BANGKOK – It seems like every country in Asia has their own version of a hot pot, that communal dining experience where a pot of simmering soup is used to cook fresh pieces of meat, seafood and vegetables which are in turned dipped in different kinds of sauces before being consumed.  At the more refined end of the spectrum, [...]

  HONG KONG – Back in my corporate days, when I was constantly on the go traveling from one city to the next, the airport often became my temporary home, a place where I would eat, drink, shop, shit, work, sleep and even shower, while waiting for my flight onward.  It’s not something I particularly enjoyed (because, like it or [...]

    CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – Working crazy hours?  In the initial stages of career burn out?  Need a life re-charge/re-eval?  If any of these answers is “yes”, this resort tucked away in the mountains of Northern Thailand might be just what you need to de-stress and get your so-called life back on track. Located on the outskirts of Chiang [...]

  HONG KONG – This strange, yet wonderful, example of the West’s lasting influence on Hong Kong is considered by many to be an integral part of the city’s heritage. Known as the Cha Chaan Teng (CCT), these old-style eateries – which can be found on practically every street corner (or skyscraper as the case may be) – serve up [...]

  BANGKOK – Beach, Singhas, massage and go-go bars?  Is that all you have planned for your Thai holiday?  Like to make a bit of difference while you’re there?  Then think about making a donation – large or small – to any one of Thailand’s amazing temples. These so-called “offerings” are the lifeblood of Thailand’s temples, and are essential to [...]

  SAN FRANCISCO – Head over to the Van Ness/Upper Tenderloin area these days and there – amongst a cultural melting pot (Vietnamese, Indians, Pakistanis have all taken stakes in the area) and the backdrop of San Francisco’s skid row – you’ll find the very impressive gallery, 941 Geary.  This relatively new exhibition space specializes in what is one of [...]

SAN FRANCISCO – When it comes to San Francisco, I have very mixed feelings.  Growing up, I loved spending time there and felt it was one of the best places ever.  But now, after having seen a bit of what else is out there in the world and having looked at what SF has become, I find it less in [...]

  By GARY FONG SAN FRANCISCO – Cafeteria-style service, glass-enclosed serving stations, hand-carved mouthwatering meats, fun side dishes just waiting to be scooped up, and loads of beer and cocktails…what’s not to love?  Known as the hofbrau, this American take on the German pub peaked in popularity back in the 70’s but nowadays you’d be hard pressed to find one [...]

SAN FRANCISCO – Looking for a wicked triple cream or a super crusty sour batard? How about a special brew made from freshly roasted (within the last 48 hours), pesticide-free, shade-grown coffee beans?  If this is the sort of stuff that makes your mouth water or if you just enjoy good food, then check out San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace [...]

  PATTAYA, THAILAND - Civil unrest, political coups and floods… if you’re a frequent visitor to Thailand, chances are, you’ll probably have the unfortunate experience of encountering one or more of these dramas.  For me, it was the Red Shirt Protests, whose leaders chose to make Ratchadamri, my neighborhood at the time, their very own ground zero for all red activity. [...]