Chicken Pad Thai, number three please
May 24, 2009
O’Fallon, MO
by Kris Kolk
Recently, my lunch buddy lured me to a Thai restaurant by saying, “It’s like Chinese food, only spicier.” Since Chinese food is a rare splurge at our house, Thai food sounded intriguing.
We journeyed to Thai Gourmet in O’Fallon. The atmosphere there is relaxing. Soft music plays. Colorful art and sounds of waterfalls backdrop the aroma of various specialty dishes. I thought about yoga while I was there. A waitress, calm and serene, approached.
Thai Gourmet offers a one to ten scale of spicy, ten being the spiciest. I found this quite helpful before ordering a Chicken Pad Thai—spiciness, a three.
My lunch mate ordered Pork Pad Thai in, what I thought a rather brave decision, spice level six. We also ordered chicken egg rolls as an appetizer.
Without much ado, the waitress presented our egg rolls. They looked similar on the outside to the eggs rolls I am acquainted with; however peas and corn were snuggled inside--quite pretty and delicious. I looked forward to the upcoming Pad Thai.
Our main dishes arrived along with a tray of condiments sporting hot sauces and crushed peanuts. It all smelled so good.
Regarding that peaceful atmosphere described in paragraph two? Well, tranquility is fleeting at Thai Gourmet.
This is the best way to describe my first bite: I think the cow in this video must be eating Chicken Pad Thai, spice level three--for that is how I felt.
Reaching for my drink, I noticed my lunch partner’s eyes were red and I heard sniffles. His iced tea, consumed hurriedly. Fortunately, the waitress was at-the-ready with a refill.
Then, I remembered…he got a SIX.
“Don’t be a hero,” I said, but he continued without regard.
The more we both ate, the more acclimated we became to the spice and really enjoyed our choices. (Pad Thai consists of Thai rice noodles similar to lo-mein noodles. The sauce in Pad Thai seems thicker, more peanutty and, of course, more spicy than lo-mein.)
We both asked for to-go boxes because the orders were so ample. Some restaurants fill you up and leave you feeling miserable for a day and a half. After lunch at Thai Gourmet, I felt satisfied, refreshed and nourished. I look forward to trying their other specialties.
If you’ve never tried Thai food, I suggest starting at Thai Gourmet.
Thai Gourmet is located at 4267 Keaton Crossing Boulevard in O’Fallon. Their phone number is 636-329-8200.
Note: This is not a paid endorsement, and I am not personally acquainted with anyone at Thai Gourmet.
Copyright 2009 Neighbors About Town
