I had been driving along 100 ave to commute more often these days, and began to notice that there…read moreis a thai restaurant just quietly blending into a plain looking mini strip mall (You can only really see it driving eastbound). Something in me has been craving some authentic thai and also something undiscovered, nice and close to home. I also like home style family run spots which are few and far it seems these days. But it came to my awareness so elusively and in such a subtle manner, I might have missed it if were not for my cravings for decent/good/great eats.
With my family of two adults + 1 visiting adult child and three under five year olds coming home from a day at the park, I wanted to treat them to a rare meal out. It took a while, but I recalled Bangkok Kitchen and convinced them it would be good to try. I was taking the chance feeding the family would destroy my budget for the rest of the long weekend...
I definitely was right about it being a rewarding adventure, and despite my second thoughts about posting this and potentially letting masses crowd over this little gem of a spot, I feel the need to compliment Bangkok Kitchen and express my joy of having such a great establishment in my community (Jasper Place). Besides, I am certain few read my reviews.
About Bangkok Kitchen already!
Thai cuisine is fresh, sweet and spicy. Very spicy. While there are non spicy options, it is general knowledge that the real Thai flavours embrace heat. Thankfully, the service was top standard and obviously well trained in spotting potential bad experiences. Our server always gave full disclosure of the spice/heat levels and gave options for us to have less heat (no spice, medium, regular-spicy... I'm sure there is grades above but did not go there). Additionally, with a dairy allergy and nut allergy in our group, there was some specifics which the server dutifully made accommodations for and conferred with the kitchen about before finalizing.
Still, with two preschool aged kids, we found some terrific no heat options (mango salad, coconut shrimp, green curry, rice, calamari) and some amazing fragrant more spicy ones (tom yum fried rice, papaya salad) for the adult adventurers.
The food was terrific and everyone was happy with the choices made. (I will disclose that I had been dragged to several well regarded if not top thai spots in my time, and so I know the standards fairly well) This is homestyle authentic cooking with soul. If you are looking for or are expecting high end hotel/Michelin star stuff, you might not be elated. But once seated in the lovely yet tiny restaurant, you will experience a humble and gracious Thai kitchen gastronomic masterpiece.
I really love the menu layout and reading the story of the restauranteur on the front page was an added touch which added to my confidence in the choice we made to patron this really amazing restaurant. It was reinstated, when, as we were leaving, I saw the lovely face of the founder/chef who came out to greet us with the nicest smile I have seen in a very long while in the food business. I wish her and the restaurant as a whole the best in continuing their venture.
I still have funds left for the rest of the long weekend btw. Thank you.
Great.