Crystal’s answer to “What are you currently working on?” > Likes and Comments

First of all, I really love your book ' Feast of Sorrow' . I'm a fan of historical fictions and I'm so happy to hear you are doing your second novel. May I make a request ? * big smile * My request is just something I wish to know but I'm not sure you are interested to write or it will be enough informations for you to do it. Plus different culture and background are involved. But it's just idea to offer, just in case you are interested.

I am Thai and probably only Thai will know. Lots of our main dishes got Western influences. starting in 1511 CE when the first diplomatic mission from the Portuguese arrived at the court of Ayutthaya, have created dishes such as foi thong, the Thai adaptation of the Portuguese fios de ovos, and sangkhaya, where coconut milk replaces unavailable cow's milk in making a custard.[19] These dishes were said to have been brought to Thailand in the 17th century by Maria Guyomar de Pinha, a woman of mixed Japanese-Portuguese-Bengali ancestry who was born in Ayutthaya, and became the wife of Constantine Phaulkon, the Greek adviser of King Narai. The most notable influence from the West must be the introduction of the chili pepper from the Americas in the 16th or 17th century. It, and rice, are now two of the most important ingredients in Thai cuisine.[20] During the Columbian Exchange, Portuguese and Spanish ships brought new crops from the Americas including tomatoes, corn, papaya, pea eggplants, pineapple, pumpkins, culantro, cashews, and peanuts ( copied from Wikipedia : Thai cuisine )

I think it's quiet a story because it involved with the diplomatic mission, International trades, different cultures & languages.

First of all, I'm so glad you liked FEAST. It was such a labor of love and tremendous fun to write.

This story is fascinating! Thank you for sharing it. I have the next few books planned already, set in Italy around different Italian chefs throughout history, but if I ever decide to make a change, I'll definitely keep this in mind. Thank you!