniporttant when you are the only (or one of few) farang in town?

Interesting question I think that living in a rural area does help remove the chaff from the rice, so to speak, when deciding what is really important. When I see some of the struggles my neighbours go through, it sometimes makes me feel humble, and embarrassed, that I have been annoyed by something trivial like not being able to buy the type of cheese I prefer...

Cheers,

Mike

Mike,

Well said, and I agree. So, what kind of cheese do you prefer? Makro in Surin has blocks of Aussie cheddar that is tasty. Also have mozzerella too. Martin of Farang Connection infamy can do you up a take away cheese platter that is out of this world, blue cheese, edam/gouda, sharp cheddars and such, brie, with crackers and German black bread for a really decent price that'll last you a few days! Try him out when you are around and you'll be pleasantly surprised at the cheese selection and the reasonable cost. Plus the Grolsch is cold and tasty and the Famous Grouse smooth and warming on these cool November evenings.

Cent

The disaster is that Makro no longer have Aussie cheddar but tasteless muck made by Aro. I got a refund when I took back the block I bought.

Raslin, Mike,

Was in the Farang Connection this morning and noticed Martin, the fat ugly bugger, had four or five of the big cheese blocks in his frige. The New Zealand cheddar. Said he saw it on sale for 2 for 1 and he bought the lot of it. That's why we can't buy any, the greedy bastard bought it all in the Makro! So go see him if you want some, he's cornered the market on cheese it seems.

Cent

AussieCollin,

BTW, try out the #2 English breakfast at the Farang Connection. Good deal for the baht and you won't go away hungry. Was there this morning with another expat friend watching the Monday Night Football game on the widescreen. Martin was still fat and ugly. Sorry I won't be around or I'd have a beer with you and a stroll around the Kola, but I'm back to the states for a few weeks over the holidays.

Cent

Cent,

A great post, thank for the info. I am there for 9 days starting Christmas Day so your observations (oops, your friends observations) that you are passing on) are very helpfull.

I did read somewhere that Soi Kola is 'dangerous after 11.00PM.' As an old fart who wins all fights by 100 meters this makes me a bit nervous. That said, I have no hestitation in late night strolls down Cowboy or PT Burgos/Makarti.

I have been to see the 'Rose' at rear of Tong Tarin (I stayed there...the Tong Tarin, not the Rose ) but at that time there was one sitting in the fishbowl (Yes, ONE!) who didn't look as though she was the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Massage place almost directly opposite Martin's fine establishment was OK, straight.

AussieCollin.

PS. I will check out Martin's claim re fat/ugly when I go there and report back to the group.

AussieColin,

There are a few places to have some adult fun in Surin. Some guys come all the way from Ubon to do so. Try the Coyote Agogo in Soi Kola (left side just before the Celebrate restaurant). Small place, but the natives are friendly and there are some pretty lasses in there. Not Soi Cowboy, but it can be fun if you know that the ladies need you to approach them, not the other way around. Also, the Memorial Hotel has a fishbowl massage with all included for 800 baht an hour (walk down the driveway to the left and down to the back parking lot, the entrance is back there). As for Sing-a-Song places with take out possibilities, try the Caesar Club right in front of the Thong Tarin Hotel (the building behind the stage of the beer garden in the front parking lot of the hotel). There's also the Hard Rock Agogo down the far left end of Soi Kola as well, the agogo is upstairs and has some nice talent in there which again, you need to approach them, as they will not come to you and sit with you unless asked, usually. Plenty of karaoke shops as well along soi Kola as well with friendly singers who will attempt to draw you inside. As said, Speed 3 is a good place to meet people and have some fun, but hitting on ladies there could be a problem, as most are with friends or their hubbie or boyfriend. My favorite hangout in Surin is the Tawan Daeng Club to the right of the Thong Tarin Hotel (there is a gate from the parking lot to the right of the hotel where you can walk into the back lot of the Tawan Dang then around front to the entrance. If the gate is locked just ask one of the parking lot guards to open it for you-a small tip is appreciated for doing this, but not absolutely necessary). Usually starts rocking around 11, open until 2, and the single/groups of women are very friendly and have possibilities and seem to all want a farang boyfriend, at least for the night. Was hit upon by 2 lovely young ladies the other night while there with a friend, plus I love the Isaan Thai rock music. Good band, cheap drinks, and very friendly people.

There are other places, but these are all right in one area you can walk to around the Thong Tarin Hotel, just up the street from the Farang Connection (which has great food and drinks to start off an evening and the infamous owner Martin is always good for a laugh and a chat ), also an easy walk to these places from the new Surin Majestic Hotel. If you want a room to take a lass from the agogos or where ever without needing to use your hotel, behind the Thong Tarin you can walk into a small soi (which you can see from the back of the hotel's swimming pool) that has a 'No Tell Motel' short time room for 200 baht. The passageway into the soi from behind the hotel is to the far left of the steps that lead up to the Golden Rose (might be another name now) Massage Parlor that sits at the back of the Thong Tarin. You'll see it, looks like a driveway, but is the entrance to a small soi where the motel occupies most of the soi. Someone said the Thong Tarin massage place is expensive. That's not what I was told, I think 1200 baht for a 2 hour session with one of the lovelies. They do have a 'superstar' tier, so that might be more.

Not that I frequent some of these places, but friends do and have told me what they get up to and how much it all costs. Just for your info.

Cent

AussieCollin,

Who told you Soi Kola was dangerous after 11? Complete <deleted>. I've, er, my friends have been there until closing many times and never had a problem. I wouldn't hang around at the far end after closing though, down by the Hard Rock agogo. Have seen some dodgy characters, and one time some skank tried it on with some silly scam bullshit, but if you know how to handle yourself and don't fall for silly crap it's not any worse than Cowboy. Personally I'd say go to the Coyote for the late night closing. It's in the middle of the soi and usually there will be a cop or two hanging around out front at closing. Not to worry really. I wouldn't tell you to go there if it was dangerous. Never a problem. And really, most of the younger Thais are very polite and friendly and get a kick out of seeing some farangs around. Some speaking Thai would be a definite advantage (not that I can much at all). But it would be more fun with a friend or two along. Definitely try out Tawan Daeng one night, go in around 10 or so, but it opens earlier as well, and they do serve those big plastic cooler dispensers of beer like at Coliseum on Suk, and some food, and even cocktails I hear (though I haven't ordered one yet). By midnight/one o'clock every one is up dancing and having a good time. Fun place. Just avoid the obvious drunks where ever you go and things will be fine and you'll have fun. Friday and Saturday nights it gets crowded, but actually any night there are plenty of people around later at night.

Here's a tip, if you go to the Speed 3 Disco after you go in walk to your left and go up the stairs to the balcony. Good view of the stage, not crowded like down on the floor, and there is a hong nam up there and a small bar as well. Good show there and some funny gags and a good band.

I've been going there with friends for years and never had a problem except for some fat gay Thai drunk kid hitting on me one night.

Cent