It took years, but I finally made it to Thai Diner and now I just need to go back. It was as good as everyone said. Though it’s been around for a minute, the lines seem so long. But since Beth was visiting and only able to go out on a Monday evening (in the cold), we were able to capitalize on one of the few times there wouldn’t be much of a wait for two people. “Thai” and “diner” seems like an interesting juxtaposition…and it’s reflected in both the menu (which includes classics from both sides, like phat Thai and pancakes) and the decor (both glass blocks/luncheonette counter and bamboo).
After cocktails (yummy, but one of their aces go places bourbon/ginger/pink peppercorn drinks was my limit on a Monday when I had a busy day at work ahead), we moved on to the Thai disco fries as a shared app. Such a great twist on diner fare that used massaman curry instead of gravy and was topped with pickled peppercorn, onions, and coconut cream. These had a nice kick to them and were fabulous. For my entrée, I was having a very tough time deciding, and it didn’t help that our waiter basically said I highlighted the best options. Eventually I landed on the stuffed cabbage tom khaa, which were filled with ground turkey, mushrooms, and rice and sitting in a broth of coconut milk, galangal, and lime, and served with a chili sauce. WOW. This was a truly unique dish and nothing like my grandma’s stuffed cabbage ha. It was incredibly filling but I ate every last bite – long past the point of being full – just because it was that good. (For the record, my choices were the stuffed cabbage I went with, the crab cake platter, or a small plate combo of salad + chopped liver.) Beth got the phat see ew because she was craving her typical takeout fare…just better. She said it was exactly that. Though we were full, we split the monster cake dessert, which was a Thai coffee cake and condensed milk buttercream, complete with cashew fur and googly eyes. Love the flavor; wish there was a bit more actual cake and a bit less buttercream.
I understand and respect the hype now. And just need to figure out when to go back to try…everything else on the menu.
Peaches to Apples 