Hello.
We went back to Mangrai last night for a treat, for in the past it had been quite enjoyable. Yes the neighbourhood is terribly run down, and the building is dilapidated- all definitely not the responsibility of the restaurant. However, it foreshadowed the dining experience. The greeting we received for not having a reservation was less than warm or welcoming. The place had 3 larger tables seated, a few occupied smaller tables, but had 8 empty pair tables. We were eventually seated, and menus were unceremoniously plopped down. One of the wait staff came by asking for my name, and phone number. When I asked why, the response was a mumbled "for the bill". I gave my name, and invented a phone number - next time I will give a pizza places number, and see if they catch on. The ambience was dim lighting, curtains at the entrance to help ward off the cold as the door was opened. Well worn chairs, typical sticky vinyl table covering, and a single fork and napkin awaited. I hope all food was bite sized, and easily went on the fork, otherwise I would have to get my fingers into my food - not good. No other seasonings were present, a glass of water was proffered, and the obligatory shrine was present. It had a layer of dust on it, the walls had dents, nicks, food bits, and were in need of both a good scrub and fresh paint. The floor was well worn, but looked decent. Overall the atmosphere was once pleasant, but is now tired and in desperate need of a scrub and update. The music was nicely soft, one could easily talk over it without raising the volume in the place, and was tasteful. It would have been nicer if it was contemporary Thai music - I don't like Coldplay. The menus were about 10 years old. No, the prices were not scribbled out, and re-entered in pen, but they were well thumbed, and falling apart. We had to collect their pages a few times. If this is the initial presentation of the place - we should have clued in. The server that took our order was not a child, but not grey of hair either - they should have known better in communicating with patrons for their order. The order was not repeated, and up-sells of rice, and appetizers never stopped - mind you maybe they knew something we did not. We ordered the Mango salad, which promptly arrived. Almost snapped our fingers, and poof it was there. Nicely presented strips of fresh Mango in a cute wooden bowl, with a few modest slivers of coloured bell pepper, and purple onion. The bottom held a few leaves of spinach. Sadly, it was inedible. I did not have lunch, so I did eat a good bit of it, but 1/3rd went back. The Mango was under ripe, hard, woody, and many pieces were not tasting very healthy at all. Not a sourness, just a spoiled fruit flavour. The spinach was bruised, and had a similar off-taste as well. We did not finish it, and my partner spat their portions out on to their napkin, putting everything back in the bowl. When the server came to collect the bowl, they said nothing, scooped it up, and trundled off. And as typical Canadians, we said nothing. The meal came a short while later. Not overly long, decent amount of time. The Chef's noodles looked great - 3 shrimp in there, and a bit of chicken. The beef green curry looked lovely, and had aubergine in it - nice treat! Well that is where it ended. The food was largely flavourless. I know traditionally Canadians shy away from spice - definitely not in our case. The food was bland, flavourless, and unexciting. My guest wanted some coconut rice to accompany the curry (we were told!), and they had to get up from their seat to get someones attention to place an order for the fancy coconut rice. The rice came again almost instantly, a cute presentation of a silver bowl, and the obligatory crappy Chinese plastic soup spoon. The rice was long grain rice, which was ready in 5 minutes - if you get my drift. Again flavourless, and at $4 a bowl, not worth it! Towards the end of the meal fingers were used to get curry soppy ride, and noodle tendrils on to one's fork. Largely this was poor tasteless food court food (marginal at best), at a grossly exaggerated price. The server came with our bill saying that if we paid cash, there would not be any taxes, and that would include the tip - assuming we wanted to give one for the lovely service/ambience/flavourful food. 1 inedible salad, 2 main dishes, and plain white rice was just under $80 as printed on the receipt. Not even a thank you when we paid in cash, and the receipt was swiftly zipped away - we had to chase the server down for a copy. As the artists have been pushed out of the rest of the building, it is only a matter of time before Mangrai is forced to close. As with all life - there is a beginning, a middle, and an end. Mangrai is apparently in their death throes. Best avoided for it kept us up all night as well!!!! read more