Thai Festival 2013

The 11th Annual Thai Festival kicked off yesterday in the open plaza located at Adams and Dearborn.  The festival will continue on until tomorrow, Friday, June 21st.  If you haven't stopped by the festival yet, I highly recommend it!  The festival itself is free and the event also provides complimentary Thai massages, food samples, and souvenirs. You can pick up a quick lunch during your break if you work in the Loop.  Participating restaurants offer authentic Thai cuisine for around $6.00 per meal.  Just keep in mind that most stands take cash only.  Need healthy options?  Papaya salads and fresh fruit smoothies are also offered at participating stands such as Dao and My Thai.  Live fruit carvings,  intricate flower arrangements, and even hand painted parasols are created right before your eyes.  Definitely take a break from your office cubical and soak in some Thai culture at the Thai Festival!   Special Thanks to Ms. Bee for a putting together a fantastic event. 

U.S.Post Office – Loop Station

230 S. Dearborn St., Chicago

(At the corner of Dearborn and Adams)

June 19 - 21st

11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Traditional Thai dances, songs, and even a fashion show are scheduled during the festival. 

Definitely a great spot to swing by for a quick and affordable lunch.

Coconut water doesn't get any fresher than being cut right before your eyes.  Plus, it is the perfect cold refreshment while you're standing out in the sun.  The basil chicken with fried egg was by far the most popular dish that people ordered at the festival.   [Pictured: Basil Chicken with Fried Egg from Siam Rice.  Boyfriend took a bite out of the egg before the picture. Fail.]

I am obsessed with papaya salads.  Tangy and sweet with a bit of heat.  [Pictured: Papaya salad with chicken from Dao.]

Live fruit carvings can be observed at the festival.  Even turnips, butternut squash, and carrots are used to create intricate flowers. 

I would still eat that. 

Roses made from turnips.  Don't they look real?   

Free Thai food samples are offered such as green curry, shrimp wonton soup, and more.  

These free samples were made from frozen meals that do not use MSG or any preservatives.  They were surprisingly VERY good.  

We were offered a full sample.  This is how the frozen meals are originally packaged.  Just pop them into a microwave or empty the contents in a saucepan to reheat.  I hate frozen food but this stuff was seriously delicious. 

Thai noodles samples were also offered. 

Beware, these samples are spicy!

Ornate flower arrangements were being made by using thread and a needle. 

These flowers are traditionally used for wedding ceremonies. 

Ever wanted to model Thai traditional clothing?  They offer that here! 

Pick your traditional Thai attire.

Pose and get married.  [Pictured: Ms. Annie and Ms. Flavia.]

The festival also offers many beautiful hand crafted items for sale. Gorgeous orchids made into a necklace. 

Can you believe these flowers are actually hand soap?   A great gift for any hostess.

Just stunning. 

Hand carved croaking frogs are made right before your eyes. 

Pick one up for your little ones!  

Pastel seashell earrings perfect for summer. 

Beautiful crystal and pearl necklaces are also available for purchase. 

Need a gorgeous parasol to protect you from the sun? 

You can purchase your own hand painted parasol at the festival! 

Don't forget to leave without a complimentary massage!  You'll feel relaxed and rejuvenated to go back to work... or to a happy hour.  

The festival runs from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. so be sure to stop by before it's over! 

And don't forget your 20% off coupon to any participating Thai restaurant in Chicago!  

Happy Thai Festival 2013. 

xoxo

Grace