Khunnai likes to dine: Vino di Zanotti in Khao Yai

Dear Khunnais,

I've been trying to avoid having Italian food since I left Italy. Not that I'm not fond of the food. Quite contrary, actually. But it's because I know myself. I know I'd be super critical and comparing everything to my eating experience in Italy.

I also knew that one day it'd hit me...that my life in Italy is finally over. I knew that one day I'd really miss my life there. That day came precisely 3 weeks after I left Italy, and the day I had Italian food the first time since I left...

It was Vino di Zanotti in Khao Yai. My friends wanted to dine there, mainly coz of the location. It's situation against the backdrop of Khao Yai hillside, sunflower garden and the nature green. At night, there's a 3-piece jazz band playing light jazz music. Somehow, they convinced me, and I went with them.

What did I think about the place? Like I said, at first, I was super critical, couldn't help it. I was expecting what I expected in Italy, change of plate from antipasti to primi piatti, all primi to come at the same time, etc. And I was not enjoying the moments. There and then, I started to miss my life in Italy. I started to realize that all the "Italiano" I experienced day in - day out has gone, no more, nothing, full stop.

Eventually I started to see the point of being there, which was to enjoy the time with my friends. Good that my friends are all old friends so they can bear with me being me. And even thou I behaved really annoyingly, they let me be. Well, after seeing the point, I started to enjoy Vino and all that it had to offer. Which is quite spectacular. At night, they lit up the hillside with fire and lanterns. In early December, the temperature was about 20, perfect weather to be honest. It was father's day so we enjoyed the fireworks.

We lingered there from 5 to 9 something, staying true to Italian style of slow food. Some of the dishes were actually really good (and overall it was good). Before I left, I got to speak to two Italians, Roberto, who is the manager of Vino, and Gianmaria, who Roberto introduced me as the main chef of Zanotti in Bangkok. So I learned that they are from Torino, Piemonte. And I shared with them how I love truffles (which is also from Piemonte). So they invited me to have truffle dinner at Zanotti. Maybe I should give it a try and let you guys know how that one goes.

So, yes, I miss you, Italy, a lot. For the time being, I can only catch a glimpse of you, blended nicely in my homeland. And to my surprise, I quite like the taste of it.

VINO di Zanotti
264 Moo 4, Thanarat Road
Moo Si, Pakchong
Nakorn Ratchasima 30130

RSV: +66 8 8022 9884-5
Tel & Fax: +66 4 429-7576

GPS: N 14° 32’27.12
E 101° 24’11.14