I've driven past Simply Thai a hundred times since moving to the area but hadn't got around to trying it yet. So on a rare bubby-free evening, I headed down there with my mum to check it out.
We went just before 6pm as we were both hungry and happily noted it opened for dinner at 5pm. There was only one other group when we got there but by the time we left, it had filled considerably and become quite busy.
We chose a table for two against the windows/doors and were attended to right away for a drinks order, allowing us to peruse the food options at leisure. So many tempting sounding dishes meant that we deliberated considerably before choosing an entrée plate to share then a wok satay beef for Mum and the special Gaga BBQ Chicken for me.
The entrée featured two each of standard Thai favourites; chicken satay, spring rolls, Pandam chicken and krokets (potato balls filled with spiced chicken mince). All delicious, particularly the satay coated in rich peanutty sauce.
Our mains arrived after a short wait. Mine included rice but Mum's did not which she was surprised about. Still, she enjoyed it and my dish; BBQ chicken tossed in a tasty basil and coconut cream sauce was exactly what I felt like. The tender chunks of chicken were of high quality, tender and cooked perfectly, the sauce tasty and with a perfect level of warmth rather than unpleasantly chillified. I had to force myself to stop eating once I got full.
The service was friendly, polite and efficient. The walls are modern black with blonde wooden furniture, black tablecloths and colourful modern art on the walls. Not traditionally Thai décor but pleasant and inviting. The group already there when we arrived had high chairs and there was a kid's menu displayed on the wall so I'm assuming a good level of child friendliness which is good to know for future visits. One small nitpick - the tablecloth was quite grotty on Mum's side - maybe a more rigorous check before setting the table would pick that up.
On the way out, I picked up a takeaway menu and a loyalty card and plan to be back to try the chicken larb without delay. read more