Khai Thai To Go
(emphasis on the 'to go')
Location: 2184 Cornwall Ave. (intersection near arbutus)
Phone: 604. 677. 6767
Price: average for 2: $22
The search is still on for the perfect Pad Thai in Vancouver. I have tried many, but haven't been completely satisfied with any of them. (On a side note, if you are ever in Montreal, Cuisine Bankok, serves THE best pad thai at a whopping $7.50. It is in a food court, but the flavours and authenticity are incredible). Khai's claim to fame, in my opinion, are their curries. I have tried the pad thai twice and have will probably not order it again. It is quite blan, and a little too 'healthy' tasting for me. A good pad thai has to have depth and complex flavours, which their creamy curries do have. All of their main dishes range in price from $8-10. When I go with my boyfriend, we order one noodle (which has only ever been the pad thai) and one curry. Both the red (penang) and green curries are gorgeous. A bit of a weird way to describe them, but they are...They have rich flavours of coconut, thai basil, and fish sauce, but are balanced with a sweet, creamy texture. Khai gives you the option of ordering either white or brown rice. I thought I was a very traditional white rice eater until we paired our green curry with the brown rice option. The sauce absorbes into the rice, just as I like it, and the flavour of brown rice is much deeper and nuttier than simple white rice. It might be an illusion, but I think you get fuller faster on brown rice, therefore giving you an even better value for your dollar. The curries are paired with your choice of chicken or tofu, and chicken has been my choice both times. They fill the bowl with hearty pieces of lean chicken and a variety of perfectly cooked vegetables. I made the mistake of opting for the 'spicy' option. I know I can handle my heat, but spicy here is too spicy for my liking. A medium spice option gives you all the kick you need!
Because Khai is situated directly accross from Kits beach, it seems logical to bring a blanket, your dog, and a bottle of wine, and some paper cups to hide your wine. There is the option to dine in, but it seems crazy to me when you could sit by the beach instead. My nights at Khai were in the middle of the summer, but I wouldn't hesitate to bundle up and head to the beach in the middle of november with a warm bowl of spicy curry of course!
I'm sorry Khai, but the hunt is still on for that perfect pad thai...stay tuned.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Mexicali - Dunbar special
Mexicali
Location: 4424 Dunbar street, Vancouver (near the intersection of w.41st)
Phone: 604.731.6517
Price: Lunch for 2: $5-7, dinner for 2: $18-25
I often have strong cravings for Mexican food, but what I crave is the fresh lime, chipotle, and guacamole. Like Thai food, I haven't been able to find MY place in Vancouver where I can call my own. Mexicali just happens to be in my neighbourhood. In an area where relatively inexpensive dining is unheard of, this little murial ridden mexican spot stands alone. I like to know that the individuals cooking my food have something in common with the cuisine. I may be judging here, but I have a feeling the owners/ cook are about as Mexican as I am Chinese. Non the less, the food seems to resemble the Mexican kind...after all, what do I really know about Mexican cuisine. Anyway, this place suits us just fine...for now. The lunch specials (which you can order anytime of the day) are incredibly inexpensive. (I always want to say cheap, but it makes it sound cheap). The specials are enough of a meal to fill my boyfriend up, and come with all the fixings. I'm not sure where tater tots ever became Mexican, but in this little joint they are everywhere. I complain, but they do taste quite good dipped in their homemade salsa and sour cream. The "lunch special" is completed with a slushy limonata. This is SO good. They squeeze a fresh lime wedge into a slushy lime drink. It always hits the spot. If you are dining with 3 or more people, opt for a pitcher of limonata as it is a better value than ordering it individually. I have tried a few different dishes here. What seems to be the most harmless is the Rondondo roll-up ($6.00), which is available in beef or chicken. The two times that I have had this I have choosen chicken. They are generous with the chicken, and they use lean, big pieces. I am use to having a mash-up of chicken 'bits' in most inexpensive meals, but Mexicali is generous and healthy with their chicken. The rondondo roll-up is VERY simple, so if you have picky eaters this is a great option. A grilled tortillia is filled with lettuce, chopped tomatoes, (minimal) grated cheese, chicken or beef, and a side of sour cream and salsa.
Location: 4424 Dunbar street, Vancouver (near the intersection of w.41st)
Phone: 604.731.6517
Price: Lunch for 2: $5-7, dinner for 2: $18-25
I often have strong cravings for Mexican food, but what I crave is the fresh lime, chipotle, and guacamole. Like Thai food, I haven't been able to find MY place in Vancouver where I can call my own. Mexicali just happens to be in my neighbourhood. In an area where relatively inexpensive dining is unheard of, this little murial ridden mexican spot stands alone. I like to know that the individuals cooking my food have something in common with the cuisine. I may be judging here, but I have a feeling the owners/ cook are about as Mexican as I am Chinese. Non the less, the food seems to resemble the Mexican kind...after all, what do I really know about Mexican cuisine. Anyway, this place suits us just fine...for now. The lunch specials (which you can order anytime of the day) are incredibly inexpensive. (I always want to say cheap, but it makes it sound cheap). The specials are enough of a meal to fill my boyfriend up, and come with all the fixings. I'm not sure where tater tots ever became Mexican, but in this little joint they are everywhere. I complain, but they do taste quite good dipped in their homemade salsa and sour cream. The "lunch special" is completed with a slushy limonata. This is SO good. They squeeze a fresh lime wedge into a slushy lime drink. It always hits the spot. If you are dining with 3 or more people, opt for a pitcher of limonata as it is a better value than ordering it individually. I have tried a few different dishes here. What seems to be the most harmless is the Rondondo roll-up ($6.00), which is available in beef or chicken. The two times that I have had this I have choosen chicken. They are generous with the chicken, and they use lean, big pieces. I am use to having a mash-up of chicken 'bits' in most inexpensive meals, but Mexicali is generous and healthy with their chicken. The rondondo roll-up is VERY simple, so if you have picky eaters this is a great option. A grilled tortillia is filled with lettuce, chopped tomatoes, (minimal) grated cheese, chicken or beef, and a side of sour cream and salsa.
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