We were exhausted from the overnight flight from Turkey, but managed to stay up to head to CHARMGANG just across the river from our luxurious suite at the Peninsula for dinner.
The setting is simple with metal backed seats and gray lacquer(think formica-like) tables with wood trim. The kitchen was open and we were right next to all the fun action from the team of about 5 chefs. Music played ll night from "Crimson & Clover" to 1950's to the Beatles.
The wine prices were above $60 for really mediocre imported wines, so Will had a Ber Lao Gold Lao Brew artisanal, and I ordered a bottle of Kozaemon Shiraku Kabosu Jumai sake which I loved and worked great with all the spice. Smoked Duck was first with wafers (really tacos) and Black Witch Grapes(all fotos on FB). We told them we like spice, and this dish was milder than most but tasty and fun. Our main was Red Curry of Dry-aged Duck with Salak (palm species called snakeskin like a pearl onion!) and Olive Leaves. The leaves were like grape leaves and larger than bay with great flavor and it was loaded with Thai chiles that had us all excited. Our final dish was a superb Salad of Sugar Cane Smoked Pork Jowl with Southern Sour Mango. The jowl had a BBQ-ish flavor and the mango was like sweet and sour and the dressing was akin to a balsamic base with a slight hint of sweetness yet loaded with lime and there were lots of dried shrimp with fish sauce. We were in heaven BUT full.
Not tired enough yet, we walked back down the other side of the river through an art fair (bought shirts and T-shirts) and headed to the Sky Bar atop the Lebua Hotel for the view. Well, the two (stingy) margaritas were $85 with tax and service, but I guess we were paying for the view! Quick boat ride across the river and to bed!
