Engelbert Humperdinck per- forms at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort…p

ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK MAKES HUA HIN EVEN MORE ROMANTIC WITH SEASIDE CONCERT AT INTERCONTINENTAL HUA HIN RESORT — AND GETS CHARMED HIMSELF DURING FIRST-EVER VISIT TO CITY

Engelbert Humperdinck is a pop music legend. He’s known worldwide for songs such as ‘Release Me (And Let Me Love Again)’ and several other smash hits. To date the British vocalist has sold upwards of 150 million records. To his many accomplishments, he now adds another – his first visit to Hua Hin. Ahead of a much-anticipated beachside performance on 20 August – “The Legendary Engelbert Humperdinck in Hua Hin” at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort – the singer arrived in Thailand on 18 August and, always the consummate professional, he immediately headed to Hua Hin to prepare for the show. That didn’t mean, however, there wasn’t time for a typically warm Thai welcome and chance to experience the many delights of Hua Hin. After being officially welcomed and honoured by former deputy prime minister His Excellency Suwat Liptapanlop at Inter Continental Hua Hin Resort, Engelbert enjoyed contemporary Thai cuisine at Jaras Hua Hin, savouring the restaurant’s famed signature dishes including Hor Mok Khun Ya, a traditional recipe created by Khun Ya Jaraspim Liptapanlop. The day before the concert, it was on to BluPort Mall directly adjacent InterContinental Hua Hin Resort and more Thai cultural experiences. At The Legend Arena, Engelbert witnessed a thrilling performance of Muay Thai, the ancient and world-renowned Thai martial art. The boxing performance was led by a Muay Thai professional and Olympic bronze medallist Wiew Yaowapa Burapolchai. Next up for the singer of pop-music classics was another kind of classic – classic cars – and in this case the pink 1957 Cadillac Fleetwood SixtySpecial like the one owned and cherished by none other than the ‘King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’, Elvis Presley. It was a chance for one music legend to check out the stylish ride of another as well as to take lots of photos to keep the memory alive. For performers who travel the world, life on the road can be exhausting. With a visit to CHEVALA wellness centre, also in BluPort Mall, Engelbert learned about Hua Hin’s premier personalised programme ofhealth, well-being, anti-ageing and beauty therapies. Engelbert Humperdinck’s whirlwind tour of Hua Hin ended on a hight note with an evening at Vana Nava Sky Bar and Restaurant, Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin. The restaurant, bar andnightclub soars 27 storeys above Hua Hin and features a glass-bottomed observation deck for breath-taking views in all directions – ‘Heart Don’t Fail Me Now’ indeed! The night culminated with the concert “The Legendary Engelbert Humperdinck in Hua Hin” in a romantic atmosphere by the sea at night while listening to the warm sound from “Engelbert Humperdinck” very exclusive close-up in the Garden area in the middle of the hotel at the long slope to the swimming pool, signature view at the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort. Enjoy an hour-long live performance of popular songs such as Please Release Me, The Last Waltz Lady Of The Night, Misty Blues, After The Loving, Spanish Eyes, Quando Quando Quando, and others, as well as a fine dining 4 course and beverages. Engelbert Humperdinck has said that he returned to Thailand this time to perform at the InterContinental Hotel Hua Hin Resort in a concert titled “The Legendary Engelbert Humperdinck in Hua Hin.” I am overjoyed to return to Thailand. This time, a lot has changed since my last visit, and I’ve seen beautiful architecture and design, including buildings and houses, especially in Hua Hin, which has a beautiful sandy beach, people are extremely nice,as well as well-known and delicious Thai dishes such as Hor Mok Khun Ya, a recipe from Jaratpim Liptapan; the flavour is hot but tasty.

SALMON HOUSE 102: AGAINST ALL ODDS, A SALMON RESTAURANT IS MAKING A SPLASH IN HUA HIN

COVID-19 devastated many businesses but also created new opportunities for those who were brave enough to start up during the pandemic. Against all odds, one business in Hua Hin not only survived the lockdowns and various regulations, but has gone on to flourish as life has started to return to some form of normality. After she began smoking salmon at her home in Hua Hin, 37 year old Waree Sriton had a decision to make. What began as part hobby and part means of generating some additional income, Waree started smoking salmon for friends and family. But fairly quickly and entirely by word of mouth, more people kept asking to try Waree’s smoked salmon. She then set up a Facebook page, which gave her a platform to promote her salmon and orders started to roll in. Then it was decision time. Sensing there could be an opportunity in her found ‘business’, Waree had ambitions to take her salmon smoking to the next level. “I started to smoke salmon at home and I could sell it to friends and family and to people on Facebook”, Waree told Hua Hin Today. “But I had no footfall. I thought that because the salmon seemed to be quite popular, maybe I could open a restaurant. “I didn’t want the restaurant to be just another restaurant and I thought a restaurant around the speciality of salmon could do well,” Waree, who is a self confessed foodie but who had no prior experience running a restaurant business, explained. “I began planning about the restaurant in mid to late 2020 and it took about 6-9 months of research, learning and perfecting the recipes before I actually opened the restaurant. In March 2021, Waree took the gutsy move to open her restaurant and with that Salmon House 102 - Hua Hin’s first and only specialty salmon restaurant - was born. The concept around Salmon House 102, which is located on Soi 102, is high quality cold smoked and cured salmon and fish. But just two weeks after opening, another COVID-19 wave hit and the restaurant was unable to open for dine in customers. The early momentum Waree had generated at Salmon House 102 had been completely dashed. Like many restaurants, Waree quickly turned to food delivery apps such as Foodpanda and Grab as a way to generate custom, as well as creating an ‘in-restaurant’ shop. And it worked, orders began to come in once more but that too generated its own problem. Waree said that with the addition of Foodpanda and Grab, she quickly needed to ensure she had sufficient stock and understand how to manage inventory more effectively. “It was a big learning curve and a challenge, but we got through it”, Waree said. Today, Salmon House has expanded its menu to include a wide range of offerings such as smoked salmon, gravlax, salmon rolls, sashimi, spicy salmon salad, sandwiches, bagels and pasta. “We use Pacific salmon (Coho) which is low in fat and high quality. This helps us to create a really good product”, Waree said. “We are curing and smoking everything ourselves by hand, using a mixture of hickory, cherry and apple wood. It’s a long process but it helps to get the best flavour. “Actually, on our Facebook page, there is a lot of information about the smoking process, so people can read about it there”, Waree added. The salmon is available as cold smoked, but also in various different cures such as gravlax, citrus fruits, lox and beetroot & coriander. Some of the most popular dishes on the menu at Salmon House 102 include salmon steak with squid ink pasta and cherry tomatoes, cold smoked salmon salad with shallots, apple and cucumber and Ravioli filled with smoked salmon and spinach. The white wine poached salmon and cubed cucumber is also popular. “We have quite a big mix of customers, all different people. There are a lot of foreigners coming to eat in the restaurant, others just buy the smoked salmon to take home,” Waree said. “Thai customers mostly order on Foodpanda or Grab, they like the spicy salmon salad and the sashimi,” Waree added. In addition, the hot smoked mackerel and salmon mousse are also popular. “We also get requests for some special items such as pasture raised New Zealand rib eye and pork tomahawk which we can smoke but you need to order in advance, normally a couple of days before”. Waree says she now has plans to try and expand her business by offering wholesale options to restaurants, as well as bringing other outlets on board as resellers.

Salmon House 102 is located on Soi 102, you can find more information at https:// www.facebook.com/salmonhouse102/

TASTING MENU AND CONSCIOUS LIFESTYLE EVENT AT LE JARDIN ON SEPT 17

On September 17 a tasting menu and conscious lifestyle event will be held at the centrally located French-inspired culinary restaurant, Le Jardin.

Helping to showcase a number of local Hua Hin vendors and businesses, the theme of the event will be centered around health, wellness and sustainability.

“I got the idea when attending a huge global wellness event hosted in Bangkok”, said event organiser, Dina from SoHeartMe.

“There’s been an increase in people’s awareness within the past two years around their health and how to improve their wellbeing and lifestyle, which was prominent at this event that covered everything from organic farming, gut health and alternative medicine. A holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle.”

“This made me think that actually not many people know about the existing businesses in Hua Hin that provide organic, healthy and sustainable products or services. After some pondering, I decided that I wanted to somehow Caribbean, individual nutritional supplements, sustainable ways of living and to purchase keto bread, handcrafted accessories and jewelry, and more. There will be a dedicated corner for livestream as well.

Le Jardin, is offering a special tasting menu for the day for 499 THB. However their à la carte is also available, if you would prefer to try something from their menu.

“I wanted to involve local businesses but had to be selective in matching the theme of a conscious lifestyle or it wouldn’t make much sense otherwise. I’m so grateful for all our sponsors and media partners, which have been generous to dedicate either funding or time so this event could become a reality. And that is basically what this is all about - us as a community, helping and contributing to a healthy and conscious lifestyle.”

“I’m sure that the residents and the tourists will find the curiosity to visit the event and be as supportive as everyone involved. At least, that’s what I’m hoping for.”

Le Jardin Hua Hin, Soi 90 17 Sept, 11:00 - 18:00 Free entry

support the wonderful people behind these businesses that have a conscious mindset and bring their brand forward,” Dina explained.

The idea was welcomed among the local community and within a short time the list of vendors was filled to the maximum number of participants.

When mentioning the idea to Carl Parker, the owner of Le Jardin, which is located on soi 90, he was more than happy to offer the restaurant as a venue. With its unique, rustic and harmonious atmosphere, nestled in the backstreets of soi 94, this would be the perfect place to host the event.

During the event you will have the opportunity to try some medical massage, hear more about organic soap making, organic farming, exotic ways from the

ISSUE 242 • SEPTEMBER 2022

Travel PRAÇA: INSIDE HUA HIN’S BEST HANGOUT FOR MOUTHWATERING FOOD AND EVEN BETTER COCKTAILS

With its modern take on Thai cuisine, partnered with its excellent cocktails, Praça should become one of your regular places to hangout in Hua Hin.

Since its highly anticipated opening in December 2021, much has been talked and written about The Standard, Hua Hin.

And rightly so.

The opening of The Standard has not only brought an energy and buzz to Hua Hin’s hospitality scene, but has helped change the perception of Hua Hin as a destination.

The hotel, which is particularly popular with the younger weekend crowd from Bangkok, has a fun, easy going and relaxed atmosphere, while at the same time is stylish, trendy and anything but standard.

Aside from younger tourists, The Standard offers a lot for expats and people living in Hua Hin, especially when it comes to dining and cocktails.

From its beachside location, Praça is a wonderful hangout spot for relaxing or catching up with friends over some mouthwatering food and superb cocktails.

Offering both inside and outside dining, this stylish bar and restaurant spans the beautifully restored Heritage House, with its welcoming veranda and alfresco seating area.

Praça is perfect for golden hour or those late afternoons and early evenings where you just want to sip on cocktails and share a bite before nightfall.

Yet when it comes to nightfall, Praça gets a little more uptempo, especially at weekends, when there are live DJs and music.

The food

Praça’s food offering is really unique and unlike anything else available in Hua Hin.

Its menu is centered around the “Thai Izakaya” concept, with an emphasis on shareable bites of delicious Thai fusion dishes, packed full of flavour.

Think tapas style Thai street food and other classic dishes reinvented with a modern twist, which ensures the food is every bit as fun and interesting as the venue.

Particularly good is the Esarn Tuna, larb tuna served on a black rice cracker - it’s all the flavours you enjoy from larb, just on a whole different level.

The same can be said for the Moo Ping Bo Larn, grilled coconut brushed pork skewer, apple ajard, shallot and Praça chili sauce, inspired by the famous BBQ pork street food, just in a way you almost certainly won't have experienced before.

The Nam Tok Nuae Yang, grilled beef, shallot, spring onion, mint and chili - tender, juicy and thinly sliced strips of beef - was another real highlight.

Other favorites included the Moo Krob Baan Nok, crispy pork belly, bai cha muang, ceylon spinach in kaffir lime and the

Gaeng Kua Bai Cha Ploo Poo,

Thai crab, betal leaf curry, also with kaffir Lime.

The cocktails where local flavours are mixed with premium ingredients.

Recommended is the Hua Gin, which mixes Four Pillar’s Bloody Shiraz Gin, pomelo, guava, lemon and chili, and has a warming kick for those feeling adventurous.

Born To Rum, Nusa Caña white rum, banana, coconut milk, makrut leaf and lime juice also had a real kick, while Holy Basil!, which includes The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, pineapple, holy basil, betel leaf, galangal and lemon was our favourite and is a must try.

The hotel

We visited the hotel hot on the heels of it being recognised as one of the region’s top properties and amongst the best places to stay in the world.

In July, The Standard, Hua Hin was ranked as the #1 Resort Hotel in Southeast Asia, #7 Resort Hotel in Asia and the #35 Hotel or Resort in the World at the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2022.

The awards, which were voted for by the discerning readers of what is widely regarded as the world’s leading luxury travel and lifestyle magazine saw The Standard, Hua Hin achieve an outstanding overall score of 97.38 out of 100.

Praça at The Standard, Hua Hin: Open daily from 4pm-11pm

For more information visit, https://www. facebook.com/pracahuahin