Rama V & the Songkran Festival with Janet Lee

It was a good thing that, instead of dunking us in water, the good folks of Rama V, used a pandan leaf, soaked in scented water, to gently bestow some good luck sprinkles on our shoulders. Otherwise, we would have been thoroughly soaked, as this was Thai Songkran, the mother of all water festivals.

The Lunar New Year in Thailand is a wet affair. Half custom, and half riot, Songkran is a time for bathing Buddha in water, and seeking the blessings of your elders (if you are thai) by pouring scented water over their hands. After that, it is open season, and everybody on the streets gets into a water-fighting frenzy. Songkran is a good reason to not do your hair, makeup, nor bother with a bath. Just step out into the streets and have one give to you, free of charge!

In addition to the wild water battles, there is also wild merry making and feasting. This year, we celebrated Songkran at Rama V with a well crafted 5 course menu, as well as entertainment with singer, Janet Lee.

Appetizer – Grilled Scallop with spinach & Pomelo Salad with Shrimp

Two starters in one.. now that’s a treat! I love Pomelo salads, especially with the first bite – the flavor rises to a crescendo before slowly reducing to a nice hum. This light yet filling salad will brighten up your mood immediately. The sunny pomelo is an ideal pairing with fresh, sweet, crunchy shrimp for sure.

If there’s one leaf I love, it would be the spinach. So how do you get the best flavors out of scallops which are already stars by themselves? Well, you serve them with spinach salad of course! A definite winner .. loved the first appetizer.

Soup – Thai Pumpkin Soup with Diced Prawn

If you think pumpkin soup is boring, think again. In Thailand, pumpkin and coconut milk are commonly paired up to make a variety of both savory and sweet entrees. Add prawns to this and it makes a perfect meal on a chilly night, but is also wonderful as an appetizer before the onslaught of mains come your way.

Shooter – Coconut Flavored shot

An interesting palate cleanser.. never had coconut before so, yes, pretty surprised.

Mains – Steamed River Prawn in Lime Juice & Chilli Sauce with Glass Noodles

Then it was time for our mains. One word of advice, one should always eat river prawns like there is no tomorrow. And when that plateful of beautiful glass noodles comes topped with a massive, flayed, googley eyed, river prawn you’ve just got to look it straight in the eye, and eat your way through it!

or, Grilled Tenderloin Medallion served with Green Curry Pesto and spaghetti

This was Cumi’s choice for mains, and he said he enjoyed it. The steak was tender and the pasta cooked al dente.

Dessert – Lemon Grass Panna Cotta

Panna cotta (cooked cream in Italian), infused with Lemongrass to give it a bite. Very nice. Still trying to wrap my head around the Asian flavour but yes, the combination was delightful and we all enjoyed it thoroughly.

We had a great time that night, watching the performance by Janet, and later, the water fight outside Rama V – it was the perfect evening to kick back with some rather chill music and great wines and food at Rama V.

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