We had heard that we must visit a restaurant in Bangkok known as “Cabbages and Condoms” so we took a blood-curdling taxi ride to check it out. The interesting name comes from the fact that the restaurant supports charities in Chiang Rai province. I originally thought the “condoms” in the name referred to AIDS charities, but evidently their focus (though including AIDS) is more on population control in poverty-stricken areas. The profits go to the Population Development and Community Association and their slogan is “Our food is guaranteed not to cause pregnancy.” I was expecting a cafeteria style bare-bones eatery and was pleasantly surprised when our cab driver dropped us off at a beautifully landscaped restaurant, charmingly decorated and very upscale. The best part, however, was that the ornamentation of the restaurant stayed very faithful to the condom theme. Japanese lanterns made of condoms, condom flower bouquets, and even mannequins clad in fashions made from condoms (it was like a bizarre episode of Project Runway – I could just hear Tim Gunn saying, “Team, you are to make a wedding dress made completely out of rubbers…. Make it work!!”) There was even a life-sized condom Santa Claus! Too funny. While we marveled over the decorations which were all around our outdoor table in a garden setting we listened to traditional Thai music which was being played by a beautiful girl and we ate a superb Thai meal. When we paid our bill, we were presented with condoms instead of mints! Before we left I couldn’t resist buying a few created souvenirs from the gift shop – my kids might be embarrassed when they open their Christmas stockings this year!
