Through facebook (where else?), I found out about a new Thai restaurant, Baan Baan, which opened in Bishkek three days ago. As a professed lover of Pad Thai, I was excited to give it a shot. Furthermore, it was located next to Save the Ales (worthy of its own post), which I also needed to try. So after a long day of Russian classes and research, my friend/tutor/translator extraordinaire and I gave it a shot.
We showed up a bit early, but were allowed to have a drink in the courtyard while they opened up their restaurant. They only have two beers (none on tap), but again, they just opened. It appears to be a dual-ownership–the cook from Thailand and the main host. The host explained to us that the menu is still in flux as they figure out what customers want. As a whole, the service was excellent and the staff was friendly. It is very English friendly, if that matters to you. The restaurant itself is very cute (I think it would be an excellent date location). It has a nice patio, however, the heat was too much today, so we escaped inside for the air conditioning.
We got both the Chicken and the Shrimp Pad Thai, and picked their “so-so” spice. I normally like my food hot, however my worst food experience was death heat Thai food in East Lansing (another great reason why the only good moment in East Lansing is the moment that you leave to return to Ann Arbor), so I play it safe. The Pad Thai came out a little bit dry for my taste, but with a little soy and extra spice, it came out perfect. I will definitely be back and I do recommend.
Name: Baan Baan
Location: 193a Tynystanova (right next to save the Ales, between Московской и Токтогула)
Me putting on the 4th green. Photo taken by John Flott, 7.22.2017
The obvious choice for my first post would be to write about Issyk Kul. However, I need practice blogging (Feedback Welcome) and it’s Sunday of The Open Championship so: Golf in Kyrgyzstan.
Yesterday, two of my buddies (John and Blake) and I decided we had to check out the only golf course in Kyrgyzstan: Кленовый лист гольф клуб (Maple Leaf Golf Club). It is owned by a cordial Canadian named Ed, who was nice enough to introduce himself to us during our pre-round meal and give us the story of the club. To paraphrase: In the 90s, Ed was working long term in country and the idea was basically born out of being told it was impossible one joyful 4th of July night at a bar in Bishkek with some American expats. He took this to heart and has been running the course from that point on.
John and Blake walking the first fairway. 7.22.2017
The course itself is 9 holes (and a driving range), however each hole has 2 tee boxes to give it an 18 hole feel. Considering it is the middle of summer in Bishkek (can hit 40 C (104 F) without anyone thinking it’s odd, dry, and sunny) and I assume the access to golf course equipment is limited and expensive, the course was in good shape thanks to the fact they are watering the course at all times. All lies in the fairway were good and the rough close to the fairways was generally decent. The greens could use some work, but again the limitations make this more than understandable. Flat out, I have played on courses that were less maintained and in much worse condition in the States many times. The course is located in the foothills providing fresh air and wonderful views of the mountains.. We only played 9 holes due to the heat, but had a wonderful time. If you love golf, I certainly would recommend.
The view from the 7th fairway. The entire southern view of the course is mountains.
What really makes this place is the atmosphere and friendly service. Yes, it is an expat spot where you hear a lot of first-language English speakers, but it is clearly just a spot kept going by a small, loyal community, of expats and locals, who love the game. There were also plenty of people who seemed to come out just to eat and hang out, which speaks to the quality of both the atmosphere and food.
Looking at the clubhouse from the first tee.
The meal – Best Hamburger that I have had in Bishkek. It was cooked on an actual gas grill. They had a stocked bar with one beer on tap, but lots of options in bottles.. It appears they had other food options, including local favorites like shashlik. While I didn’t use the service, they advertise that they will bring beer out to you on the course if you call in. Finally, the patio is very comfortable and relaxing.
*Note: Plenty of posts won’t read like a travel blog, but if I am writing about about something I experienced, I see no reason not to pass on some details of the business.
Information:
Name: Кленовый лист гольф клуб Location: Maybe 15-20 kilometers Southeast of Bishkek Website: https://www.facebook.com/mapleleafgolfcoursekg Phone: +996 559 777 766 Transportation: It seems many players drive but we took a taxi, 350-400 soms ($5-6). From an app, it does look like a marshrutka might get you close, but it would be an awfully long ride.
Cost:
9/18 holes – 1200/2000 som ($17/29) Rentals – I think 400-500 som ($5-7) – My clubs were in very good condition. Balls (Used) – 50 som a piece (a little under $1) – Note: Balls are valuable, if you hit it out of the course (easy to do on 1, 2, and 7), locals may try and sell your ball back to you. Some enterprising youngsters were doing this for 20 som when we were playing. Caddie – 350 som ($5) – Caddies appeared to be popular, however I did not get one myself. Range: I didn’t check the price, but it looks very nice. Note: Everyone walks, it appears the club has one cart which is used by the owner.
(Note: This is an expensive outing in Bishkek, however it would be cheap golf in the States)
Restaurant:
Prices: Average Service: Good Food: Excellent
Recommendation: Absolutely. Food is very good, views are good, and you get to play golf.
Picture: Myself at Issyk-Kul sometime in the summer of 2016. I think it was taken by Garrett Farlow.
Hello! Здравствуйте!
I never really planned to get into the blogging game. However, I am lucky enough to be abroad for the next year as a Fulbright ETA and current Title VIII recipient (studying Russian) in Kyrgyzstan. I have decided that it is a good way to document my experience for myself. At its core, this blog is for me. I really don’t expect any other readers beyond possibly my wonderful mother, however all are welcome to read and maybe enjoy my pictures and experiences.
About myself: Guy in my 20s from Mid-Michigan. I am a two time Wolverine (done with classes but still finishing my master’s thesis) and was a TFA 2012 corps member in the wonderful city of Detroit. I love Central Asian history, which has guided my path to this part of the world. I am currently in Bishkek, but will soon be in Osh. I love the Cubs, skiing, golf, and a good brunch.
Blogging Topics: What ever I feel like. Mostly will be travel locations, cultural experiences, and general reflections on lifestyle. Some posts will speak of past experiences and some will be recent. I may post a little in Russian, who knows. Note: I will not touch on politics here or back home.
Comment Policy: I will try to read and reply, but life is busy. If I see something I find offensive or just don’t like, I may delete them. Comments do not reflect my views.
Disclaimer – This is the personal website of Andrew Snow, a Fulbright awardee for 2017-2018 in Kyrgyzstan. All views and information presented herein are my own and do not represent the views of the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State. Furthermore, some posts discuss my time traveling on Title VIII and Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) scholarships. The same disclaimer applies for both and all the organizations that played a role in these awards. I am indebted to all of these organizations for these amazing opportunities.
