The Magic Spice

Welcome to my food blog. Here, you can follow me on a journey in my kitchen and into restaruants around the States, and hopefully, around the world.

Please feel free to share recipes and thoughts!

Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Ban Thai Fabulous

In the recent years, I've become quite the foodie. My boyfriend and I enjoy trying new foods and experiences. So when we heard of Ban Thai in our area, we both got really excited. This little, authentic restaurant is tucked away in a strip of businesses along Niles Ave. Easy to miss, but hard to forget once you've eaten there.
Upon entering the restaurant you're greeted by a warm, Thai inspired atmosphere. The space is filled with photographs and artifacts from Thailand.The seating was prompt and we were well taken care of by the charming owner, Jimmy and his wait staff.
While grazing the menu, I found a plethera, more than 60 creations, of authentic Thai food. Not being that familiar with the culture or cuisine, I decided to order something simple. I ordered the sweet chili chicken. Needless to say, it was delicious! Stir fried chicken, onion, green and red bell pepper and carrots are cooked to perfection, while there is a surprising element of cashews. All of the components, plus the umami-ish sauce creates an explosion of Asian flavors in your mouth. Now, I crave this dish.
The food is wonderful, but save room for dessert! One of the most decadent items on the menu is the homemade Thai ice cream. That's right, homemade! Four flavors are offered: pomegranate, coconut, mango and lychee (an asian aril fruit with a sweet, perfume-like flavor). I have tried three out of four flavors. The pomegranate and mango are so pure in flavor, it tastes just like the fruit. The coconut ice cream is divine! This concoction of coconut milk and fresh coconut peices is on a level all it's own.

If you're looking for a flavor and cultural experience, dive into Ban Thai for dinner and say hello to Jimmy.
Ban Thai offers dine in, carry out and catering services.
(269) 983-2989 2936 Niles Ave St. Joseph, MI http://www.banthaimichigan.com/