ian wrote on Tue, 01 May 2007 21:46:42 -0500:

i> I also sought out Chotchitr, a place recommended by the
late
i> R.W.Apple in his great article in the NY Times about Bangkok
i> restaurants ('Two Guys Keeping it Real in Bangkok'), where
i> they have a banana blossom salad that is worth the effort of
i> find the place. Its at 146 Phraeng Phuton, off Tanao Road
i> about a mile south of Khao San Road, for those who are
i> interested, and the cost is minimal. Can banana blossoms be
i> found in the US - or is there any substitute?

I have only once found banana flowers on sale here. They do give
an interesting appearance and texture to salads. A number of
cookbooks suggest shredded cabbage as a substitute.While missing
out on appearance, being light green rather than pink, cabbage
is much less expensive. It may sound a bit like sour grapes but
I prefer cabbage!


James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

E-mail, with obvious alterations:
not.jim.silverton.at.comcast.not