Reviews

The Appropriately Named Thai Smile

June 17th, 2009 Tweet Facebook Digg Stumble Reddit Comment
It would look much better if it weren't for those vegetables.

It would look much better if it weren't for those vegetables.

One of the nights that I was visiting my grandparents in Rancho Mirage, we went to a restaurant called Thai Smile.  There was a 20 minute wait, but I was assured that it would be worth it.  Besides, I really had nothing better to do.

While waiting, we checked out the menu so we could order as soon as we got our table.  It really took me a long time to decide what to order because the Chicken Spicy Peanut Sauce looked great except that it had green beans and peppers, while I could just create my own dish, but none of the customizable items looked as good as the chicken dish.

When we did eventually take our seats, I asked the waiter if I could get the Chicken

After the good stuff has been eaten.

After the good stuff has been eaten.

Spicy Peanut Sauce without the vegetables and he told me they couldn’t, because it was already mixed together.  This was disheartening, but I took the chance anyway, hoping the vegetables would be big enough to avoid.  My risk paid off, and when my food arrived I found it pretty easy to eat without the vegetables.

The chicken tasted really good and had just enough spice in it to make my nose run and my forehead sweat, but didn’t sacrifice any of the peanut flavor to do so.

Through my sweat and semi-runny nose, Thai Smile’s food really did make me smile.  I would definitely go back next time I’m in Rancho.


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Going Global at Plan Check

Fries of the world.

A couple of weeks ago, The Backyard Bite invited me to The Burger Culture Clash, sponsored by Stussy (which apparently still exists) and Plan Check. Plan Check, by the way, is a sort of new (since February) restaurant in West LA with Chef Ernesto Uchimura of Umami Burger fame. As my love of burgers, especially those of the umami variety, I jumped at the opportunity.

Although I arrived alone, I was not the only lone eater. Just next to where I was seated, I met e*star LA and we decided to share a meal called loneliness, because it’s better than eating alone. We made quick friends over our respective blogs and Midwestern roots, then got to work at dissecting the special menu, which Plan Check will be featuring for the next month if anything tickles your fancy. Continue Reading»