Please share the living experience in Mae rim area.

[evenstevens]

the hot goss,   going around Maerim Plaza,   is that Ray and his lovely missus Nui,  are planning opening a Thai restaruant,  directly opposite their Steak Of Day Restaruant

perhaps around  May , was mooted sometime back 2016

   If   true ,   a  great   additional  nose bag,   for  beautiful Maerimites

its a no, April Fool,s good morning to all

 

 

 

 

[CMKiwi]

The problem with their property opposite SOTD  is a bit smaller and therefore has less seating area.

 

They tried to use it as a breakfast place but no real market for that.

 

It's a nice building as it's a double with open plan (Compared to the other units) but they also need to utilise the second and perhaps 3rd floor.

 

I mentioned some time ago to Ray that perhaps a cocktail bar would work on the second floor. Ray liked the idea but doesn't want to be involved with alcohol as that presents more headaches than its worth.

 

I'm surprised Simon is still operating but I take my hat off to him for his perseverance.

 

It's taking a while for the Plaza to really take off but it's chugging along ok at the moment. It's a tough market to be in.

[evenstevens]

in my view,  no problem with  seating numbers, will hold  30   plus,  very comfortably, in the best location, in Maerim Plaza, that particular top corner,/hub holds all the aces

 

 at this point  of time,will only open  5pm to  9pm , no lunchtime on the agenda, but that may change in due course,

 

   in my view Simon,s  Place,    ,had nothing going for it,   just a matter of time,

have noticed,   the   new Hamburger joint,    has  not  been opened during the day  ,perhaps its closed ???

 Apart  from  Chez Phillipe ,  Maerim  Plaza,    is a graveyard,    for  Farung eatery,s,   etc etc , very sadly many have failed

 

[CMKiwi]

Yes the Aussie guy from the hamburger joint went back to Oz.

 

 Apparently the update he got from his missus who is/was still running the joint while he was away, was that it's pretty quiet/dead.

 

  Subsequently he told her to shut it. It's a hard life if all you're banking on is to get large falang numbers into you eatery. I don't believe we have those numbers out here yet so you must also rely on Thai customers to make ends meet.

 

Ray has the market at the moment but I've even seen some nights where even he is quiet.  I never went into Chez Philippe when it was in the Plaza....Wasn't really my scene.

 

'Let it be' still does a damn fine lamb shank with mash and gravy. And even the food court puts out some good Thai dishes.

 

Simon unfortunately found it difficult to retain staff....too many prettiest looking for future husbands/ATMs!  

 

 

[HaleySabai]

On 2017-03-23 at 10:50 PM, lannarebirth said:

 

I was talking to the wife the other night, and we figured we own about 1/4 of 1% of Mae Rim between us. Not the city but the countryside. We just love it out there. We have rivers, mountains, waterfalls, rice fields. To me it is heaven on earth. 

In Mae Hia we have all that AND a Rim Ping...haha... I live in the National park and the village water supply comes from a water fall 1km up the mountain.....er, I mean it did come from there.

No-where is perfect.

[evenstevens]

5 hours ago, CMKiwi said:

Yes the Aussie guy from the hamburger joint went back to Oz.

 

 Apparently the update he got from his missus who is/was still running the joint while he was away, was that it's pretty quiet/dead.

 

  Subsequently he told her to shut it. It's a hard life if all you're banking on is to get large falang numbers into you eatery. I don't believe we have those numbers out here yet so you must also rely on Thai customers to make ends meet.

 

Ray has the market at the moment but I've even seen some nights where even he is quiet.  I never went into Chez Philippe when it was in the Plaza....Wasn't really my scene.

 

'Let it be' still does a damn fine lamb shank with mash and gravy. And even the food court puts out some good Thai dishes.

 

Simon unfortunately found it difficult to retain staff....too many prettiest looking for future husbands/ATMs!

 

 

the   Aussie  Hamburger  joint      was behind the eight ball,   from day one, or even before

 

yes agreed   Ray  and Nui  ,of   The  Steak of The  Day ,   has the  lions  share  of the  market in  Maerim Plaza,  largely due to to  Ray being a top notch chef,,and  Nui being a very affable   on the floor   Leader ,  ,plus  a very simple business plan  put in place,  , which is pleasing most punters,/,napkins  who  have a nose bag at The Steak Of The Day

  Kiitty,and Jeb,s   Let It Be ,    in my view,    is right up there ,   with Steak OfThe Day

as for Simons Place, retaining the  staff  problem,  it   is   the onus of  the owner,( who  is a really nice guy), to put that together, sadly that has not been done

a very nice evening to all

Edited April 1, 2017 by evenstevens

[lannarebirth]

5 hours ago, HaleySabai said:

In Mae Hia we have all that AND a Rim Ping...haha... I live in the National park and the village water supply comes from a water fall 1km up the mountain.....er, I mean it did come from there.

No-where is perfect.

I've got a house in Mae Hia also.  Too busy.

[HaleySabai]

12 hours ago, lannarebirth said:

I've got a house in Mae Hia also.  Too busy.

You must have one happy wify....remember,in Thailand winner takes ALL...haha

[Goinghomesoon]

On 12/23/2015 at 0:49 AM, CMKiwi said:

Prem is also one of the more expensive schools outside of CM proper. It is not free! There are also a lot of teacher vacancies, and although I cannot say why due to the possible legal implications. I new director/Principal has resulted in a lot of long term/time teachers resigning.

It appears not is all healthy within the teaching fraternity. I am led to believe that those whom oppose giving credit to children that dont make the grade are under undue pressure to reverse their decisions. Money and hierarchy (Perhaps the Thai way) dont always sit well with western teachers.

But that said, there are more schooling avenues to explore in the area.

FWIW as a Prem parent with a child in 12th grade there hasn't been any noticeable change in teaching quality nor any effect on the kids. Mine is an average student and gets excellent support. It's a lovely learning environment. 

[Dante99]

That is too bad.  One would hope that there would be continuous positive change in teaching quality and continuous positive effects on the kids.

Edited April 5, 2017 by Dante99

[Johpa]

The Plaza as a whole is not prospering, other than Tuesday market night, with a better daily food market north of the town center.  Even the dentist shop relocated.

 

The breakfast place across from SOTD might have succeeded if it wasn't for the bad service. Simon's place attracts a wide variety of folks ranging from teachers at Prem, families, a few Thais in to play pool, and yes, a few regulars who may drink a tad too much at times, but it is by far the best ex-pat oriented neighborhood pub in the area.  Simon's has good and affordable food and drink.  It also fortunately repels the ilk of ES.  For dinner, both the Pansawan and the Chez Phillipe (off the 3009) offer some of the best deals for western food in Mae Rim in a restaurant setting.

[evenstevens]

On 6 เมษายน 2560 at 0:53 AM, Johpa said:

 Simon's place attracts a wide variety of folks ranging from teachers at Prem, families, a few Thais in to play pool, and yes, a few regulars who may drink a tad too much at times, but it is by far the best ex-pat oriented neighborhood pub in the area.  Simon's has good and affordable food and drink.  It also fortunately repels the ilk of ES.

in the past week, been past Simon,s Place, twice , at best 3 to 4   farungs there  each time,  and on other occassions, over last 6 months or so , lucky to reach that number

its clearly lagging behind  Steak Of  The  Day  and  Company  at Maerim Plaza  in all facets of  the restaruant trade,, , i beleive he lives, above the restaruant ,which would be the sole reason ,to keep his doors open, to this point of time,  just my view only  ,I  have a number of  nosebags  in Maerim  District, who offer a better deal all round then Simon.s Place

a lovely morning to all

 

[Johpa]

3 hours ago, evenstevens said:

in the past week, been past Simon,s Place, twice , at best 3 to 4   farungs there  each time,  and on other occassions, over last 6 months or so , lucky to reach that number

its clearly lagging behind  Steak Of  The  Day  and  Company  at Maerim Plaza  in all facets of  the restaruant trade,, , i beleive he lives, above the restaruant ,which would be the sole reason ,to keep his doors open, to this point of time,  just my view only  ,I  have a number of  nosebags  in Maerim  District, who offer a better deal all round then Simon.s Place

a lovely morning to all

 

 

So ES, pray tell where there is a better ex-pat oriented pub in Mae Rim.  Of course there are proper restaurants with a bit better food, although Simon's pizza is pretty good for pizza in Thailand,  and certainly one can easily find a longer menu elsewhere.  I listed two such places in my post, both of which I prefer to Steak of the Day, but that is just my humble opinion.  And I know of many Thai places that will serve me my Sang Som soda with some good Thai food.  But, as your post suggests, where are there some hidden and yet affordable ex-pat oriented pubs around Mae Rim that we should know about that offer a better deal than Simon's? Is there another pub with decent western food (the Thai restaurant next door to Simon's has very good Thai food at local prices and Simon does not mind if you order food from there) , a pool table, playing western music, and with a multi-lingual  proprietor as affable as Simon himself?  Bless us with your wisdom.

[evenstevens]

  Simon,s  Place  is  running very low on oxygen,    please enjoy,    while  there is,   still some  left ,   in the tanks

[CMKiwi]

And E/S wouldn't happen to be the oxygen thief by any chance?

[Scott]

Posts removed. 

 

[sendbaht]

I really like Simon..I only wish him good... 

[evenstevens]

gallopped passed the Someng/HW107 intersection y/day, on the way to M/rim Plaza for a nose bag,and noticed a sign,  advertising that large plot of land ,that has been filled in ,and levelled is up for rent,  My mail is,   that  the  big petroleum company, will build a another gas station,and  shops on the site,hence the rental sign, see how it progresses

secondly  had a quick  sticky  beak at  Steak  Of  The  Day  totally  refitted kitchen, sure looks  a Bo Derek   ,and cost a pretty baht,   E/S would wager

Btw  S.O.D   reopens Weds 10/5

its a  Thunder Clap Newman , good morning to all

[worgeordie]

3 hours ago, evenstevens said:

gallopped passed the Someng/HW107 intersection y/day, on the way to M/rim Plaza for a nose bag,and noticed a sign,  advertising that large plot of land ,that has been filled in ,and levelled is up for rent,  My mail is,   that  the  big petroleum company, will build a another gas station,and  shops on the site,hence the rental sign, see how it progresses

secondly  had a quick  sticky  beak at  Steak  Of  The  Day  totally  refitted kitchen, sure looks  a Bo Derek   ,and cost a pretty baht,   E/S would wager

Btw  S.O.D   reopens Weds 10/5

its a  Thunder Clap Newman , good morning to all

"There must be something in the air."

regards worgeordie

Edited May 8, 2017 by worgeordie
add on

[luther]

I have lived in Mae Rim for 6 years. The plaza is ripe for somebody to open a restaurant that will be packed. The farangs are here and many have the money to spend, and word will quickly leak out.

 

9 Moo 9 down the Hang Dong way is what somebody should be emulating...excellent salads, light food and or a substantial piece of meat or fish.

 

The breakfasts and pizzas across from Steak of the Day were excellent. I'm surprised they didn't make it go.

 

After 3 or 4 lunches or dinners at STOD, I gave up. Too heavy, meat overcooked. It is very difficult to produce great western food in Thailand even in your own home.

[Johpa]

6 hours ago, luther said:

I have lived in Mae Rim for 6 years. The plaza is ripe for somebody to open a restaurant that will be packed. The farangs are here and many have the money to spend, and word will quickly leak out.

 

9 Moo 9 down the Hang Dong way is what somebody should be emulating...excellent salads, light food and or a substantial piece of meat or fish.

 

You can't compare Mae Rim with Hang Dong.  Mae Rim does not have the critical mass of ex-pats that the Hang Dong region has to support a "Kat Farang", a western market.  Even SOTD depends upon folks from the big city coming up, not locals. Phillipe had his restaurant in the Plaza, arguably, no not arguably,  as good as STOD with great salads, and it was rarely crowded, but it is doing OK in its new location.  It is interesting as to wht STOD does well and everyone else struggles. Sort of like why Mon Chaem is always crowded and the neighboring places with even better views struggle. 

 

The demographics in Mae Rim just aren't there yet for expanding western oriented restaurants.  Besides, the ex-pats in Mae Rim seem to go a bit more native than those in Hang Dong and there are many local Thai restaurants far better than anything to be found in the big city relative to both price and quality of food: e.g., Baan Suan, Rabiang Palm, Pansawan, and Hi-So Lanna.

[CMKiwi]

Ray from SOTD also has contacts in Four Seasons, which I am led to believe recommend SOTD as an alternative to their own restaurant.

 

Every little bit helps and as Johpa stated, the current demographics aren't great for a large amount of western type restaurants in Mae Rim yet.

[evenstevens]

7 hours ago, Johpa said:

 

.  It is interesting as to wht STOD does well and everyone else struggles.

the owners Ray and  Nui ,  are experienced  pro,s ,   in  managering their restaruant,   to  get Max  returns, for themselves  and  punters who patronize  STOD

 

Ray,  who incidently,   is a  ex  Dinky Di,  Four Seasons Chef, overseers the kitchen operations ,while Nui leads the floor, perfect combo  for any  restaruant to be sucessfull

BTW 

 until now ,STOD  have a cheap charlies,  little white slip menu, (  just asked for it,) very nice dishes to choose from  ,at very affordable prices,  plus the  large   White Board, up market menu, for the well heeled ,  and alcholic  beverages are moderately priced , therefore  ,catering for all  punters, and for some unknown reason , has a nice flair of ambience about it,

Its  Simply The  Best

a  Tina Turner  good morning to all

[evenstevens]

20 minutes ago, CMKiwi said:

Ray from SOTD also has contacts in Four Seasons, which I am led to believe recommend SOTD as an alternative to their own restaurant.

Ray  has contacts all over the place  particular supppliers ,which enables him to purchase  at  low prices,and receive the highest quality to boot,,he is one hell of a smart affable  operator,who doe,s not rest on his laurels,always thinking of plan B, if needed

a Chelsea F.C  good morning to all

Edited May 9, 2017 by evenstevens

[bkk6060]

Damn.  Maybe you guys got me, just a little.  I am a city guy Pattaya and Bkk. But my gf just bought this house in Mae Rim area.  It is very quiet about 5 minutes off the main road with a nice yard, view out the back.  Birds are chirping it is so quiet.  About 25 minutes from CM center.  Gym, 7-11s, a Makro about 10 minutes away.  Best of all her payment is less then $200 US a month!!  Maybe after a few days I will be bored but for now, this area is pretty nice.

[bkk6060]

On 5/8/2017 at 5:16 PM, luther said:

I have lived in Mae Rim for 6 years. The plaza is ripe for somebody to open a restaurant that will be packed. The farangs are here and many have the money to spend, and word will quickly leak out.

 

9 Moo 9 down the Hang Dong way is what somebody should be emulating...excellent salads, light food and or a substantial piece of meat or fish.

 

The breakfasts and pizzas across from Steak of the Day were excellent. I'm surprised they didn't make it go.

 

After 3 or 4 lunches or dinners at STOD, I gave up. Too heavy, meat overcooked. It is very difficult to produce great western food in Thailand even in your own home.

I just left after 3 days and this area is great.  Don't spread the word it may ruin it. :) Seriously, Mae RIm area is special I think.

I agree with you.  We went to The Biscotti Bakery two afternoons.  It is totally a hiso falang type coffee and bake shop a little off the main road.  Reminded of a Napa coffee shop.  The place was packed with Thai and Falang.

I think there is enough falang and Thai money in the area to support a nice restaurant.  Although, the food at the open market was pretty darn good and inexpensive I never saw a nice restaurant around.  So maybe it would do well...

[simoh1490]

On 08/05/2017 at 5:16 PM, luther said:

I have lived in Mae Rim for 6 years. The plaza is ripe for somebody to open a restaurant that will be packed. The farangs are here and many have the money to spend, and word will quickly leak out.

 

9 Moo 9 down the Hang Dong way is what somebody should be emulating...excellent salads, light food and or a substantial piece of meat or fish.

 

The breakfasts and pizzas across from Steak of the Day were excellent. I'm surprised they didn't make it go.

 

After 3 or 4 lunches or dinners at STOD, I gave up. Too heavy, meat overcooked. It is very difficult to produce great western food in Thailand even in your own home.

I thought the breakfasts across from SoD were very poor, the pizza's were OK and the burger was good but that mess they used to serve with eggs done three different ways, fried, scrambled AND poached was pretty dire. I'm afraid that SoD is the only real real restaurant in the plaza and more competition at a similar level is needed.

[simoh1490]

On 08/05/2017 at 11:45 PM, Johpa said:

 

You can't compare Mae Rim with Hang Dong.  Mae Rim does not have the critical mass of ex-pats that the Hang Dong region has to support a "Kat Farang", a western market.  Even SOTD depends upon folks from the big city coming up, not locals. Phillipe had his restaurant in the Plaza, arguably, no not arguably,  as good as STOD with great salads, and it was rarely crowded, but it is doing OK in its new location.  It is interesting as to wht STOD does well and everyone else struggles. Sort of like why Mon Chaem is always crowded and the neighboring places with even better views struggle. 

 

The demographics in Mae Rim just aren't there yet for expanding western oriented restaurants.  Besides, the ex-pats in Mae Rim seem to go a bit more native than those in Hang Dong and there are many local Thai restaurants far better than anything to be found in the big city relative to both price and quality of food: e.g., Baan Suan, Rabiang Palm, Pansawan, and Hi-So Lanna.

I see Hang Dong as an extension of Chiang Mai and not the least bit rural, Mae Rim at least has that sense of being right on the edge of the mountains, rural Thailand is right round the corner.

[CMKiwi]

Some people hate the traffic in and through Mae Rim, however compared to the Hang Dong route to Chiang Mai I dont think its that bad.  Sure it is bad in Mae Rim during school open and close times but thats the same everywhere.  I have learnt to move around outside those times.

 

On the subject of places to eat, I went to Let it Be the other day. Great food and at a good price...certainly give SOTD a run for its money (IMHO).  I didnt go for the lanb shank this time but their mixed sausage dish at 250 baht was superb.  A few days ago I went down to My Backyard Place (Formerly known as My Backyard). They have the best fish and chips at 99 baht that Ive come across anywhere.  3 fillets (breadcrumbed) and a good pile of chips...you wont leave hungry.

 

God I love it here in Mae Rim!

[bkk6060]

I have a question about this place as a Pattaya/Bkk guy it seemed strange.  So, at 730 am on Friday, I hear some Thai music then some Thai dude on a loud speaker not mobile but from a speaker on an electric pole.  I was already up but <deleted>?  My GF tells me the guy is talking about free dog vaccines. Great, thank you.

As I drove more in the area I saw many of these megaphones/speakers on poles in various places.  Kind of seemed communist but what do I know, maybe good to warn people if there is a problem.  Anyway, just curious any info on this?

Edited May 13, 2017 by bkk6060