GRDine

Little Bangkok has been existing under my nose for some time, but I have failed to notice it.  Perhaps the bland Thai Food sign wasn’t enough to draw my attention.  What has gotten my attention however, Thai House has shut down for a month, and will not reopen until next year.  In searching for a close alternative, I have heard amazing things about Little Bangkok so decided to give it a shot Friday night.

Located on Cascade Road near Forest Hills Ave, this establishment is a little hidden from view.  It clearly has a following as the place remained packed with customers dining it, and coming in for consistent take-out.  Their dining room couldn’t hold more than 20 people, but they do a great job of preparing meals quickly and turning tables over.

For the sake of comparison, we decided to order the equivalent to what we would order at Thai House.  We ordered the Tofu Pad Thai and the Gang Gai (A Shrimp Curry Dish with Bambo Noodles).  We were initially disappointed with the serving size.  The price of their food is roughly the same as Thai House, but the portions do not come close.  At Thai House, these two dishes allow for two full dinners.  At Little Bangkok we were forced to order another dish just to fill up.  There were no leftovers, and we were stuck with a much larger bill.

The food was very delicious.  The only complaint I would have would be the consistency of the Pad Thai noodles.  The noodles were a little runny and not at all sticky.  Good flavor none-the-less.

I don’t think we will be making a return unless we have thai craving before my local favorite, Thai House, opens up once again for service.  -Jon

GRDine is easily 60 posts into the blog and not once have I brought you any Thai suggestions.  Honestly, I’m really not familiar with many Thai selections.

So, this last weekend, I had a hankering for the classic Pad Thai dish.  The first and only option that came to mind was a small, run-down looking joint near D&W in Cascade.  In the corner of this retail strip there is the Thai House Restaurant.  From the outside you wouldn’t be able to tell if they were open for the day, let alone open for business.   To say the least, this place lacks flare.

When entering, the ambiance matches the outside…dull.  The place was pretty empty, but we did notice what seemed to be a ton of regulars coming in for their takeout.  It became clear that they really focus on the quality of the food verses the “experience”.  I’m willing to put up with lackluster ambiance if the food can make up the difference (sadly, most people are going to bypass great food due to the looks alone).

Sure enough, the food was absolutely amazing!  My wife and I shared the Tofu (Yeah, I know…no real meat) Pad Thai and a shrimp curry soupy dish served with rice (Wow…I really come across as a true foodie with the “Shrimp Curry Soupy Dish…).  I would highly suggest trying the Thai Iced Tea.  Basically it is a sugary tea mixed with what appears to be coconut milk.  Once mixed together it could pass as a milkshake with a thinner consistency.

Overall, this place rocks!  I would likely not come back to sit and eat, but I made sure to leave with a take-out menu.  If you want Thai, go to Thai House!  Besides, I don’t know what other suggestion to give you!

-Jon