Cabbages and Condoms

The following is a true story.

Yes, that is a condom covered Santa.

Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant was established to help support the Population and Community Development Association (or PDA) in Thailand. The PDA is an independent organisation that runs environmental programmes and promotes AIDS prevention and family planning throughout Thailand.

The restaurant entrance is a sort of enchanted garden. The winding brick pathway, dimly lit with fairy lights and overhead woven basket fixtures, is flanked by various trees and plants including, you guessed it: potted succulent cabbages.

Following the obvious theme, the gift shop area is decorated with a sea of fairy lights in an overhead trellis, and naturally, condom covered hanging lights.

At this point, I had a proper case of the giggles. This was definitely not your average meal out with the family. 

We had a quick look around at the many amusing signs and condom adorned mannequins. I mean, there was some serious detailing going on. 

The fun continued as we took our seats and scanned the menu. Even under the glass tabletop, there they were lurking. It was like an epidemic.

And then, just as I thought the evening couldn't get anymore bizarre, I actually heard my mummy say the sentence "I'll have the Condom Steak please." That just about did it for me, I just couldn't stop laughing. (And no, I don't recommend ordering a steak in Thailand).

I was convinced that the restaurant was purposely over the top to distract from the mediocrity of the food. Yeah, I was wrong. The food was all kinds of delicious.

Mints? Who needs dinner mints when you can get a free condom instead? I mean, isn't chilli breath the ultimate turn on?

And OBVS size depends on how you vote...republican being teeny tiny. That's why they hate the free healthcare idea. He he.

Although it was a hilarious and surreal experience, the restaurant does support such a good cause. I think the PDA are fantastic for bringing attention to a serious issue in such a creative way.

Food, Glorious Food.

I am currently blogging live from Bangkok: concrete jungle that could possibly swallow New York whole.

Although it's my third time here, somehow its always hotter and more chaotic than I remember.

It is however, the first trip for my family who have flown literally across the world and to be with my sister when she gives birth (hopefully) sometime this week. Its been quite an experience so far, observing my family's reaction to life and customs here {insert your very own squat toilet joke here}.

I knew this  trip would involve lots of food and I was specifically looking forward to having brunch at Crepes & Co.

I visited this restaurant when I was in Bangkok last year and just remembered sitting outside in the sunshine with freshly squeezed orange juice and a table filled with amazing food. I was very excited to go back.

It was exactly as I remembered it, bursting at the seams with expats and waitresses in stripes.

After perusing the menu for possibly an eternity I finally decided on pancakes, smoked salmon and cottage cheese, along with a nutella filled crepe. Yes I ordered 2 breakfasts, don't judge me. And actually, I did share it so it was perfectly acceptable.

It. Was. Fabulous.

Unfortunately, in about 3 seconds flat it was reduced this:

After so much food, there was definitely no space for lunch. However, when it was time for dinner I may have overdone it yet again. I was so busy eating, I didn't take any photos. I ate enough to put myself in a food coma.

And then, there was dessert. The infamous MANGO STICKY RICE. I don't even want to know the calorie content...

An unlikely combination, this surprisingly addictive Thai dessert is drizzled with coconut milk and served warm. If your curiosity has gotten the better of you, try this recipe, and you won't regret it.

As for me, Im off to the gym tomorrow.