Just back from a business lunch out with a colleague who had heartily recommended eating at iCookThai and, having had one of the best dining experiences I've ever had, I can see why he loves it!
First thing to say is this is not your average run-of-the-mill dining experience. On first entering the restaurant, the decor is, shall we say, eclectic with old shelves around the room piled with plates, steamers, dishes and an assortment of ingredients with the tables and chairs looking functional at best. But look beyond the decor, because what iCookThai is really about is the food and the experience!
When I first entered, I was met by the owner/chef - Pimm - as though I was an old friend, not just a first time visitor with one of his more regular clients. After being shown to our table and having perused the lunch time menu - more comprehensive than many - it was difficult to decide which of the many interesting dishes. Pimm was the consumate host and, knowing we had business to discuss poring over laptops and tablets, suggested the chicken satay to start with and a light noodle broth dish which would be tasty but light enough not to spoil our concentration.
When the food was served - all freshly prepared and pleasant, unhurried service - I finally could see what makes this an outstanding dining experience. The chicken satay was quite frankly one of the top 5 dishes I have ever had in my life - the most succulent chicken pieces, marinated to perfection and with perfect charred lines from the grill. Served alonside this was the most amazing satay sauce which arrived flaming and which had a delicious chilli warmth without overpowering the other spices. Along side this were 2 perfectly formed little rice blocks with the sweetest flavour and the dish was finished with a small dish of lightly pickled cucumber/pepper which had the most delicate crunch and flavour to perfectly round out a stunning dish.
More conversation with Pimm followed the starter while the main was being prepared - another light and refreshing steaming bowl of a delicate broth with noodles, chicken and vegetables (all perfectly cooked to retain their full flavour and crunch), finished with a drizzle of the most sumptuous chilli oil on the top. Once again, the whole dish was perfectly balanced with the zing of chilli just sufficient without overpowering the delicate balance of flavours.
By now, Pimm felt like an old friend as he explained the cooking processes and ingredients with all the passion for his art of cooking, all interspersed with stories of his interesting life story. Dessert followed on an impromtu serenading by Pimm accompanied by his guitar (all part of the rich experience!) which was homemade green tea ice-cream - bags of flavour yet a delicate way to round off a lovely lunch. We couldn't resist staying a little longer for a coffee (extremely good with excellent crema) and, at Pimm's persuasion, a bubble tea - my first experience of this curious beverage!
All in all, we spent about 4 hours in the restaurant, but never once felt rushed or hurried or as if we were outstaying our welcome. The food is undoubtedly the star, but Pimm makes the whole experience of a meal there quirkily wonderful!
I can still count on one hand the number of truly outstanding dining "experiences" I have had in my life, and I have travelled extensively around the globe. Eating at iCookThai is certainly in the top 3, and I look forward to eating there again soon and perhaps taking one of Pimm's cookery courses.
Highly recommended read more