Now starting: Chiang Mai Expats Dining Group

[JimTripper]

1 hour ago, suzannegoh said:

This is largely a generational thing.  Older people have always complained about younger generations.

He did not mention age, just digital nomads and tourists. They do however, tend to be younger. 

 

It's possible for an older established expat to be a digital nomad, and not have a pension or be retired 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

Anyhow, I will stop hijacking the room now and let the Op get back to the business of the thread, which was an expats dining group.

Edited November 2 by JimTripper

[Barley]

I would be interested.

 

I would add  Auf der Au restaurant buffet, since it can make almost anyone happy.

[Old Curmudgeon]

On 10/30/2024 at 8:28 AM, JimTripper said:

 

Interesting that you don't want digital nomads...

 

Actually don't want more than just digital nomads.

Several "groups": exactly "who" is being discussed.

I'd post the list here, but the thread would explode with indignation.

 

But one example, just to "test" response.

Vaxxed invited??    Or not??

[Old Curmudgeon]

1 hour ago, Barley said:

Auf der Au restaurant buffet, since it can make almost anyone happy.

 

Good idea.

Recent gatherings were "separate checks": rather awkward for waitress.

In future probably only buffets, because fixed price.

 

 

photo from Auf der Au web site.

Edited Tuesday at 09:32 AM by Old Curmudgeon

[JimTripper]

On 11/12/2024 at 4:27 PM, Old Curmudgeon said:

Good idea.

Recent gatherings were "separate checks": rather awkward for waitress.

In future probably only buffets, because fixed price.

 

 

photo from Auf der Au web site.

I don't think seperate checks are popular with Thai's. They usually like to have one person waiting at the end to pay.

 

Everyone "slinks out quietly" like a snake before the bill comes and they don't wait around and kind of "seem to be in a hurry" to exit the venue.

 

Any idea who that last person would be at the dinner? 🤣 (hint: whomever organized the event or acted like they were in charge while there).

Edited yesterday at 02:00 PM by JimTripper

[ChaiyaTH]

At least you can say without doubt; I failed in life. When you are in need of a dining group in CM 55555 What is next? Opening cigar shop number 10 while nobody wants it?

Edited 17 hours ago by ChaiyaTH

[JimTripper]

1 minute ago, ChaiyaTH said:

At least you can say without doubt; I failed in life. When you are in need of a dining group in CM 55555 What is next? Opening cigar shop number 10 while nobody wants it?

Why? Most people can't just walk into a restaurant cold turkey, sit down anywhere and start socializing.

[JBChiangRai]

In Chiang Rai the Ostraka monthly dining group gets between 10 and 25 people, sometimes set price, sometimes separate checks.

 

This photo was yesterday’s meeting, separate checks and one of our smaller meetings.

 

 

[Old Curmudgeon]

13 hours ago, JimTripper said:

Most people can't just walk into a restaurant cold turkey, sit down anywhere and start socializing.

 

Well, doing exactly that is an easy and often pleasant way to meet people, especially other expats.

 

Two examples -- hopefully helpful to my fellow expats who are a bit shy:

 

Many years ago, when "Butter is Better" first opened, I went for a meal.

Sat down and started studying the menu.

Another man at the next table, about my age, appeared to be a fellow expat.

Turned to him and said, "This is my first time here.  I hope you don't mind me asking, what is that you ordered and how is it?"

He explained.

So I said to the waitress, "I'll have what he ordered.  Same-same."

That was all it took to start a friendly and very pleasant conversation.

 

Just the other day, at a different restaurant, at a table by myself, another expat-looking man walked in alone and went past my table to the toilet.

Looked like a decent sort.

So when he returned, I said, "Good morning.  I'm eating alone today.  If you'd like some conversation with your meal, you're welcome to sit here."

He did and we had a good time exchanging expat stories.

 

I've found that many expats (many, but not all) are eager for conversation with other expats.

All they need is the opportunity.

Provide that opportunity and it is quite easy to make new friends.

 

[JimTripper]

1 hour ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

Well, doing exactly that is an easy and often pleasant way to meet people, especially other expats.

 

Two examples -- hopefully helpful to my fellow expats who are a bit shy:

 

Many years ago, when "Butter is Better" first opened, I went for a meal.

Sat down and started studying the menu.

Another man at the next table, about my age, appeared to be a fellow expat.

Turned to him and said, "This is my first time here.  I hope you don't mind me asking, what is that you ordered and how is it?"

He explained.

So I said to the waitress, "I'll have what he ordered.  Same-same."

That was all it took to start a friendly and very pleasant conversation.

 

Just the other day, at a different restaurant, at a table by myself, another expat-looking man walked in alone and went past my table to the toilet.

Looked like a decent sort.

So when he returned, I said, "Good morning.  I'm eating alone today.  If you'd like some conversation with your meal, you're welcome to sit here."

He did and we had a good time exchanging expat stories.

 

I've found that many expats (many, but not all) are eager for conversation with other expats.

All they need is the opportunity.

Provide that opportunity and it is quite easy to make new friends.

That's nice, but those type of people you are referring to don't need groups. Organized activities are off their radar. They are naturals.