Nokham Thai

After a hectic weekend, hubby and I were exhausted and looking forward to a quiet Sunday evening. We didn’t feel like cooking but didn’t feel like pizza or Chinese. We wanted something fresh, tasty but not fussy; Thai would be perfect. All our regular spots were closed but I remembered Nokham Thai, a small restaurant in a strip mall not too far from home, that came highly recommended by my good friend Nancy and several other sources (Ottawa Foodies, Ottawa Xpress, Anne DesBrisay, etc).

We decided to dine in and made a reservation as I had read the restaurant is often full. Turns out I didn’t need to worry for that Sunday night; the restaurant wasn’t even half full (though there was a steady stream of clients picking up take-out). Décor is much like any other Thai restaurant (though my hubby noticed the flowers on the tables were fresh) and it looked clean. Service was quick, attentive and polite.

To start, I ordered the Tom Kha Goong (hot and sour shrimp soup with coconut milk and lemongrass, fresh mushrooms, baby corn and thai ginger) and my husband ordered the Poa Pia Gai (spring rolls with chicken and vegetables). My soup was a.m.a.z.i.n.g.!!! The best Tom Kha I’ve ever had – spicy, tangy, fresh! Yum! I think there was a drizzle of chili oil on top… delicious! I could eat that soup every day twice a day! My hubby received 4 large spring rolls, piping hot and absolutely delicious. The appetizers were perfect!

For the main course, we decided to share Pa Nang (red curry chicken with coconut milk and spicy peanut sauce), Kao Neaw (steamed sticky rice), and chicken Pad Thai (traditional fried rice noodles with chicken, eggs, peanuts and bean sprouts). The Pa Nang was good, comforting and perfectly spicy. It didn’t floor me like the Tom Kha but it was good. Steamed sticky rice is, well, steamed sticky rice. It was good too. The Pad Thai I had high expectations because I had heard and read it was excellent but I was disappointed; the sauce was way too sweet! (Dare I say, like ketchup?) I wouldn’t order that again, I much prefer the one I make at home or the one at Bon Thai in Vanier. Portions were on par with other Thai restaurants. Our apps filled us up so we brought home half the mains to enjoy as leftovers.

If I remember correctly, the total came to $46 (plus 20% tip) – I felt that was reasonable, especially considering I was totally stuffed when we walked out. I will definitely go again and Nokham Thai is sure to be our source for Thai take-out. I very much look forward to trying more of their dishes (and having more of that fabulous soup). Sadly, I didn’t take any pictures – I didn’t have my camera – but when I do order take-out I will update my post with pictures of the various dishes. Give them a try if you have the chance! Well worth it!

Nokham Thai
747 Richmond Road
Ottawa, ON K2A 0G6
613-724-6135
Lunch: Monday to Friday, 11 - 2
Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 5 - 10

Sunday Brunch at Play Food and Wine

Returned to Play yesterday for Sunday brunch; first time for my hubby. Another fantastic experience! Unfortunately no pictures of the food as we were HUNGRY (not used to waiting until 11 for breakfast…) and we dug in as soon as we received our order.

First impression - I guess the staff had just cleaned the restaurant as we were greeted with a rather strong smell of Javex when we walked in. The odour dissipated quickly but I was concerned at first.

The food – Hubby and I shared the pork rillette since it was a hit the last time I had it. Still as delicious – tastes like something my grandma would make (she’s a very good cook). Must learn to replicate at home!

For our mains, I ordered the cornflake crusted eggs with BLT salsa and fried toast. My husband ordered the hangar steak with frites and aioli. Both were delicious!

My plate consisted of 4 small pieces of crisp bread topped with two cornflake crusted soft boiled eggs served with two dollops of BLT salsa and a small pile of greens dressed in garlic dressing. The highlight was definitely the BLT salsa. I *think* it's a combination of aioli, finely chopped parsley or lettuce, bacon/pancetta and tomato. No matter what it was, it was very tasty.

My husband’s plate consisted of a decent amount of steak (I would guess about 4 ounces) perfectly cooked rare/medium-rare and sliced, a big pile of fries and a small cup of aioli. The steak was melt-in-your-mouth delicious – the marinade was super tasty and it was cooked to perfection! The hand cut fries were also perfect – I’m very fussy about fries tasting or feeling greasy and these were neither.

For dessert we shared an espresso crème brulée and a small cranberry biscotti. The crème brulée was outstanding with a hard crust and a creamy interior with just a hint of espresso flavour. The cranberry was okay, a bit softer then I prefer biscottis to be but still tasty.

The entire meal including tax and tip came out to $50. Excellent value considering the quality of the food. Though the plates aren’t humongous, my hubby and I both walked out perfectly full and very pleased with our experience. We will be back!

Banc Sushi

Picture curtesy of www.bancsushi.com

Went to Banc Sushi last Friday with a few girl friends. We had made reservations for 6:30 and the place was already half full when we got there and packed by the time we left.

It was my first time going for AYCE and I wasn't too sure what kind of quality and service to expect but I was pleasantly surprised.

We ordered a large selection of items (too many to remember) and most were quite good. My favourites were the Super Salmon Crispy Roll (Spicy salmon, Tempura bits on top of California roll), the Spicy Tuna Roll and the Sweet Potato Tempura (not usually a big fan of tempura but this one was good). Not a big fan on the non tempura/sushi items - I tried the Pan Fried Spicy Beef Udon and the Beef Teriyaki and was underwhelmed by both. My friends raved about the Banana Tempura but I can't say as I didn't try them. I must mention that everything I ate was fresh - no regrets later in the evening.

Service was okay. A few items were forgotten but we reminded them and the items were brought. Ackward moment when a waitress brought us our bills after the second round - uh, no... we're not done... - but I somewhat expected this from other AYCE reviews. Whatever, that didn't deter us! ;)

At $23 + tax and tip, I feel I got my values worth and would go back.

A Taste for Life - Recap

I visited Caffé Italia for A Taste for Life taking place yesterday. Caffé Italia had a limited menu and the food wasn't as good as I remembered it to be. (I'm wondering if some of it was prepared in advance since they knew they would be very busy. By the way, I had house wine, the antipasto platter and the fettucini primavera with cream sauce.) But I won't harp on the negative because the service was excellent and I commend Caffé Italia for participating in this event.

I will attend A Taste for Life again next year but I will try a different establishment.

A Taste for Life

Last minute but "A Taste for Life" is taking place today!

Participating restaurants will donate 25% of the cost of the meal to Bruce House and The Snowy Owl AIDS Foundation - 2 organizations providing care to those living with AIDS.

I made reservations at Caffé Italia - will report back tomorrow!

Restaurant Review: Play Food and Wine

I had been anxious to try Stephen Beckta's latest venture, Play Food and Wine, since its opening in January 2009. I had read mixed reviews on Ottawa Foodies - several praised the food but quite a few thought portions were small/prices were high and that it was too noisy. I finally got the chance to try Play last Friday as I met with friends for food and drinks.

I had made reservations online, requesting a table on the second floor as I had read it was more quiet than the main floor. Upon arrival, my friends and I were greeted by two hostesses who offered to take our coats. One of them then led us to our table on the second floor. My first impression of the decor was that it was urban and chic, somewhat cold, perhaps because of the blue walls and black chairs. I later noticed red fabric swatches hanging canopy-style from the ceiling and which I later learned were installed to muffle the noise. Speaking of noise - yes, it was noisy but not so bad as to be unable to hear our waiter or my dinner companions. However, I did find it to be quite warm, too warm. Maybe it was me - the food, the alcohol, being tired after a long day at the office - who knows but I was starting to feel uncomfortable by the end of my meal.

But on to the food! Our waiter was very helpful in explaining the concept of the restaurant - several small plates, to be enjoyed by one or to be shared. He told us most people order between 2 and 4 plates. Offerings on the menu are loosely ranked based on substance - each item is more substantial than the one before. As well, each menu selection has a wine recommendation - you can buy wine by the bottle, by the glass or a smaller "taste" size which would allow to pair a different wine with each course.

Despite the large selection of wines, I decided to order a Beau's Lug Tread. I had heard good things about Beau's but had never tried it before. (It was quite good though it gave me a bit of a buzz after only half a glass.)

For my first course I ordered the Pork Rillette / Apple Butter from the Charcuterie menu. Soooooo good! The pork rillette was perfectly salty and the apple butter provided a sweet contrast. I thought the portion was quite substantial; I was a very happy camper. I also had a taste of my friend's Beef Shank & Foie Gras Terrine w/ Red Wine Jelly - yum!

For my second course I ordered the Lamb Panini w/ Potato and Harissa Onions and Raita - also very good. The lamb practically melted in my mouth!

By the time I had finished these two courses I was pleasantly full. The dessert menu was tempting but I was reasonable and only nibbled on cheese (Thunder Oak / 3-year Aged Gouda, Smoky, Caramel Flavour) from my friend's cheese plate. The Thurder Oak was good but unlike any gouda I'd had before - it was very dry, almost like parmigiano reggiano.

The total bill came to $31 including tax and tip - extremely reasonable. On our way out we stopped by the coat check and were greeted by owner Stephen Beckta (a celebrity in his own right) who inquired about our visit and who explained the improvements he had made since the restaurant's opening. We told him that we had greatly enjoyed our meal and that we were pleased he was taking customer feedback so seriously.

I very much enjoyed my experience at Play Food and Wine and I look forward to going back soon!