Archive for category thai

Siam Square Thai Restaurant, Marietta, Atlanta, GA Restaurant Review

My first visit to Siam Square Thai Restaurant was back in the fall of 08 for a friend’s birthday. Our group of 6 visited on a Saturday. What immediately struck me about the restaurant was how beautifully decorated it was, almost begging you to forget it is in a strip mall. I love the stained concrete floors . They really add a nice touch. Candle lit tables make for a romantic evening at Siam Square, but it also works for groups too.

Since I like hot and spicy foods, I always tend to just stick with water for my drink as I know I’m going to drink a ton of it. Siam Square flavors their water with cucumbers which is extremely refreshing. So, on that first visit, I did have the spicy chicken and it was extremely flavorful. Since returning, I’ve sampled the drunken noodles – perfectly spiced and definitely hot enough to clear out those sinuses.

On my most recent visit, I had my favorite of all meals. First we started out with basil rolls and winter rolls. Winter rolls are fried basil rolls. What I liked about these was not just the fried part, but the sauce was more sweet than the regular basil rolls. Definitely a standout among the appetizers. We also tried the papaya salad. I don’t know if they made a mistake, but this is crazy hot. There should be some sort of warning just how hot and peppery this salad is. It was like eating a tsp of wasabi. Still tasty, but could have gone a little lighter on the heat.

For our entrees we had two terrific dishes: the green curry peppery catfish and the masaman curry with beef. If you like to share your meals so you can sample a couple different dishes, this is a great combo. One is hot and the other is pretty mild. The catfish was the hot one chock full of catfish nuggets, bell peppers and and eggplant, it was absolutely delicious. They also had lightly fried basil leaves that added yet another dimension of flavor and quality to the dish. And the beef masaman had a great flavor combination that runs circles around almost any other masaman curry I’ve had.

Our server was excellent! He was always around if we needed something but not pushy. Overall the staff seems very attentive about accommodating everyone’s special requests.

Siam Square is definitely a hidden gem in the Windy Hill area. While the prices are a tad higher than other Thai spots in Cobb (Lemon Grass, Fuji Hana), the quality cannot be matched by these other establishments.

1995 Windy Hill Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(770) 333-1700

Extras: I’ve been there for lunch and it is a great spot if you need to get in and out quickly.

Siam Square Thai Cuisine on Urbanspoon

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Virginia Highland Chili Pepper Festival

The first annual Chili Pepper Festival is Saturday, Oct. 24 from 4-11pm in the heart of Virginia-Highland at N. Highland Ave. & Amsterdam Ave. There will be special chili-inspired food, live music and 2 chili eating contests.

Special chili-inspired offerings include:

  • Roasted chili pepper and chicken tacos and Green chili stew (The Original El Taco)
  • Braised beef-stuffed chili peppers and Brunswick stew (DBA BBQ)
  • Thai BBQ chicken skewers (Mali Thai and Sushi Bar)

Buy tickets in advance as they are $5 in advance but $10 at the door. Note that tickets are just for entry, cost of food is additional. And no dogs are allowed.

For more information about the festival click here.

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Soba Bar and Bistro, Marietta, Atlanta, GA Restaurant Review

Soba Bar and Bistro is exactly what East Cobb needed in the exact location it needed it. There are not many non-chain restaurants in East Cobb, and even less with superior decor, food and service. Open for about 2 years, Soba is a freestanding building located off of Piedmont Rd near Roswell Road in the Publix Shopping center just across the street from the YMCA. Soba’s cuisine is Asian – with an offering of sushi, chinese and thai.

Bar at Soba

Bar at Soba

Stepping inside Soba Bar and Bistro, you would never know that it once housed El Toro restaurant. The restaurant has been completely transformed. Gone are any traces of a chain Mexican restaurant, replaced by beautifully appointed furnishings and several semi-private dining areas, perfect for groups or couples.

We were seated at a booth, but due to the proximity of a family with a screaming baby we chose to move to a more private area. Seriously people, do you really need to be told it is rude to have your screaming kid at a nice restaurant after 8 pm on a Friday night? But I digress…the staff was super friendly about us wanting to move.

Soba Pork Dumplings

Soba Pork Dumplings

Much happier with out new seating arrangements, we perused the menu. Torn between the calamari and the pork dumplings, we chose the dumplings as it was the healthier option (not being fried). The six dumplings came out shortly and were extremely tasty. It is a perfect appetizer for two to share.

Soba Firecracker Shrimp

Soba Firecracker Shrimp

I ordered the firecracker shrimp which to me is close to a Szechwan shrimp. And Glen, although a little skeptical, ordered the tuna steak. Having not eaten here before, we weren’t sure how fresh the fish would be, but the tuna was done perfectly. The pink center was just right, not to mention what a generous portion it was.

Soba Tuna

Soba Tuna

We finished the evening with the Xango Cheesecake. This is cheesecake wrapped in wonton-like substance and drizzled with lemon, raspberry and chocolate sauce. The plating was absolutely beautiful. Although I was pretty full at this point, it was totally worth it.

Soba Xango Cheesecake

Soba Xango Cheesecake

Our server was helpful, friendly and efficient the entire night, making great recommendations. He may have been a little green (perhaps this is his first server job) but his eagerness to please made the service completely enjoyable. Entrees are priced modestly under $20 and there are beer and wine specials even on a weekend night. Overall, Soba Bar and Bistro is a great find in East Cobb.

1060 E Piedmont Rd NE
Marietta, GA 30062
770 971 1888
Website

Extras: Date night specials on Friday and Saturday: 1 bottle of wine, 2 entrees and dessert for $50. Tax and tip extra.

Soba Bistro & Bar on Urbanspoon

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Red Elephant Thai Cuisine, Atlanta, GA Restaurant Review

I drove past Red Elephant several times before getting the opportunity to sample their food. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to try it out Red Elephant. Their food and presentation were both fabulous.

Glen and I had tickets to an event at the new Cobb Energy Center later that evening and both of us were craving some Thai food. So, we decided to stop by the Red Elephant. It was early on a Saturday evening, about 6 pm, so it was no surprise the place wasn’t completely packed

I can’t remember what this place was before the Red Elephant, but the owners have done a great job of putting some nice touches into it that make it seem more authentic. And, although the space isn’t huge, they have done a good job to make the most of it without going overboard.

Not only is the food prepared excellently, the presentation itself is terrific. We started off with some fried dumplings. I think it was like pork sausage in a fried dumpling with a sweet and sour sauce. All the flavors complimented each other well. It was presented on a tray with 3 separate sections – each with its own dumpling.

For our entrees, I had the spicy lamb basil and Glen had chicken with mushrooms and pineapple. Both were equally tasty. I can’t believe how affordable the lamb was – $15 for 2 good size chops. I’m looking forward to going back to try the Panang curry.

If you go, be aware that they do not serve alcohol here.

The only downside: The nonstop ABBA soundtrack ;-)

3000 Wind Hill Road Southeast
Marietta, GA 30067
770-980-1890

http://www.redelephantcuisine.com/

Red Elephant Thai Cuisine on Urbanspoon

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