Bites Nearby: Thai Spice Satisfies A Desire For Flavorful Asian Food

We selected on Center Ridge Road in Westlake thanks to a recent Groupon deal and my constant search for good Asian food. Luckily, we arrived at just the right time. When I got there, the restaurant wasn’t full and I was seated immediately.

While I waited for my friend, I perused the menu and the hostess brought water, lightly flavored with lime slices. I told her it was my first time, and she responded by telling me, “The food is good. I think they hired me because I kept coming in here.”

The restaurant started to fill up as I started with a watermelon slushie – a stimulating blend of sweet and creamy that reminded me of a milk shake, but with too-big chunks of ice – and Siam rolls, which were good, but unremarkable.

The menu was extensive, almost overwhelming. Our server came back three times to see if we were ready to order before we ordered Masaman curry, a mild curry with sweet potatoes, and hot and spicy Thai basil – a dish my friend heard they are known for.

This is when the service got shoddy. It took too long get our dinner and my friend asked for chopsticks three times before getting them. Our server apologized for the wait and told us, and later other tables, that the kitchen was backed up.

Both dishes came with jasmine rice, which is a flavorful alternative to traditional steamed rice. My Masaman curry was sweet and lightly creamy with a little kick which big hunks of sweet potatoes – an unexpected surprise.

While not a spicy she hoped, my friend enjoyed her hot and spicy Thai Bbasil. The tofu my friend selected was firm, and not soggy or slimy, so was an excellent vehicle for the brown sauce.

We finished with fried chocolate chip bananas which, like the Siam rolls, didn’t leave much of an impression.

Overall, the entrees were quite good, and decently portioned for the price, but substandard service will keep me from eating in the dining room. But, the food was appealing enough that I’ll be back for take-out next time I’m craving Thai.