My neighbors, who were in from their country home for medical appointments, suggested we go out for Thai and catch up. I had been to Thai Villa — their favorite Thai on 19th in our hood — for a press party promoting the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Pre-COVID of course. The food had been spectacular.
For starters, we shared their seared scallops ($15) in a sweetened chili sauce plus steamed dumpling (Kha Nom Jeeb) stuffed with a blend of meats, seafood and veggies ($11 for 5), preferring the latter. One friend had to have her favorite (Tom Kha Gai) chicken and beech mushroom soup in a coconut galanga broth, savoring every spoonful ($8).
Remembering the intense heat of the food at the press party, I was spice level shy, asking for our wide noodle dish — Keo Mao — ($14) not too spicy. I’ll up the spice level when I return.
We hit the spicy level correctly with the veggie green curry sweetened with pineapple ($17) and served over Jasmine rice. The 2017 Laurenz V Singing Gruner Veltliner’s ($49) soft palate and slight acidity went well with the heat level of our dishes.
I’d recommend a trip to Thai Villa for authentic flavors.
Thai Villa
Gramercy-Flatiron
5 East 19th Street
NY, NY 10003
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