This is one of about 8 food trucks to choose from at The Barn in West Albany. They offer a variety of Thai foods and I chose to delve into one of their curry options, of which there are about half a dozen. Standard with all the curry dishes is your choice of either chicken or tofu, with a $3 surcharge for items like beef or shrimp. Each of the curry options tended to have about three vegetables as ingredients in the dish.
They have a red, yellow and green curry. They then have preselected the veggies that they include with each of the dishes. With the curry dish comes a healthy mound of white rice, which was cooked fine.
I ordered the red curry with peppers, onions, basil and beef. I felt the quantity of the ingredients a tad on the skimpy side and definitely felt the dish should have had more beef - often feeling like I had to fish around in the large styrofome container for chunks of beef. (Do note there was plenty of broth which was taken home and added to some cooked rice the next night - and that was tasty). I found the curry broth itself to be very tasty and true to what one would expect of a red curry sauce.
Theoretically, Big Sisters offers five different levels of spice - from standard to extra hot. Given that it was my first bite at the apple, I took what I believed was the cautious route and ordered the mild spice (step above the base, which is "standard"), in anticipation that this would provide some heat, but not somewhat food dominating heat: I got somewhat food dominating heat. A tad disappointing, but definitely not to much heat to overwhelm the other flavors.
The lady taking the orders was nice and attentive, even though it was peak dinner time (I am sure they had plenty of orders to handle).
They give you a buzzer which alerts you when your meal is ready for pickup. I felt that the turn around time from order to ready for pickup reflected an efficient operation.
This food truck is in The Barn's courtyard. There are many picnic tables throughout The Barn (seating is not an issue) and you can grab a seat wherever you choose. There are tables on the lawn, under an awning which covers the divide between the food trucks which line either side or one can grab their food and eat inside of The Barn - again, at picnic tables.
The Barn itself has an extensive beer selection, about 20 of numerous varieties from lagers and pilsners to ales and stouts, as well as numerous ciders. They are also happy to provide samples which is helpful in making a choice.
On friday nights, they have music - I believe from 6-8 - outside by the picnic tables. The volume is respectful in that it is easy to hear but does not overwhelm. There are also plenty of kids and families, whom are welcome, and the kids seem to enjoy themselves because they can be active and there is a crepe truck which has plenty of offerings for dessert.
Overall, I think Big Sisters is a good food option at The Barn with authentic tasting Thai food, caveated as above. The Barn, Big Sisters host, is a very relaxed, no rush, casual dining spot which offers many food options and is a fun spot for kids to eat out. read more