SAWATDEE TO DELIGHT

Welcome, Thai Style

Story by Vanessa White

Uh oh, a narrow walkway. Should I enter with caution or just go for it? I'd seen scenes like this in movies. The victim knows she should not satisfy her curiosity; rather, about face and retrace her steps. Usually her courage ends here and she is attacked for being interested in the unknown.

I was in the exact situation as the victim I had screamed at through the flat screen. Wondering if someone was screaming at me, I decided to risk all and step into uncertainty. I realized that I had stressed for no justifiable reason as I took maybe two paces forward, turned right and was introduced to a truly welcoming space.

Almost immediately upon arrival to the Thai restaurant, I was greeted by a blonde hostess. She grabbed a single menu and guided me to a table along a wall to the left. I pulled out my chair, wood finish with a maroon coloring. Gazing around my surroundings, my attention was immediately planted on the bar to my vertical left. I was captured by the white Christmas lights illuminating the dim setting and the LCD TV screen in the corner. No picture was emitting from the screen, and I assumed they turned it on for certain occasions, a bustling night maybe?

"What's your name?"

The hostess met my eyes and responded softly, "Heather."

As Heather poured my water, I noticed that there were only two other parties, both couples, in the building, probably due to it being 7 in the pm on a Monday night. I figured people would eventually pour in as the night grew older, remembering that I had people who were expected to meet me shortly. Heather strolled away and tended to one of the tables close to a window near the entrance. The older couple looked content as they interacted with the young hostess. One other waitress and a co-owner, Nu Ratanabhoka, periodically strolled through the dining room to meet the needs of the patrons.

It was so easy to get caught up in the pleasant sight of rare unhurried contact, that I almost did not notice my three friends master the same entrance I had. The expression on their faces was one of relief, leading me to believe they had had the same anxiety as me upon entering the restaurant. No sooner than they were seated was Heather at our side with menus and water for their glasses. It was difficult to concentrate on any other chit chat aside from the menu. With choices such as Satay Chicken, Moo Ping, and Laap Gai, it fed my inquisitiveness by introducing me to recognizable foods with unrecognizable names.

My eyes attached themselves to the Tiger Rolls on the Appetizers portion of the menu. The three deep fried rolls with cream cheese, imitation crab meet and onion were $5.25 and I recognized that the meal would be a bit pricy. Feeling my pockets and checking for bravery, I flipped to the back page and found Yellow Curry with Chicken for $10.95. Convincing myself that I was boss, I turned to the previously skipped soup section, making my final addition to the bill with a cup of Won Ton Soup for $2.95. As Heather collected our menus, I considered my appetite and agreed with my belly that the price was worth the expenditure of my funds.

While waiting for our delicacies, my friends and I observed that more people were trickling in, all of them couples. Glancing outside, we commented on the gradual darkness of the night and how the atmosphere in and outside of the restaurant was enticingly romantic. My soup arrived and I picked up my spoon, desiring immediately to go to work. I blew lightly at the spoon before engulfing its contents. The broth was salty, but fortunately thrown off balance thanks to the onion involved. Deciding I'd better not sip the soup, I used my spoon to gather up some baby spinach and wonton. The smooth texture of the dumpling followed by the mushiness of the meat as I bit into it completed my fulfillment and I was ready to take on the rest of the meal.

I had an opportunity to exhibit patience as I waited for the growing number of couples to be helped before I finally received my dish from one of the waitresses. Chicken and potatoes were drowning in yellow curry paste, awaiting my consumption. I peeked up from the bowl at my friends and revealed my inner child as gave them a wide eyed grin. My mouth remained closed however, for fear that separating my lips would result in a waterfall of saliva to run down my chin. I hurriedly set my napkin on my lap and picked up my fork. Remembering that this was a civilized setting and I needed to conduct myself like I had eaten before, I slowed down and gently stabbed the morsel and gracefully placed it between my jaws. Chomping down on the spicy mixture, I let out a slight audible sigh, signifying my pleasure. There's no way I can finish this, I thought as I continued to stuff my face.

My prediction was correct and about 20 minutes later I asked for a box. I could not leave, however without another blow to my finances. My friends and I shared a fudge lava cake, enjoying the subtle richness of the chocolate accompanied by whipped cream.

As I approached the narrow walkway, this time exiting, I remembered my previous anxiety. What nonsense, I thought as I casually breezed through.

Sawatdee receives a 5 out of 5 rating in my opinion.

Have you dined at Sawatdee?