Thai Peacock is Deliciously Comforting

Just the other day, my co-workers and I ventured over to the Thai Peacock for a lovely team lunch.  Not only was it close to our office, the food and drinks proved to be delicious and certainly a place I'd like to return to again soon.

Atmosphere:
Located on the corner of SW 9th Avenue and Oak Street, Thai Peacock is set amongst other notable food and drink heavy hitters such as Courier Coffee and Maurice.  Its corner location makes it perfect for outdoor dining as well and makes for some nice people watching, especially during lunchtime.

We sat inside for lunch, as it accommodated our larger group quite well, but word to the wise - you should make a reservation in advance.  While the interior isn't huge, it's charming and quaint and includes some pretty touches such as beautiful oak tables, maps of Thailand and a few snazzy light fixtures that help set the mood.  The vibe is a little trendy but still casual enough to come by with your buds or even that special someone.  So all in all - a very versatile place.

Food:
There's tons of delicious things to choose from for both lunch and dinner, but in terms of lunch specifically, there's a few specials that you can get for under $8 and the portions are generous.

Honeydew smoothie - I wanted to try something a little different to drink and went with the bright green honeydew smoothie you see above.  What really sold me on it were the tapioca balls that you see on the bottom that reminded me of the delicious bubble tea I used to get in NY's Chinatown.  The overall taste of this smoothie was milky, vibrant and not too sweet, which was appreciated.  As the ice melted, it tasted more and more like a tasty milkshake, and I'd be eager to try the other flavors too.

Kaeng Mamuang - A type of curry dish, this one incorporated fresh ingredients such as chunks of mango, bell peppers, peas, carrots and fresh basil.  It was a visually stunning plate of food that I also chose to have with some nicely cooked beef.  The curry powder used in this dish was pretty spicy, as it was the red kind, and a little hint for people with more sensitive palates is to get it mild or medium.  You'll still feel the spice that way, trust me.

Service and Cost:
I have absolutely no complaints about the service, and especially given our larger party which is usually a recipe for disaster.  While not all of our dishes were brought out at the same time, generally most of the meal's service went off without a hitch.

Costs are reasonable and for lunch will set you back anywhere between $8 - $13.50 for an entree and about $10 - $16 for dinner entrees.

3 Mmmms

Thai Peacock - 219 SW 9th Avenue, Portland OR 97205
503.228.2310
thaipeacockpdx.com

Monsoon Thai Goes Way Beyond Pad Thai

Excited to get my fix of comforting Thai food, Dan and I met new friends Danielle and Pat at Monsoon Thai last week on Mississippi Ave.  Truth is that I've passed by this place on many occasions without really noticing it, as it's not one of the modern, trendy restaurants that primarily occupy this neighborhood.  However, this is a good thing, I think, especially when it comes to Thai cuisine, making us look forward to our experience.

Atmosphere:
As I already hinted above, the ambiance at Monsoon is far from trendy and modern, but it's no dive either.  From the outside, it's pretty noticeable with a bright yellow facade and cheery signage.  In fact, I think it's quite fitting for an authentic Thai restaurant and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Inside, the dining room is spacious and I love that they have these large wooden booths that create nice privacy.  We chose this style of seating exactly for this reason and sat near the window which gave us a little view of Mississippi Ave.  Note - there are two entrances to the restaurant, one in the front and the other  off to the side where you can pick up your to-go orders.

Food:
While the menu is extensive, I'm happy to report that it's not overwhelmingly long, which made our choices easy.  We tried a little bit of everything - mixing both traditional staples with some new things as well.

Appetizers - Starting off with some deep fried tofu and fresh salad rolls was a good idea.  I love a nice piece of tofu and Monsoon's definitely delivered, as they weren't oily and went perfectly with the tangy peanut sauce.  The salad rolls were excellent too, stuffed with fresh vibrant veggies such as carrots, cucumbers and lettuce.  The latter was a great option if you're choosing to eat light.

Entrees - We each decided on a different entree and sampled each other's food, which was a fun way to go.  I went for the Thai Ginger stir fry dish with pork, Dan got the classic pad Thai with chicken, while our friends got other variations of these two dishes.  It was interesting to have a pork stir fry, as this isn't usually what I go for in a Thai restaurant but this was delicious.  The pork was tender and presented in bite sized pieces while the veggies in the dish such as shredded ginger, onions, mushrooms and bell peppers added nice freshness.

Dan's Pad Thai was also excellent - the noodles being a little tender but definitely not overcooked and coated in a slightly sweet and sour sauce that made your tastebuds dance.  The chicken that was mixed into the dish was nicely cooked as well and once again infused with great flavor from ingredients such as bean sprouts, green onions and once again the chunky peanut sauce.

Service and Cost:

We enjoyed really great service from start to finish.  As soon as we sat down, our waitress made sure our water cups were full and she came to check on us a few times before our friends arrived.  Once we ordered, it took just a few minutes to receive our food and the bill was easily expedited as well.

Costs are affordable and range between $4.95 - $10.95 for appetizers and $9.95 - $13.95 for entrees.  They also have great lunch specials for $7.95 for all entrees on the menu.

3 Mmmms

Monsoon Thai Cuisine -  4236 Mississippi Avenue, Portland OR 97217
503.280.7087
monsoonthaipdx.com

Major Yum Yum at Bang Bang Thai

Growing quite familiar with the burgeoning NE Fremont neighborhood, it's become quite a destination for delicious eats.  Most recently, Dan and I along with friends Josh and Taylor went to check out a new Thai restaurant called Bang Bang that came on the scene just in the past month.

Atmosphere:
Situated right next to Cha Cha Cha Mexican eatery, Bang Bang stands out amongst its neighbors and the signage works in their favor, as well.  The inside is small, intimate and dimly lit.  I thought it provided the perfect atmosphere for a casual Friday night dinner and at seven o'clock it was almost completely packed.  Dan and I got there a little early, which was a good thing, as the staff graciously took our name down and we were called to our table just 10 short minutes later.

In terms of the space, full disclosure in saying that it's a little tight and I marveled at how the staff moved tables around to let patrons into their seats.  I must say it was a bit uncomfortable and awkward but in the end didn't impact our experience in a negative way.

Food:
Loving the simple yet enticing menu with a minimal amount of apps, main dishes/curries and veggies, we sampled a little bit of everything.

Tendon Puffs - We spotted our fellow diners chomping on these puffy things that reminded us of puffed pork skins, so naturally we had to get them.  They were all kinds of delicious including fluffy, rich and a little spicy too.  An all around hit and at $5 I thought they were a good value.

Chicken Wings - Dan and I are always suckers for good wings and these definitely delivered.  Crispy large pieces that were fried to perfection and dusted with fried garlic and shallots, we devoured them and enjoyed dipping them in the thick, rich black vinegar reduction.  One piece of constructive criticism I have about this dish is that I like my wings cut into smaller pieces, as it makes them more palatable and easier to eat.

Scotch Quail Eggs - Our friends were all about this appetizer and since it came with four pieces, I couldn't pass it up.  Looking like cute little meatballs, they provided a nice bite with a miniature quail egg inside that was cooked just right.  A bit of spicy mustard sauce gave the dish an element of surprise and that signature Thai flavor.

Charred Long Beans - Per Taylor's request, we also ordered this as an app, and it turned out to be a group favorite.  The beans were gorgeously green and not in the least bit overcooked, but the best part was the topping of crispy shallots, rice powder, chili oil and other accouterments such as pickled garlic and eggplant.  The tangy soy reduction that rested on the bottom was a lovely way to flavor this already delightful medley of ingredients.

Pumpkin Curry Bowl - As if we had enough room to add another dish into the mix, Dan and I each got our own bowl of pumpkin curry.  Despite its name, this is not a vegetarian dish and includes a helping of grilled short ribs.  There are little pieces of pumpkin found throughout the dish, but I think the flavor is more pronounced in the curry sauce, which is poured on top of the dish by you.  It's a fun way to present curry and I like that you get to control how much sauce you choose to add.  

Service and Cost:
For a new restaurant, we enjoyed great service and everything came out pretty promptly.  Even though we noticed a few mishaps such as with our glassware for example, the staff did a great job of accommodating us and making sure that everyone was comfortable and happy.

Costs are moderate and pretty typical for slightly upscale Thai food, setting us back about $35/person including cocktails and tip.

3 Mmmms

Bang Bang - 4727 NE Fremont Avenue, Portland OR 97213
503.287.3846
bangbangpdx.com

A Romantically Tasty Night at Paadee

Given that it was Valentine's Day last week and also because we usually cook throughout the week, Dan and I treated ourselves to a nice meal at Paadee Thai restaurant.  Affiliated with the well known Langbaan (also Thai), we knew we were in for a tasty treat.

Atmosphere:
Located in one of our recent favorite neighborhoods in Portland, which straddles the Northeast and Southeast (but is technically in the latter), we first noticed Paadee one night when going to Laurelhurst Theater.  Situated on the ground floor of a sleek, modern apartment building, its elegant sign caught my attention right away, and shortly after finding out that it was legit, it didn't take me long to make a reservation.

While the interior is on the smallish side, it's laid out quite well and boasts a variety of seating options including communal tables, booths, two tops and four tops as well.  The atmosphere is sleek and sexy but at the same time casual and industrial chic.  I've never been to Bangkok, but imagine that Paadee channels its street culture and food.
Food:
In the mood for lots of hearty protein, we came to the right place and stuffed ourselves with everything from spicy chicken wings, duck and various cuts of pork.  There were rice and noodles too, but the meat is king here!

Peek Gai Tod (Fried Chicken Wings) - After a long but fun day of touring Portland's breweries, Dan and I both had a hankering for wings.  These totally did the trick, as they were meaty and perfectly fried, adorning a crispy golden crust.  Warned they'd be spicy, I appreciated the kick to the tastebuds which produced something pleasant and invigorating.  A side of pickled veggies such as radishes and carrots helped to placate the senses back to serenity.

Ba Mhee "Pitsanulok" (Pork dish) - Dan's pork dish made for an interesting meal, as it consisted of spicy lime and pork broth with pork belly, dry red pork and ground pork as well.  Embellished with other things that added color to the plate such as sprouts, scallions, a fried wonton and peanuts, the dish was complex and layered.  While Dan enjoyed it, he opted for rice noodles instead of the suggested egg noodles, which made the dish harder to consume.  Finding a good solution, we poured a bit of duck curry from my plate to loosen it up a bit, and that did the trick.

Gang Ped Lumyai (Duck curry) - Excited to see duck on the menu and one in curry form at that, I knew I had to have this.  Utterly satisfied with my choice, I enjoyed devouring the sweet, coconutey curry with the tender duck, thin bamboo shoots and sweet cherry tomatoes.  Delighted at how generous they were with the duck, I shared some of it with Dan and for that he was grateful.

Service and Cost:
On a busy dining out evening like Valentine's Day, we experienced really great service that was efficient and at the same time unobtrusive.  All of our dishes came out in good time and we were frequently asked how we liked everything and were made to feel that our business was appreciated.  I can imagine that on a regular night, one would enjoy this type of service as well.

Costs are inexpensive given a more upscale dining establishment in Portland and for that I'd have to call Paadee a true gem.  We walked out of there with paying about $53 for our entire meal including tip.

3 Mmmms

Paadee - 6 SE 28th Avenue, Portland OR 97214
503.360.1453
paadeepdx.com

Enthaice – Modern Thai Food with a Hint of Kitsch

Last Friday was all sorts of productive for me, as my We Heart Astoria colleague, Emily and I took a spin class at the new Simply Cycle Astoria.  Enjoying ourselves and working hard to boot deserved a tasty reward, so we headed to Enthaice for a warm, comforting Thai dinner.  It was a first time for both of us, but the experience proved fruitful and satisfying, so we’ll surely be back.

Atmosphere:
Boasting a great location on 31^st Avenue, across the street from the original BareBurger, Enthaice enjoys good foot traffic.  We were surprised to find it especially crowded last week, no doubt as a result of BareBurger’s recent renovations, which found Emily and me waiting for about 20 minutes to be seated.  While this was less than ideal, we made the best of the situation by waiting in their outdoor (but protected) space.

Once we stepped inside, we were welcomed by a bustling yet very cozy dining room, which was full of young patrons.  We even happened to spot some friends from the neighborhood, which was a lovely surprise.

Despite its small size, Enthaice’s dining room offers some great eye candy.  The inventive chandeliers, made of vintage forks, spoons and teacups are especially endearing, and made us both stop and observe.  While BareBurger’s version of these is similar, I found the ones at Enthaice even more intricate and creative.

Food:
As is usually the case in Thai restaurants, the menu at Enthaice was extensive but well organized.  My gluten free diet limited my options for sure, but there was still a lot to choose from, including their half a dozen varieties of curry.

Chicken Satay – Emily and I shared this simple but tasty appetizer, which boasted generous chunks of meat as well as a creamy peanut sauce for dipping.  The chicken was anything but dry and the sauces enhanced this already flavorful dish.  It’s a great option for my celiac friends, and comes highly recommended.

Red Curry – I love me some Thai curry and went with the medium spicy rendition of the Red, which was loaded with beef, bell peppers, eggplant and basil.  The beef was juicy and tender, and I loved the hint of sweetness from the peppers, and the lemony zing from the basil.  What a perfect way to nourish my body after that strenuous cycle class – it did just enough to fill me up but didn’t leave me feeling like a puffball.

Service and Cost:
On a busy Friday evening, you’d expect there to be a few hiccups in the service, but our evening went off without a hitch.  Enthaice’s waitstaff was helpful, friendly and always made sure we were comfortable. 

Costs are comparable to any good Thai restaurant in the neighborhood and set us back about $28 including tax and tip for a shared app, personal entrée and a glass of vino each.

3 Mmmms

Enthaice – 33-20 31^st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106 
718.932.1111 
N/Q Train to Broadway

Adam's Award Winning Thai Style Ribs

Last week I told you about the amazing Ribfest extravaganza I attended at the Meyers', giving you just a little taste of the the spectacular dishes that were featured.  But today, we get in a little deeper, as I unveil the winning recipe that received the big kahuna prize for best ribs.  Give it up for Adam everybody!

Adam's Thai-style ribs made a big time impression on us all, not just with their strong, in-your-face flavor, but also with the creativity in ingredients that were used.  Here, Adam shares his recipe, so we can all practice making his ribs just because, or for an upcoming rib extravaganza of our own perhaps.

Adam's Thai Style Ribs (Winner of Ribfest 2012)

Ingredients:
1 red onion chopped 
5 cloves of garlic minced 
2 fresh Thai chili peppers 
1/3 cup oyster sauce 
1/2 cup fish sauce 
2/3 cup molasses 
1/2 cup ketchup 
1 cup Thai basil 
3 tbs tamarind powder 
1/4 cup sriracha 
2 tbs garlic powder 
2 tbs onion powder 
1 tbs chili powder 
1/2 cup dark brown sugar 
1/2 cup mirin 
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar 
1 tbs butter 

Directions: 

Sauté the onion, garlic, chopped pepper, and a pinch of Thai basil in the butter until soft and pungent (caution: Thai pepper produces some tear gas). Add the liquid ingredients starting with the fish sauce, then adding molasses and other ingredients, reserving the sriracha and Thai basil. Cook until a light boil, back off to a low heat, and simmer 1 hour, add sriracha to taste and Thai basil and cook at least 30 minutes.

Thai Elephant - The Elephant in the Room You Want

It's been a very long time since I've been to Thai Elephant on 31st Street in the Ditmars neighborhood.  Frankly, I haven't had Thai in quite a while, and the night after our Queens Swap was as good an opportunity as any.  Meg, Tom, Dan and I decided to give it a try (we were all ravenous!) - and for some, it was a new experience while for others a really pleasant do-over.  Here's what we had:

Thai Buffalo Wings - Since it was technically football night, wings were very appropriate.  We all dug in with gusto into these crispy looking things, which were quite tender and tasty. I especially liked the sweet chili sauce that served as the dipping.  The portion was generous and we each had about two wings to tide us over.

Curry Puff - I've tried these here before and remember liking them.  Consisting of ground chicken, potato and onion, wrapped in a flaky puff pastry, it was a nice way to indulge.  While the exterior was a bit on the oily side, we still enjoyed it, as it was comforting and delicious.  Served with a chilled cucumber sauce, I loved the juxtaposition between hot and cold, refreshing and savory.

Tom Yum Soup - This is one of Dan's favorites, and I of course had to have a bite too.  I loved the flavorings in the broth, as the overall effect was a bit spicy but in the most pleasant way - really heating up your palate for the next course.  My favorite aspect of the soup were the beautiful mushroom chunks that added an element of earthiness and texture.

Thai Cashew Nut Chicken - A new dish for me, I loved the sound of it, as it was a mixture of sauteed cashews with onions, bell peppers, celery, carrots and mushrooms.  The whole thing was then tied together with a pungent chili sauce, which I asked to be prepared on the mild side.  The best part for me were the cashews of course, and once enveloped in that smoky sauce, they took on a different quality, almost as if they were roasted.  The dish came with a side of rice and therefore besides containing lots of filling ingredients, the rice rounded it out completely.

Other Dishes -My dining companions loved their dishes, each one of them getting something different.  Meg's duck garden salad looked and tasted spectacular, the duck was nice and crispy and beautifully cooked.  Dan ordered a classic Pad Thai, which he enjoyed (I didn't taste it though) and Tom got a beautiful dome of fried rice, with which he also seemed pleased with.

Service and Cost:
I'm happy to report that service was attentive and prompt, but also nice and laid back.  After a busy day filled with fun activities (which still exhausted us nonetheless) it provided a great respite.

Costs are affordable and include:
Appetizers - $4 - $7
Salad - $5 - $8
Curry - $9 - $15
Noodles - $9 - $15
Fried Rice - $8 - $10
Vegetables - $9 - $10
Entrees - $9 - $15
Sides - $1 - $5

3 Mmmms

Thai Elephant - 21-09 31st Street, Astoria NY 11105
718.204.8827
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.thaielephant-astoria.com 

Arharn Thai - Another Fun (and new-to-me) Thai Option

Last week when dining at Cafe Triskell with Meg and Mackenzi, I noticed a nice-looking Thai restaurant called Arharn Thai on 32nd Street and 36th Avenue.  Its awning looked new but the inside looked comfortable and lived in so I inquired a bit more, finding out that the place has been around for quite a while - I guess I just haven't noticed it.  Grabbing a menu, I was overwhelmed and excited by its many delicious-sounding options.  I'm giving you a sample of it here to whet your appetite.  If you haven't checked it out yet, it might be worth a shot, especially since it's nice and inexpensive.

Arharn Thai - Sample Menu

Appetizers:

Sate - Sliced beef or chicken marinated in curry powder and coconut milk, served with peanut sauce...$6.95
Thai Rolls - Steamed rolls wrapped with Chinese sausage, crabmeat, cucumber, bean sprouts with sauce...$6.95
Mee Grob (my favorite!) - Crispy rice noodles with shrimp and tamarind sauce...$5.95
Som Tum - Papaya salad...$6.95

Entrees: Served with jasmine rice

Gaeng Ped - Red curry, coconut milk, bamboo shoot and chili pepper with choice of beef or chicken...$9.95
Kra Prow - Choice of beef, chicken, or pork sauteed with basil, chili pepper and onion...$9.95

Paneng - Beef with paneng paste and coconut milk...$9.95

Seafood Dishes: Served with jasmine rice
Pla Lard Pick - Fried whole fish with spicy hot chili sauce...$18.95

Koong Pad Pak - Shrimp sauteed with mixed vegetables...$10.95
Pla Jean - Fried whole fish topped with ginger, mushrooms and scallions...$18.95

Frog Legs (Gob): Served with jasmine rice

Gob Kra Prow - Fried frog's legs with basil, chili peppers, and onions...$11.95
Gob Panaeng - Fried frog's legs in panaeng paste and coconut milk...$11.95
Gob Ka Tiem - Fried frog's legs with salt, pepper and garlic...$11.95

Chef's Specialties: Served with jasmine rice

Po-Tak - Seafood steamed with Thai spices in a clay pot...$12.95
Pla Duk Pad Ped - Large cuts of catfish, fried and sauteed with chili peppers, red curry and coconut milk...$12.95
Gai Yang - BBQ chicken marinated in Thai spices served with Thai sweet and sour sauce...$10.95
Moo Kum Wan - Grilled pork topped with fresh chili, garlic, chopped cilantro and lime juice...$9.95

Dessert:

Pumpkin Custard - Pumpkin, egg, palm sugar, salt and coconut cream...$4.50
Buad Chee - Warm banana in coconut milk...$3.50
Bua Louy - Warm taro in coconut milk...$4.50

There's also a $6.95 lunch special on weekdays til 3:00 p.m.

Arharn Thai - 32-05 36th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.728.5563
N/W Train to 36th Avenue

www.thaiastoria.com

Thai Pavilion - I Could Do Without It

Thai Pavilion - 23-92 21st Street, Astoria NY 11105
718.274.2088

N/W Train to Astoria Blvd

www.thaipavilionnyc.com

I enjoy Thai food and Astoria has some good options with Wave Thai, Thai Elephant, Bangkok Tasty and others.  In addition to these restaurants, I've also heard good things about Thai Pavilion, which now has two locations--one on 30th Avenue and the other near Astoria Park.  I recently visited the latter location with mixed results.  While I wasn't completely disappointed, I'm not rushing to go back.

Atmosphere:
Located on the ground floor of the large Pistilli building on 24th Avenue and 21st Street, Thai Pavilion is neighbor to Da Franco Italian restaurant.  The two establishments are so different that they're not competitive.

The space at Thai Pavilion is really expansive - I think a little too much so, given that it's never full.  There's an outdoor area to sit, which is nice, especially on a warm day like today.  Interior decor is modern and simplistic but a little devoid of character.  I like when Asian restaurants insert their own cultural touches into decor, whether it's through art, music or little embellishments such as good luck charms and symbolic figures.  Sadly, this location had none of that.

Food:
I'd call the food mediocre - while there wasn't anything particularly wrong with it, it just didn't excite us.  I was sorry this was the case, as I usually really enjoy Thai food.

Vegetable Dumplings - We ordered these as a starter and looked forward to them.  They arrived piping hot in their full fried glory.  While they looked impressive, with a crunchy crust, once we bit into them, Meg and I both thought they were too oily.  Of course, I know that when you get something fried, some extra oil is normal but this was too much.  The inside of the dumpling was really good, filled with scallions and slightly sticky dough.  We each had a small bite but couldn't finish it because of the excessive oiliness.

Pad Khow-Pod - My main course was a stir fry dish, which I ordered with chicken.  It consisted of a mixture of sautéed baby corn, mushrooms, onions and bell peppers.  The veggies were really delicious and I especially loved the baby corn - it's one of my favorite ingredients in stir fry and I think it goes great with soy sauce.  My only complaint was about the chicken (ummm...the main ingredient).  It had a weird aftertaste and I question the quality.  As a result, I left most of it on my plate.

Eggplant Dish - Meg went all vegetarian and ordered an eggplant stir fry with chili, garlic, onions, basil leaves and bell peppers.  Our waiter warned her that it's a bit spicy but she didn't mind.  While I didn't try her dish, she said it was just mediocre and the eggplant was a bit tough. 

Service and Cost:

Our server was nice and treated us well.  I liked that our appetizer came out quickly, and the entrees were brought out in good time as well.  Once our other friends showed up for cocktails at the end of the meal, we weren't rushed out to leave.  It was nice to know that we can just chill and hang out as long as we wanted.

Costs are very reasonable, as is the case with Thai restaurants:

Appetizers: $5-$8
Salads: $5-$9
Stir Fry: $9-$12
Noodles: $7-$9
Lunch Special: $7-$9

1.5 Mmmms

Spiced - Indian Inspired Thai and Chinese Food

As I mentioned earlier this week, there are a few new Thai restaurants in the Ditmars area - one of them being Green Curry and the other is Spiced. They're right across the street from each other and therefore hard to miss. Spiced caught my eye especially because I haven't yet seen a restaurant that serves Indian inspired Thai and Chinese cuisine. I thought this was interesting so I grabbed their menu and liked what I saw. As is customary with Asian cuisine, prices are super competitive, and they're even offering 20% off of your dinner. Worth checking out, in my opinion. Here's a sampling of the menu:

Appetizers:
Chicken Lollipop - Crispy pulled back winglets shaped like lollipops, served with spicy dipping sauce...$5.95

Rocket Shrimp - Jumbo shrimp, batter fried & served with chili garlic sauce...$6.95

Honey Chili Tofu - Crispy tofu glazed with a honey chili sauce...$4.95

Sweet Corn Soup - Creamy corn soup with choice of chicken, crab meat or vegetables...$2.95

Chicken Dishes: $7.95
Chicken Manchurian - Cubed dark meat chicken spiced with Indian flavors of ginger, garlic or coriander leaves, prepared Manchurian style

Szechuan Chicken - An arrangement of authentic Indian spices and sliced chicken in a spicy sauce prepared Szechuan style

Chicken Thai Curry (choice of red, green or yellow) - Creamy chicken curry cooked with bamboo shoots and coconut milk

Lamb/Duck Dishes:
Fried Chili Lamb - Crispy lamb sauteed with onions and fresh green chili...$9.95

Crispy Duck in BBQ Sauce - Crispy duck seasoned with fresh herbs and topped with Chinese style BBQ sauce...$13.95

Lemon Pepper Duck - Fried duck topped with a lemon pepper sauce...$13.95

Seafood Dishes:
Shrimp on Fire - Shrimp sauteed in black pepper sauce...$9.95

Whole Red Snapper - Pan fried crispy whole red snapper topped with a choice of chili, ginger, garlic or black bean sauce...$15.95

Lobster Hong Kong Style - De-shelled lobster with green peppers, onions and cashews cooked in a red wine sauce...$16.95

Veggie Options: $7.95
Broccoli and Baby Corn (choice of brown or black bean sauce) - Sauteed broccoli and baby corn topped with a choice of sauce

Vegetable Manchurian - Crispy vegetable balls spiced with Indian flavors of ginger, garlic and coriander leaves, prepared Manchurian style

Szechuan Eggplant - Batter fried eggplant cooked in a sauce with a blend of Indian spices, prepared Szechuan style

Noodles:
Hakka Noodles - Soft egg noodles stir-fried with a choice of chicken or vegetables...$6.95

Singapore Noodles - Angel hair noodles stir fried with shrimp onion and vegetables...$7.95

American Chop Suey - Crispy fried noodles topped with a sweet and tangy sauce and eggs, with a choice of chicken or vegetables...$9.95

Their lunch special is just $5.95

Spiced - 35-12 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105
718.626.8180
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

Green Curry - Another Modern Thai Option

Green Curry - 35-13 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.7013
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

I've been hearing about several new Thai eateries that recently opened up on Ditmars Blvd. One of these more modern restaurants, includes Green Curry authentic Thai cuisine. It looks appealing inside - I grabbed a menu and was interested in some of their offerings. A sampling of their cuisine includes the following. Oh and notice the affordability factor, it's a definite draw.

Appetizers:
Golden Taro - Crispy shredded taro wrapped with tofu skin; served with a special tamarind sauce...$5.95

Chicken Puffs - Ground chicken, potato, water chestnut, onion, carrot and curry powder wrapped in a Thai pastry...$5.95

Thai Dumplings - Ground chicken/shrimp, water chestnut, mushroom and carrot wrapped in wonton skin; served with sweet soy sauce...$5.95

Mee-Grob - Shrimp, chicken and crispy rice noodles mixed with a tamarind sauce...$7.95

Tom Kha Gai Soup - Pieces of chicken cutlet cooked in coconut milk, sliced galanga, fresh lime juice and chili pepper...$4.95 bowl....$9.95 hot pot

Yums - Authentic Thai Spicy Salads:
Nam Sod - Well cooked ground pork marinated with roasted chili, peanut, fresh lime juice and shredded ginger...$8.95

Yum Goon Chieng - Chinese sausage marinated with fresh lime juice, chili pepper, tomato, cucumber and red onion...$8.95

Noodles:
Pad Woon Sen - Sauteed shrimp and chicken with bean thread noodles, mushroom, baby corn, egg and napa...$10.95

Goy See Mee - Soft egg noodles topped with gravy, chicken cutlet and vegetables...$9.95

Lard Na (Choice of beef, chicken or pork) - Sauteed broad noodles topped with broccoli in black bean gravy...$10.95

Veggie Options:
Pad Broccoli - Sauteed broccoli with garlic and oyster sauce...$7.95

Tofu with Mixed Vegetables - Sauteed tofu and fresh vegetables in a golden brown sauce...$8.95

Veggie Duck Basil - Sauteed veggie duck with chili-garlic sauce, onion, basil leaves and strips of chili pepper

Entrees (Meat or Fish): beef, chicken or pork...$9.95, shrimp...$11.95
Pad Priew Wan - Thai sweet & sour sauce with pineapple, tomato, onion and cucumber

Pad Kraung Keang - Red curry sauce with onion, chili and fresh sweet basil

Pad Khing - Black bean sauce with shredded ginger, mushroom, chili pepper and scallion

Keang Massaman - Sauteed meat with massaman curry paste, coconut milk, potato, onion and peanut

Pla Lard Prik - One of the most popular Thai dishes; deep-fried red snapper topped with a special sweet and spicy tamarind chili sauce...$18.95

Pla Jiean - Deep-fried red snapper topped with a combination sauce made of ginger, mushroom, and ground pork...$18.95

Pla Chu Chee - Hearty, aromatic herbal curry fish dish. Deep-fried red snapper with red curry sauce, coconut milk and kaffir lime leaves...$18.95

They also offer a daily lunch special for $7.95 from Monday - Friday between 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Q Thai Bistro - Quaint Restaurant in Queens

Q Thai Bistro - 108-25 Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills NY 11375
718.261.6599
E/F/G/R/V Train to Forest Hills/71st Avenue
www.qthaibistrony.com

Q Thai has been on my to-try list for a while now, recommended by a co-worker who lives in the area. So when I received a great coupon for a free bottle of wine or a complimentary entree, it spurred my visit.

Atmosphere:
Located in a quiet neighborhood, a ways away from busy Austin Street, Q Thai is truly a neighborhood gem. It's on the intimate side, dimly lit and somewhat narrow. I like its colorful decor, the theme being the game of Twister, which you' ll notice hanging on the wall.

There's a tiny kitchen in the back that you could look into, reminding me of the kitchen at Danny Brown, only smaller. I like being a food voyeur--there's something open and honest about it.

The bar at Q is also nice and a good place to hang out, whether you're waiting for your dining companions to show or if you're looking to enjoy a glass of vino.

Food:
Overall, this was one of the better quality Thai meals that we've eaten, although the steep prices encouraged us to order modestly. Our choices included:

Drunken Noodles with Chicken - Sampling this dish at the Taste of Queens , I was curious about how it would taste when made to order. It was lovely--the thick noodles were smooth and eggy and I loved the garlicky chicken, dressed with basil, chili and bell peppers. I expected it to be super filling, but it was just perfect and I was able to finish my portion without feeling overstuffed. I'd recommend this dish for non-adventurous Thai food eaters, as it's fairly safe and not too spicy.

Q Basil Burger - Dan ordered a Thai style burger with massaman curry, Thai basil and a side of sweet potato fries. I tried a bite and loved the tender burger meat--it was definitely of good quality and cooked to perfection. I welcomed the fragrant basil, as it woke the senses and definitely made you stop and think about the uniqueness of this dish. Dan liked it as well but complained after the meal of "tummy trouble." I won't go into details but let's just say that this dish is heavy--I think it was the curry.

Pad Thai and Stir Fry Noodles - Our friends Dan and Crystal ordered noodle dishes and overall, they were pleased. Crystal remarked at how fresh and delicious everything was and that the flavors in the Pad Thai agreed with her. She's usually wary of this entree because of its heavy sauce, but this version was just right. Dan's noodles looked pretty much like mine, except that they were stir-fried, while mine were boiled.

Service and Cost:
Our waitress was nice and our meal progressed without a hitch. One issue I had with her however, is that she gave us a weird vibe when we didn't order an appetizer or dessert and took advantage of that free bottle of wine. I couldn't help but get the feeling that she expected a bigger order out of us and was disappointed. The hostesses--who I think are the owners--were really friendly and warm.

For a Thai dinner, which would cost $20 or less per person in Astoria, this one set us back $27 per person for just one entree each. It's definitely a more upscale meal and if you're planning a visit, I'd count on spending a decent amount of dough. Appetizers range between $8.95-$11.95, entrees are $15.95-$27.95 but they do have a reasonable lunch special prix-fixe--entree, drink, coffee/tea for $12.95.

2 Mmmms

Sea - Of Madness...Steer Clear

Sea - 114 North 6th Street, Brooklyn NY 11211
718.384.8850
L Train to Bedford Avenue
www.seathainyc.com/

Peter and I went to Williamsburg last week and stopped in for Thai food at Sea Restaurant. We heard good things from friends and family, so we were excited to try it. Sadly though, after our miserable experience we will never go back. Ironically, only after we ate there did I find out that Sea is a Williamsburg tourist trap. We fell right in.

Atmosphere:
What draws you to Sea are its cool surroundings. The building that it's housed in is industrial-looking and spacious--it's very Williamsburg. The ceilings are high and the effect is larger-than-life.

Immediately upon walking in, your eye focuses on the beautiful reflecting pool in the middle of the room with a large Buddha statue protruding from it. There's a wooden boat with gorgeous flowers that swims around peacefully--and if you're lucky enough to sit pool-side as we did, you can watch it float throughout your meal.

Although the aforementioned scene sounds serene, Sea itself is not. Describing it as bustling and loud doesn't do this restaurant justice. Throughout your meal, you'll be distracted by various goings-on, such as frazzled waitstaff, parents running after their toddlers or a loud birthday party.

Food:
Since Sea is sister restaurant to Spice in Manhattan, we had positive expectations about the food. Overall, the food delivered and while not phenomenal, it was tasty and worth the price. Our lunch consisted of:

Tom Yum Seafood Soup - This is my favorite Thai soup and from the description, it sounded like it was packed with seafood. I've only had it with shrimp before, so I was looking forward to this version. It was flavorful and included jumbo shrimp, squid, scallops, and scallions in a lemongrass broth. The seafood was very good, although the shrimp tasted a little fishy. I loved the squid the most and would definitely recommend this starter. Peter got it as well and seemed to love it too.

Black Bean Ginger with Beef - My main dish was a stir-fry of mushrooms, pineapples, scallions, peppers and beef. Overall, I enjoyed it very much but didn't like the way it was thrown at me by a frantic waiter. The beef was on the lean side, the veggies were fresh and the sauce that bound everything together was a little spicy.

Pattaya Noodle with Chicken - Peter's choice was also tasty and consisted of broad noodles, scallions, radish peanuts and chicken. The noodles were especially delicious because they were thick and gentle on the palate. Again, the sauce was wonderful and the nuts provided a nice crunch.

Service and Cost:
This is where everything fell apart. Our waiter seemed confused from the first hello to the last miscalculated check. We ordered things that were never brought to us--like Peter's tea--but annoyingly we were charged for them. Our entrees were thrown at us in confusion and the service overall was so heinous that we sat there with our mouths open in exasperation. And though the food was good, I would never go back due to such disorganization and serious service malfunctions.

The cost of the food was very reasonable at a mere $7-$8 for an appetizer and an entree. While this price is hard to match, we were overcharged on our bill. Being that we were so fed up with the service, we didn't tip at all. The experience was despicable. Steer clear.

1 Mmmm

Benjamas' Taste of Thai - Winter Tasting

Dish du Jour Magazine is hosting a series of winter tasting events in Astoria and Long Island City. Benjamas Taste of Thai will be kicking off this series with a four-course tasting menu and even some neat food demonstrations, courtesy of Chef Chatchai.

This will be an active dinner and you might pick up some tricks along the way, as you watch Chef Chatchai make flowers from vegetables and showcase his carving skills. You'll also taste a variety of Thai beers that will be paired with your meal.

Besides the all the food and drink, there will surely be time for meeting, greeting and networking. And don't forget to bring a can of food with you! Dish du Jour will be donating these to a local pantry to help those in need during cold, winter months.

Here are the rest of the details:

Benjamas Taste of Thai Dinner

Tuesday, January 20th

7pm

$40 per person (does not include gratuity)

For reservations, call: 718.777.7918

Benjamas Taste of Thai – 34-16 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106
718.932.8826
N/W Train to Broadway
www.thaibenjamas.com

SHI - Insider Scoop from Bartender Sue

What a lovely surprise it was this week when I found out that my co-worker Sue bartends at my new favorite Asian Fusion restaurant, SHI. I was excited to get some insider scoop from her, not only about the drinks but also about the food. Take a look at Sue's favorites below--they're already whetting my appetite.

Sue's SHI Must-List

First Course

Lychee Calamari
Crab Rangoon
Dumplings are always good - I prefer fried
Mixed Ceviche

Tom Yum Soup - fantastic but spicy

Second Course
Steak Cubes - they melt in your mouth
Sake Infused Cod - it's like butter
Lemongrass Chicken - I prefer it with shrimp and their seafood is pretty fresh
Pineapple and Raisin Fried Rice

Dessert
Green tea crème brulee
This new banana dessert - it's served warm with vanilla ice cream

Drinks
Our warm sake is pretty good and cheap
Lychee Martini
Ginger Mojitos are pretty good too

Thanks Sue -- these recommendations are great and I personally cannot wait to try the Sake Infused Cod and the Pineapple and Raisin rice. YUM!

SHI - 47- 20 Center Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101
Reservations: 347-242-2450 Take Out: 347-242-24487
Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.shilic.com

Bangkok Tasty - Mmmm Tasty Indeed...

Bangkok Tasty - 29-06 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105

718.545.8203

N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

www.bangkoktasty.com

Margot and I were eager to try Bangkok Tasty after its big renovation about a month ago. Not a full-service restaurant in its past life, we were curious to see how Bangkok would measure up in terms atmosphere, staff and if it would preserve its good quality food. Overall, we were pleased across the board and would certainly pay them another visit.

Atmosphere:

The new decor is very modern yet minimalistic, giving off a relaxing and peaceful vibe. There's a concrete water fountain with a mysterious hand sculpture on top. While this sounds strange, it oddly works to create serenity--I caught myself staring at it at various points in the evening.

The rest of the decor is just straight up modern--the tables and chairs are simple and sleek but not the most comfortable I've experienced. The white textured wall on the right is nice to look at, containing a wave design and a long row of potted grass. The left wall however is more severe with a neon red stripe going through it--it's a bit too futuristic and reminded Margot and me of the late 80's early 90's. It just didn't seem to fit with the rest of the calm decor.

Food:

Generally, we were both happy with the food. I've heard rumors about how spicy everything was, but that wasn't the case with my dishes. I ordered and tried the following:

Thai Curry Puff - This was my appetizer and I was naturally expecting something round and covered in pastry dough. However, when my plate arrived, this dish looked like spring rolls. I asked if there was a mistake and the waitress assured me that these were, indeed curry puffs. I found them strange still, until I took a bite. The inside, which was packed with chicken, onion, potato and curry powder tasted just right. The tangy cucumber dip that was served along side of it was refreshing and had small pieces of cucumber and onion floating in it.

Sweet and Sour Shrimp - I've had this dish before and it happens to be one of my Thai food favorites. Bangkok's version was especially pleasing because of how well the shrimp was cooked. It was evident how fresh it was and once I bit into it, I tasted that wonderful flavor of the grill. The other veggies in this dish included cherry tomatoes, that burst in your mouth, onions, pineapple, cucumbers, carrots and sweet peppers.

Thai Salad and Thai Chili Basil Eggplant with Chicken - Margot ordered these dishes and she was pleased with her entree more than her appetizer--reason being that her salad was drenched in peanut sauce. I didn't try it for this reason, as I detest peanut sauce. I did however, try her chili basil eggplant and it was super tasty. The eggplant was my favorite ingredient--it was soft yet hearty and also spicy from the chili paste. Margot liked it as well and ordered this dish extra spicy so she could enjoy it to the max.

Service and Cost:

The waitstaff was pleasant and eager to get everything right. I can't say that I blame them for being over enthusiastic because Bangkok is, in some people's eyes a new establishment. Our dishes came out in good time and they were piping hot. The only strange thing is that they seemed to forget about us during check time--maybe they were just letting us chat. The restaurant was pretty empty so that could've been possible.

As most Thai establishments in the neighborhood, Bangkok is affordable. Our meal, which consisted of 2 appetizers and 2 entrees cost us approximately $32 (without a tip). And I can safely say that most other dishes there are in the same price range.

2 Mmmms

Kurve - Meet Chef Charm-Yang

Kurve - 87 2nd Avenue, New York NY 10003
212.260.8018
6 Train to Astor Place
www.kurvenyc.com

My cousin Vicky and I went to a re-opening press dinner on Tuesday at Village Thai restaurant, Kurve. While this wasn't the first time Kurve has opened, I think--and hope--that it'll be the last time. Andy Yang, the admirable chef and owner charmed the pants off of us and while we were disappointed by the inconsistent service, the food and Andy's smile got the best of us.

Atmosphere:

Upon stepping into Kurve, I was bombarded by its futuristic design. The predominant color is purple and as you could guess from its name, the restaurant walls display various asymmetrical, curvy shapes. The overall effect is a cross between new age and 80's retro.

You'll see a DJ booth on your way to the bathroom and the music is a fun mix of mostly upbeat dance electronica. There's a bar in the middle of the dining room and a couple of comfy white leather couches on right that just say "80's club scene." It's all very cool and sleek but I wouldn't call it comfy and cozy.

Food:

Because our food tasting was so extensive, I'm only going to highlight the stand-outs. Overall, the food was delicious, fresh and some dishes even made our taste buds dance. My only problem was the timing in which the food came out--it was too sporadic and unpredictable. Here are some of my favorites of the night:

Bamboo Heart Dumplings - This was part of our dim sum plate and though it was the most unfamiliar to us, it impressed us the most. The exterior was silky smooth and the interior had a healthy and almost smoky taste. I imagine that there was lemongrass in it because of its lovely citrusy zing.

Tom Yum Lobster - I absolutely love a good tom yum soup and this one was really special. It was served in an interesting dish with a flame base and the actual soup bowl was lined with wax paper. While I was warned that the broth would be spicy, it was a welcome spice that awakened my senses. The lobster and shrimp inside the soup were as fresh as can be but my ultimate favorite were the slivers of shiitake mushrooms. Vicky tried my soup too and though she's not a fan of spicy food, she really liked it.

Salmon Wrapped Larb Duck - We waited way too long for this dish but when it came out, we knew that it was unique. It looked picturesque with a rich brown duck mixture wrapped in a ribbon of fiery orange/pink raw salmon. The salmon was a nice--and much needed--neutralizer of the spicy duck. There was an egg with a soy-based sauce that calmed our taste buds--the egg white was especially soothing on our sore tongues.

Grilled Berkshire Pork - I'm going to go as far as to call this my favorite dish of the night--and it's all because of the meat. The pork was so tender and flavorful that I just couldn't believe each time I took a bite. There was a spicy sauce that accompanied it, but I loved the pork on its own without embellishments. The only thing I needed was plain white rice--a side that wouldn't steal the pork's thunder.

Poached Black Cod - Wow! When we found out that the cod was imported from Japan, we were sold. And once we had the pleasure of tasting it, we were in la la land. It was luxurious, clean and exuded quality. Floating in a lovely fish broth, it was enhanced by fresh plum and spring onion. It was a dish that I'd get for a late dinner because it didn't make you feel gluttonous and full. Vicky said that she'll definitely get it next time--and I think that I will too.

Service:

As I mentioned, the service wasn't top notch. While everyone was super nice and enthusiastic, they weren't organized. More than once were we asked if we'd ordered drinks or a certain course a few minutes after that order was placed. If only there was better communication, these redundancies could be avoided.

A positive aspect about the service was having contact with Andy Yang, Kurve's chef and owner. He was by far the most charming and pleasant man in the restaurant. His clear passion for his menu poured out of him with every detailed explanation of each dish. Vicky and I relished moments with him when he'd indulge us in mini-monologues about imported cod or low sodium dim sum--it was better than pillow talk!

Unfortunately, we got impatient with the slow pacing of the tasting--the dishes were so spread apart that we found ourselves at Kurve for more than four hours. At a certain point, we had to leave because it just got too late. Who could eat dessert at 1a? Not me, and not on a Tuesday night.

Vicky and I enjoyed ourselves but might wait out a second visit for when the service improves.

2 Mmmms