International Focus Magazine Vol. 2, #11 | Page 26

seen on the scene
iF Magazine Mixer at SongKran Thai Kitchen
On November 14, 2017 the iF Magazine team held a monthly mixer at
the SongKran Thai Kitchen hosted by owner Amy Karnani. With a standing
room only crowd of follower and entertained by musician ICHI ICHKAWA.
Also,we were served some of the best Thai food in all of Houston Texas! Our
guest were pleased and all spoke of visiting SongKran again. Songkran is an
upscale Thai kitchen in Houston that specializes in delicious Thai food pre-
pared traditionally with only the freshest of high quality ingredients. We are
looking forward to another mixer event at SongKran sometime in the near
future.
Songkran is Thailand’s most famous festival. An important event on the Bud-
dhist calendar, this water festival marks the beginning of the traditional Thai
New Year. The name Songkran comes from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘passing’
or ‘approaching’. Water is an important element of Songkran. Buddhists also
visit temples throughout Songkran where water is poured on Buddha images
and on the hands of Buddhist monks as a mark of respect. Appreciation of
family, paying respect to elders and ancestors is another important aspect of
the festival, with many Thai people making their way to their hometowns to
spend time with older relatives. Offerings are left at temples on this day to
ring in the New Year, with plenty of other events also taking place. Chef Jett
has created a Thai menu that signifies this auspicious and celebratory festival
and all his special memories of his childhood in Bangkok.
26 iF Magazine | December 2017