One of those little strip malls on Mayfield is harboring a hidden Thai treasure. Brian and I have now eaten at Bangkok Thai Cuisine twice, and it has quickly become a favorite. The food has been consistently extremely good, and it is conveniently close to our home (our other favorite restaurant for hot food is Mekong River, which delivers great Vietnamese dishes).
Nestled between Chinese take-out and a beverage store, a quick peek in the door reveals that this little gem offers something more than the outer facade projects. The atmosphere is serene and upscale. The menu is varied and offers something for everyone. For us, an important factor is that we can get food that is actually quite spicy and still seasoned appropriately (not just about the heat).
At our first meal out, Brian ordered the Pad Ped with Pork (four star heat, though I think they held back on the heat a little, not trusting that we really meant it when we said hot). Pad Ped has galingal, lime leaf, eggplant, bell pepper, string bean, baby corn and basil, served with rice on the side. I ordered the Green Noodles Curry (three star heat, which I found quite enjoyable). Their version has sliced chicken, pineapple, grape tomatoes, onions, yellow squash, bell peppers, curry and coconut milk, and is served over green flat noodles. Although the portions were generous, I found that I just had to finish the entire meal on the spot -- something I almost never do. Of course, I can blame some of that on my pregnancy at the time, but really the flavors were just so good I didn't want to stop eating.
Our second meal, just a few weeks ago, was equally enjoyable. Brian's Mother, Karen, agreed to babysit her granddaughter, but we were too tired to stay out long enough for more than a meal. So, we headed to Bangkok. Brian started with Devil soup, which was served at five star heat. Finally a soup that really appealed to Brian's heat-buds! It had curry leaf, shrimp and scallops. I tasted a few sips, and though it was plenty hot, the flavor was excellent. Brian's entree was the Green Curry and Bamboo Shoots with Half Duck, containing eggplant, string beans, basil and green peppers. I was able to snag a piece of eggplant and almost wished I had ordered that, too. However, my meal of Mango Curry with Shrimp was outstanding and satisfied my Jones for mango. Again, I managed to vacuum up everything on the plate -- feeling quite rotund after the meal, though I am no longer pregnant!
I'd like to also mention that the service is efficient and friendly. Water gets refilled regularly without asking and we've always been asked if we're happy with the meal. The dinner prices are reasonable (entrees ranging between $9 and $15) and the atmosphere is very pleasant. Give it a try the next time you want to try something a little different! Sorry I don't have any pics, but we just get too distracted by the food itself when we eat out and I always forget to get a shot.
Our friend Nancy has also posted a great review of this restaurant on her blog: Fun Playing with Food. http://funplayingwithfood.blogspot.com/2007/11/playing-with-lunch-food.html
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
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