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I finally made it to Krua Thailand to try their famous Boat Soup - famous enough at least to have a banner outside the restaurant advertising it. Turns out boat soup is basically the Thai answer to pho, the Vietnamese beef noodle soup - but with one important difference - boat soup is made with beef blood. How was it? If you like pho, and aren't squeamish, I think you'll like it - the blood gives it a little extra kick. There is lots more on the menu that I would like to try, including the Kaeng Dang (red curry ($8.99-$12.99 depending on protein), and the pla rad prik, (tilapia with ginger and chili, $13.95).

Krua Thailand, 432 W. University Av., St. Paul, 651-224-4053.

Couple of cool dinners coming up:

• The next Rake World Flavors dinner will be at the Bulldog Northeast on August 26, with a menu that goes way beyond typical bar burger fare: Foie gras meat ball on fried wonton with flying fish eggs, followed by a deconstructed shrimp cocktail, a "pyramid of Cobb" (with a confit of chicken thigh and, presumably, a dramatic presentation), a salmon fillet with fingerling potatoes, plus a Bulldog cupcake for dessert. All this, plus three pints of beer for $35. Click here to sign up.

• The World Flavors Dinner is co-sponsored by Whole Foods, Peace Coffee and KBEM- Jazz 88 FM which has its own gastronomic event going on this Sunday, August 17 - A Celebration of the Ports - From New Orleans to Buenos Aires, featuring chef Rachel Rubin, at Alexis Bailly Vineyards in Hasting. Cost is $75 per person, and space is limited - for reservations or more information, click here.
• By the way, Rachel Rubin, is leading a food tour of Peru October 12-19 - for gastronomic adventurers, it sounds like a great trip.