Bites Nearby: Sarin Thai Cuisine

Overview: sister restaurant in Greenvale, which also goes by the name “Sarin,” has been a staple for fine Thai cuisine on Glen Cove Road for 15 years.  Sarin, a newcomer to the Kings Park culinary scene, opened five months ago. The restaurant is known for its extensive menu which includes a wide assortment of Thai seafood, chicken, and beef entrees as well as curries and vegetarian dishes.

Décor:  A graceful statue of a woman, a vision in turquoise and gold, greets you at the entrance.  A simple elegance permeates the interior, with white walls, gleaming wood floors and dark wood wainscoting creating a quiet oasis in which to enjoy your meal.  Soft lighting, in the form of sconces which mimic flickering lights, adds the finishing touch. 

The Drinks: You can enjoy beer, including Singha, a Thai lager beer or order from the Sarin’s extensive wine list which includes red, white and blush wines and champagne.  Enjoy a bottle of CK Mondavi White Zinfandel or Pindar Pythagoras for $22 or splurge on a bottle of Mumm Napa Brut Prestige Champagne for $60, with many price points in-between.  Wine is $6.50 by the glass.

Appetizers:  Among the plethora of appetizers, Satee, strips of  tender grilled chicken or beef on skewers, served with peanut sauce and cucumber salad ($7.95)  and Hoy Ob, plump steamed mussels  seasoned with Thai herbs, lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, and served with chili sauce ($7.95), are house favorites.The mussels bask in a broth that is so flavorful that many guests cannot resist finishing it.

Entrees:  Pad Thai ($12.95), stir-fried flat rice noodles, are served with shrimp, egg, bean curd and bean sprouts or as per my request, with chicken. Gai Yang ($14.95) raises the bar for marinated chicken by pairing  the beautifully garnished pieces of tender poultry   with tamarind sauce, chili and garlic sauce and “sticky” rice  presented in a special straw container. Pla Lard Prig ($21.95), a deep-fried fish paired with chili pepper and garlic sauce, is accompanied by aromatic jasmine rice.

Sides: Popular side dishes include  Thai fried rice ($10.95),  your choice of meat, egg, tomato, onion and scallions, spicy fried rice ($10.95),  meat accented by basil leaves and chili, and  finally, pineapple fried rice ($12.95) a flavorful medley  showcasing  succulent tropical fruit,  shrimp, tomato, onion, and scallions.

Desserts: Enjoy a Thai  version of an ice cream sundae with a cherry on top with Sarin’s fried banana with ice cream ($7.95), which features ice cream encircled by chunks of  banana in  crispy fried envelopes. Or take in the drama of fried ice cream, ignited by your waiter at your table ($6.95).

Service:  The restaurant prides itself on attentive service, and cheerfully accommodates guests’ special requests concerning spiciness. Sarin opens for lunch at 11:30 am Monday through Saturday, and serves  dinner seven days a week in addition to doing a brisk take-out business.

Signature Dish: Bangkok duck ( $19.95).  Sarin ups the flavor ante of an already delicious entrée by pairing it with a coconut milk, chili and pineapple curry sauce.

Sarin Thai Cuisine, 25 Main Street, Kings Park