Hua Hin Forum meet-up 10th March 2012

[kendo]

Richard i carried you back to the Hogs Breath you wanted to go in the Flamingo but was told "not welcome"

Will be out and about later as i do enjoy a Sunday wet, just going up the fishing lodge, will look out for you and US later.

Kendo.

[Spitfire]

Looks like Jack Sparrow has some competition...

Jack Sparrow in HH..jpg (15.86 KiB) Viewed 544 times

All you need is a parrot Richard.

[Khundon1975]

Good job I've the skin of a water buffalo

That's only because you ate the rest.

Can't make it as we don't hit LOS till mid April.

Hope you all have a great time.

[richard]

Looks like Jack Sparrow has some competition...

Jack Sparrow in HH..jpg

All you need is a parrot Richard.

Should have deleted that one . Think it looks more like Sandmans avatar (father Ted)

[JW]

Great crack as always!

[Big Boy]

I'm still waiting for the full critique on the chips

[JW]

We did an experiment (only me and Kendo were present at the time) of doing 3 times cooked chips. The spuds here are very hard so we boil them first to get them softened - let them rest and cool down in fridge, then fry at about 350 for 4/5 mins, rest and pat down with kitchen roll, then...give them some full on nuclear fission style heat until golden brown!
Bloody great really crisp outside and lovely and softy in the middle. (pain in the arse to cook!)

So me and Kendo had some great chips staff still trying to get the hang of it!
Be ready for when you land BB

[PeteC]

Where you getting your potatoes JW, and where are they from? Check out Makro as over this side they have a large selection of imported spuds both from EU, Ireland and the USA. Much better than the Thai variety IMO. Pete

[kendo]

Thank you for a good night JW, will try and pop in before going jungle.

Kendo.

[Johnnywastaken]

We did an experiment of doing 3 times cooked chips. The spuds here are very hard so we boil them first to get them softened - let them rest and cool down in fridge, then fry at about 350 for 4/5 mins, rest and pat down with kitchen roll, then...give them some full on nuclear fission style heat until golden brown!
Bloody great really crisp outside and lovely and softy in the middle. (pain in the arse to cook!)

This is excellent info.... and I've been experimenting the same over the years...

The boiling part.... I think is redundant... but still interesting... I once baked them a bit ...(Once) and never again as it draws the moisture out...

I use Russet potatoes ....I remember Jamie Oliver said twice cooked was sufficient ... but then not to be out done...Gordon Ramsey claimed he could accomplish the entire process with one bath in the oil...and they looked ok on TV...

Back in 98... after Canary Wharf... I went on a quest for the best F&C... Runner up was Brighton... but the best was this place outside Blackpoole called...Fleetwood.... I know I'd never ever be able to find this place again... but firstly...the fish was fried in a cocoon of beer batter done to a perfect kind of like.... ear wax gold color.... ... hell,...it was like cracking an egg open.... and the filet inside was dripping moist... this was also the first time that as was explained to me by the owner...about frying the fries twice.... mmm and even though I only fully understood every 3'rd word he was saying... I've been frying em twice every time... It really works....

[Lung Per]

Where you getting your potatoes JW, and where are they from? Check out Makro as over this side they have a large selection of imported spuds both from EU, Ireland and the USA. Much better than the Thai variety IMO. Pete

FYI: Ireland is a member of the EU since 1973.

[JW]

Just buy from the local market, the ones with the pale skin - will experiment with some other varieties! The pale skins definitely need boiling if you want them to be cut into good fat chips.

The F and C shop that Joh nywastaken mentions reminds me of a place called Crosbys in Whitehaven - fish you describe sounds just the same and i doubt I will ever have a better one!

[Spitfire]

FYI: Ireland is a member of the EU since 1973.

Yes Lungy, perhaps a good example of why the UK and Ireland should join NAFTA instead and rekindle trade agreements with the commonwealth countries instead of wasting time with the 'lead balloon' of Europe.

Edit - Yes, yes...I know, hopelessly off-topic.....done.

[richard]

Back on topic then

I'm going to have a mini rant but only out of curiosity

I've been a HH forum member for over 9 years and IMO active in giving and taking advice and information on the forum. OK, on a few occasions I've 'crossed the line' and duly had my knuckles rapped but of all the forums I trawl in Thailand and other countries this is the best.

I am puzzled though that when a meet is organised so few attend as US posted. There was a day when we started at a beach location with some fun games, some cold ones and a bit of grub, kids and wives/GF's attending and then a session in a pub (usually JW's) for the marathon guys and gals.

What's happened?

Belt tightening?
Don't want a face to face in case you've upset someone?
Location wrong? (Beach, Barrys boat, Terrys fish pond, JW's ...........all fine for me)
Day and time not right?

OK the membership is bigger and some of the stalwarts are no longer with us but surely it's an open day event, optional in terms of commitment but for me a great opportunity to meet new people and meet regulars for a bit of off screen banter and leg pulling and occasionally patching up a dispute or difference of opinion.

There's loads of posters I disagree with but we are all entitled to an opinion and rather than blast it worldwide on the forum it's nice to agree to disagree and clink a couple of cold ones together

What thoughts from you fellow posters?

[Norseman]

I agree with you Richard.
One of the really strong advantages of this forum is that they we all have a really good chance to meet up with some real and pleasant people.
On the forum we often use phrases like "people hiding behind the keyboard" when somebody say something we don't like or believe.
And when all of you are invited to a fun and friendly gathering most of you don't care to show up!
Why?
Are you guys so damn serious about life in general that you don't care to meet up with your brothers and sisters who really keeps this forum alive?
I don't care if you don't want to meet up with me or any other moderator, but when such distinctive Hua Hin Forum members like Kendo arrives in town AND INVITE you all to a friendly gathering, I honestly believe that you should be able to find the off-button on your TV and instead meet up with some real people (friends - brothers in arms or whatever).
Gatherings like this is a great opportunity to get some new friends and meet the people behind the keyboard!!