Heavenly
Standing in the strip-mall parking lot outside of the Bangkok Wok for the first time, I expected a dingy linoleum floor, bright fluorescent lights, a handful of tables, and a counter at the back of the store. But I wanted to try some Thai food, so we went in and I got the shock of my life. "Pleasantly surprised" would be the understatement of the century. The restaurant is quiet and intimate. The walls are covered in bamboo and pictures of Thailand. It is lit exclusively by white Christmas-style lights as well as a candle or lamp on each table. The decor includes traditional Thai dolls, puppets, and angels. There are fresh tropical flowers on the tables. Focal points include a fish tank full of coral (there's a small starfish that's fun to look for) and a rickshaw.

As a vegetarian, I always worry that there will not be a large variety on the menu. Of course, Eastern cuisines generally offer more vegetarian options than Western cuisines, but I am often overwhelmed by the choices I have a Bangkok Wok. I can even choose dishes in the pork or chicken sections and request to have the tofu in place of the meat. The portions are generous; the food is very fresh (I wonder where they get such great produce in the middle of winter); and it's always delicious.

The service is excellent. Unlike chain restaurants, the staff has a rather low turnover rate. The waitresses are always ready with a recommendation or willing to answer questions about something new. Water cups rarely go empty. If something is wrong with your meal, it is handled immediately and appropriately - with none of the attitude you can encounter in other restaurants.

Bangkok Wok has become one of my favorite restaurants. Not only do I enjoy going there regularly, but I like to take visiting family and friends there for a treat. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in trying something a little different.

Oh - and I highly recommend reservations for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. They're rather busy then.    [03 Apr 2002 11:27:08]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Fried Tofu, Ginger Curry, Coconut Tapioca

     ­Jen