Over the hills and far away
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Tops supermarket rewards its loyalty card customers with a trip to the royal projects in the North
A FEW LUCKY Spots Reward cardholders gained invaluable experience recently during an exclusive trip organised by Tops supermarket to Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai. There, they learnt about the lives of local agriculturists and villagers, visited the source of royal project products, and dined on delicious dishes created by chef Ian at the Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon.
“The Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon was founded by His Majesty the King to help, support and develop professions as well as improve the quality of life of local hilltribe people such as the Hmong, Pgazkoenyau and Karen by providing them with arable land. This was given the name of the Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon. From its inception, the royal project has helped generate income and build a better life. It is truly the genius and grace of the King who changed degraded land into abundant fields and orchards,” said Somchai Khewdang, the director of Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon.
Participants also visited Nong Hoi Royal Project on Doi Mon Cham, which supports the agriculturists in developing their knowledge and skills. After admiring the demonstration plots of hydroponic vegetables, they were treated to herbal tea and fresh strawberries as well as avocado ice cream and lettuce with passion fruit smoothies before being taken to see the more than 200 species of rose grown as part of the Huai Phakphai Royal Project.
Dinner was served at the Sky Lounge of Samosorn Inthanon restaurant and featured five exclusive main dishes and dessert created by chef Ian, namely “Heirloom Tomato Nicoise Salad Sturgeon Caviar”, “Smoked Trout Salad & Trout Caviar in New Season Greens and Chervil Vinaigrette”, “Cray Fish Bouillabaisse in Brandy Cream served with Melba toast”, “Poulet de Bresse with Blanquette of Mushrooms and root vegetables” and “No 80 Royal Project Strawberry Panna Cotta”.
The following day participants stopped off at Doi Inthanon Inland Fisheries Research and Development Centre. The centre raises two species of cold-climate fish – Rainbow Trout and Sturgeon – both of which had become extinct in the area.
“Rainbow Trout has Omega 3 to help lower blood cholesterol and tastes fantastic! Sturgeon caviar is very popular and generates income for the locals all the year round,” explained fishery expert Sanon Noichuen.
More than 130 items from the royal projects are available at every branch of Tops Market.
