Cooking School
Welcome to Thailand Thai Cuisine Cooking Class Series
Background:
Over the years and through-out the history of human civilization, Thai food as been widely recognized as one of the most influential cuisines of all of Asia, if not the world. It is inseparably linked from its infamous reputation as "the land of smiles" for both its hospitality and for its contributions in the realms of fabric, dance, music and both martial and visual arts.
In the olden days, there were no written recipes or other permanent records on how to prepare dishes served with respect to the likes of both local kings and foreign dignitaries. In these ancient times, the practice of Thai cooking was a skill which was cultivated and handed down to the next generation as any other form of art. Young apprentice chefs were taught by their parents and elders, who often guarded their family recipes, and the best way to prepare special Thai ingredients, closely and with much pride.
It wasn't until as recently as the reign of King Rama V (1853-1910) that the ingredients and menus of Thai food were written down and distributed to people who attended elaborate funeral ceremonies. Only then were the menu and recipes for Thai food published for commercial purposes. Not until this point were the details and the proportion of the ingredients of individual Thai dishes available in written form for both workers and nobility alike.
“Secret Ingredients:”
One of the unique features of Thai cooking is the necessity of fresh ‘Thai herbs’ which serve as the foundation for the many unique flavors of these world renowned recipes. Not only are these herbs good for your health, it is impossible to cook original Thai food without including them in the hand-crafting of each dish.
Thai cuisine is often hot and spicy and requires for its balance five fundamental flavors to bring out the true essence of Thai culinary art in its highest form. Each dish (or the overall meal itself) must include - hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty, and bitter (optional).
Thailand is divided into four main geographic regions which are culturally, linguistically, and ethnically unique; namely the central plain region
northern golden triangle region-, northeast Isan region- and southern peninsula region.
People of each diverse region have their own way of cooking Thai food. But the common factor for all the regions is true (and the secret of the "Shangri-La cuisine") are knowing how to harvest, process and manipulate the magic of the Thai herbs which lie at heart of this ancient life sustaining art.
Why Thai?
The Thailand Thai Cuisine Restaurant, located in the quaint town of Sonoma in the heart of California's fabled wine country, provides special Thai menus for its guests as its chefs draw upon many years of experience in the practice and careful preparation of Thai food.
Because of countless satisfied customer requests, we are proud to offer you some very special Thai dishes as well as time honored classics such as Fresh Spring Rolls, Pumpkin Curry, Coconut Milk Soup, and Spicy Drunk Noodles, as these are among the most popular dishes on the menu. There are other more exotic dishes we encourage you to try as well.
At Thailand Thai Cuisine we select the fresh herbs ourselves and emphasize the true balance of each ingredient’s flavor, texture and seasoning. And that is why our dishes are unique as our customers and inquiring people who continue to ask, "What is the secret behind the art of authentic Thai cuisine?"
Please call us for more info and cooking classes schedule (707) 939-8383
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