Around Town With Marji

Spend a few minutes reading about the latest news and events taking place in Chiang Mai and northern Thailand. Dining treats, art exhibitions, concerts and great savings on shopping can be yours. All locations of these businesses can be found on the Recommended Businesses page of our printed magazine. The Editor welcomes local business announcements and comments. Please forward news and club events to editor@chiangmai-chiangrai.com

Movies

Alliance Francaise presents French cinema with English subtitles each Friday at 8 pm. Charoenprathet Road. Tel. 053-275277.

Club News

• >DAILY SWIMMING. Center of the Universe Pool. Mobile 08 1473 0746. Saturday Aerobics, 8.30 am to 9.03 am.

• >Chiang Mai VFW meeting. The first Saturday of each month at The DUKES, Night Bazaar Branch, Changklan Road. 10:30 am.

• >Chiang Mai Expat Club meetings at the Shangri-la Hotel on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10.30 am.

• >Long Yang Social Club promotes friendship among gay men and lesbians. Regular social events, including dining out, sports, charitable activities, and entertainment. Email:  lyc.cnx@gmail.com

• >Lunch Bunch meets monthly on the second Wednesday for lunch on June 9 at the newly renovated Cafe Pandau, Soi 13, Nimmanhemin Road. Come early at 11 am. We’ll have an introduction yoga class by Alan McGrew, the yoga expert from Hawaii. Book in advance at margaret@chiangmai-chiangrai.com. The lunch bunch enjoyed meeting Ketsanee and Prof. Eric the owners of the Dokmai Garden a botanic education park with over 700 specicies of trees and plants.

• >Sunday Bicycle Club”. Cycling Excursions Program by the Chiang Mai Sunday Bicycle Club. For the monthly trip schedule, email nirandorn_bikecm@yahoo.com

• >Travel Experience Sharing Group meets at Tusker’s Bar & Grill on the second Monday of every month at 7 pm. Amateur and professional photographers and travel writers share travel experiences. Get there early for a good seat.

• >Quiz Night at Tusker’s Bar & Grill every Monday at 8 pm.

Nocturnes and Barcarolles Concert

The Music College of Payap University and Bennett Lerner and Friends is proud to present the fourth concert in the series NOCTURNES AND BARCAROLLES, featuring music by the French master Gabriel Faur้ and his contemporaries. This concert will introduce a performer new to Chiang Mai, the American-trained Thai baritone Saran Suebsantiwongse. He will be joined on stage by pianist Bennett Lerner, and Chiang Mai favorites, harpist Judi Utley, and flutist Suratachai Chenyavanit ("Golf"). On Saturday, May 23, 2009, at 7:30 PM, at the Saisuree Chutikul Music Hall on Payap University's Mae Kao Campus. Admission is 200 Baht (100 for students). For information call Khun Nok at 081-804-3920.

KT Optic Opens

The KT OPTIC BRANCH just opened at the KALARE NIGHT BAZAAR. It’s so convenient to stop there for an eye exam by an optometrist, or meet with the progressive lens specialist for evaluation. Order a pair of Express eyeglasses always made with original and genuine optical brands. To consult with the experts for more information, please call at Tel 053-275862.

“Woven Sunbeams”

The Patricia Cheesman Collection presents “Woven Sunbeams” : A celebration of light and reflection Patricia Cheesman would like to share with you the beauty of light with the hope it brings joy in these difficult times. On view until June 20, 2009 at Patricia Cheesman Gallery (Studio Naenna), 138/8 Soi Changkhian, Huay Keow Road from 10:00 " 4:00 pm. Advance appointment: 053-226042.

Today’s Contemporary Burma

The Suriya Art Gallery has a painting collection by artists who express their interpretations of their society in today’s contemporary Burma. Several paintings by U Set Aung are on view at the Huay Kaew Road location. (In the Hotel Bua Luang complex the same lane at Holiday Garden hotel and near Mr. Chan and Miss Pauline’s Pizza.) Phone Suriya Gallery, 053-221969 for more information.

NEW THIS MONTH

The Huean Naam Ping Thai Cuisine Restaurant by Mahanaga, a gorgeous restaurant on the edge of the quiet Mae Ping River, offers food that’s artfully presented and delicious as well. Read the detailed article in this issue. Open daily from 6:00 pm until Midnight. 431 Charoenraj Road, just north of the Fahaam Temple. Tel.053-261112.

The Good News for residents living near Lamphun Road near Sarapee area is that Miguel Mexican has opened itssecond branch at Plaza 89 in Nonghoy. The Plaza 89 is a one stop food center with many types of restaurants, and a shopping place including banks, post office, video rental, dental clinic and just about any service a family would need. Mexican food enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the great tastes of Giant Buritos, sizzzlin Fajitas, Stuffed hot subs, Margaritas, and many more items on the menu here at Miguel’s plus have a had at a game of pool. Tel. 053-874 148 for bookings and directions.

The Xanadu Pub and Grill opened with all the top personalities of Chiangmai in the crowd. The emcee of the evening was Chiangmai’s ever popular singer Charlard Kamkonrat. When sitting in Xanadu, guests view the city’s colorful lights below while the beautiful stars are bright overhead is so spectacular from the 17th floor of the Grand Heritage Hotel on Huay Kaew Road. Later, the rock n roll band played favorite hits. Open in evenings from 6 pm. It’s the tops for an entertaining evening.

The Durea Chiang Mai Health Center, is a facility providing accommodations, recreation and rehabilitation treatments for people with impaired mobility. Your loved ones receive the care they deserve while care givers can enjoy some rest and relaxation. This is the first health center devoted totally to those who are physically challenged. All rooms and facilities are designed for wheel chair access. There are 12 spacious guest rooms accommodating up to 50 persons. Five of the bedrooms have electric operated beds. Activities at the health center include two swimming pools, fitness, massage and an exercise hall with a “Nakasei” body mover device. Contact: 053-426697 for more information.

The Chilli Pepper

This open air restaurant is very comfortable while sitting on huge stuffed pillows. The colorful interior decor is delightful. The food comes is presented for the eye and the taste is lip smacking. Diners like to try the unusual drinks on the cocktail beverage menu. The location is at Kad Klang Wiang on RajdamnoenRoad. Opposite the Tamarind Village Hotel. Open all day until 10.30 pm. It’s the tops for an entertaining evening.

The Nimman Bar & Grill at Kantary Hills

• >Sunday Lunch Buffet every Sunday, 11.30 a.m. " 2.30 p.m. One of the best deals in town is our Sunday Lunch Buffet featuring a wide range of Thai and Western dishes, Pasta show station, Carvery, Salad bar as well as a sumptuous dessert buffet. A selection of fruit juices, coffee and tea are also included! Only 350.++Baht per person! Children under 12 years less 50%

• >Salad & Antipasto Buffet Every Monday & Friday,18.30 " 22.00 Start your dinner by enjoying our tempting all-you-can-eat Salad & Antipasto Buffet. You may also create your own Caesar’s salad, just how you like it. Only 150.++ Baht per person / Children under 12 years less 50%. Order any imported steak and the buffet will be free!

• >Carvery Night Every Wednesday, 6.30 p.m." 10.00 p.m. The Carvery Night has quickly become a favorite amongst our guests. A great buffet for meat-lovers featuring prime roasts of beef, lamb, pork and poultry " our Chef prepares only the best cuts replete with succulence and flavor. A wide array of side dishes, salads and dessert is of course also available. Only 490.++ Baht per person / Children under 12 years less 50%
• >“Les Fruits de Mer” " Seafood Festival June 19 " 23, 2009 Guest Chef Philippe Belly invites you to enjoy his tempting seafood & fish specialties such as Poached Freshwater Crayfish with Lemon Butter or Mussel Casserole with Curry. Don’t miss his Special Seafood Buffets offering a cornucopia of fresh seafood, salads and desserts on June 20, 21 & 23, 2009 from 6.00 - 10.00 p.m. Buffet only 520.++ Baht per person! Children under 12 years less 50%. For reservations: 053-222111.

Kantary Hills guests have a great time exploring the neighborhood shops around the Nimmanhemin area. They will receive discounts for their efforts at the cooperating shops honoring the shopping card are: 1. Warm up, 2. La Genoise, 3. Maze Cafe, 4. Lim’s Collectible, 5. Earth Tone, 6. Secret Remanxe, Daraka, 7. Archly-k, 8. Classic Model, 9. Nandakwang, 10. Iris Florist, 11. To Tell Bookshop, 12. Studio Naenna, 13. Silverbirch, 14. Meo Jai Dee Studio, 15. Gongdee Gallery and more greart shops in the area.

Swimming Fun

The Center of the Universe swimming pool maybe just what you need if your home, guesthouse or hotel does not have a Swimming Pool. Before or after a swim, try traditional Thai massage, using fully trained and qualified masseuses, at 200 Baht an hour. This is the place to cool off and relax away from the crowds.

Now on offer is a tourist package which includes return transport to and from hotel or guesthouse, reserved sun beds, towels, shampoo and a welcome drink.

The early morning birding tour with expert Tony Ball includes accommodation in one of the bungalows and an early morning birding tour to lesser known localities which are rich in bird life in the province. More information: info@therealcentreoftheuniverse.com

Buffet Specialties at Mercure

The Mercure Hotel Chiangmai introduces several promotions emphasizing superior food at moderate prices.) Plus advance bookings will receive discount from 10% to 30 %. Read the article in this issue.

• >New York Brunch Buffet every Sunday at Baht 380++ (11.30 am to 2 pm).
• >Asian International Buffet every Saturday at Baht 280++ (11.30 am to 2 pm).
• French and Mediterranean Buffet every Saturday at Baht 380++ (6 pm to 8 pm). Enjoy Saturday evening the proper way with an indulgent, long lazy buffet inspired by the laid-back Mediterranean life-style and flavors. Fruit punch or mojoto Brazilian drinks included with the meal.

Please note the Mercure Hotel Chiangmai is the former Novotel Chiangmai on Chotana Road. Enquiries at 053-225500.

For spa lovers!!

Go ahead and pamper more than your body and as well as your wallet with the money saving promotion from Siam Spa. Now available is their service coupon book worth Baht 7,800 at SPECIAL price of Baht 3,900. These coupons are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Contact the Siam Spa at 053-404451.