Nurturing my inner... hops around the world

This is going to sound like you're watching QVC, but here goes... I decided recently that I was going to try "Beers from Around the World."  (It really is a wonder how some guy hasn't scooped me up yet.)  Unlike those undiscerning college days many of us had, beer should not be super cheap and chugged without tasting.  In contrast, it can be a delightful and refreshing beverage, with the right food.  (Which should be more than just peanuts.)  Though, truth be known, I don't often get beer out.  (Not sure why.  No reason.)  Which has meant that in order to try a new beer I'd have to buy an entire six pack.  Since I don't really want to do that, because what if it tastes like swamp water, I sort of forgot about beer.  Until recently, that is.

Total Wine.  Too bad they changed the name from Total Beverage in recent years, because they really do carry more than just wine.  In fact, they carry beers from all over the planet.  AND you can even buy them one at a time.  (Sweet!)  I found the answer to my problem.

A sampling of just a handful of the beers.
Italy, England, Austria, Ireland, Australia!

Flashback: Thailand Thai food.  In the ghetto mall that my friend and I go to for art films, as mentioned in a previous post.  This is what I got the last time.  Mmm...  Chicken satay and spring rolls.



The decor is unimpressive, thank goodness
the food isn't.


I recalled that the table tent cards advertised a certain beer from their region.  I've never gotten it, yet always thought, you know, I should try it some day.  Chang - Thailand's most popular brand.  (Available at Total Wine.)

Quite an artistic label.

Alas, I was nowhere near the theater that time, and renovations, forgot.  So instead, I headed to my favorite close by place to get Thai takeout.  Thai Luang in Herndon, VA.

Showing you a picture of takeout on my boring dishes at home isn't nearly as exciting as taking a photo in the restaurant - with the waitresses looking at you like you're a complete American weirdo.  (Food captured in its native element is the most photogenic anyway.)  And I just happened to have a photo from another visit.  (Uh, why yes I do carry my camera around just for moments like these.)

Blue table cloth, blue and white plates.  Very pretty.  The plates are sort of rectangular with rounded edges.  Makes for a nice presentation.  They hold their noodles, rices and curries perfectly, as some have a light sauce to them.  I often get chicken pad thai: rice noodles, tofu, egg, crushed peanut and mung beans.  (I always have them hold the scallions, as they aren't my favorite.)

Have to eat with chopsticks. It's
the only way to do it up right.

The light flavor of Chang, went nicely with the noodles.  I suppose they do know what they were talking about.  They say it's best when in Europe to drink the wine of the region you are dining in and I'd say the same would go for beer.  Today's stop was Thailand, next time, who knows.  Get your passport ready.