There is a vast array of authentic Thai food available in Chicago, especially if you're willing to dig a little. Translated Thai menus, created for a selection of local restaurants by Erik M., have become rather well known, but the adventure of ordering from one of these menus can be a little daunting for some. I enjoy it, but I can understand if it's not for everyone. During a recent dinner at Thai Avenue, I noted two ways that a diner can experience some interesting dishes that go beyond the standard noodle dishes or Chinese-inspired stir fries:
- The really simple approach: It's relatively common for certain Thai restaurants to post "chalkboard" specials, and more often than not these specials represent something that's slightly out of the ordinary. Two places that do this well are TAC and Thai Avenue. Here's a recent special posted on the display case at Thai Avenue:
Sounds a bit common at first, but these are tiny little pork riblets that are treated with a souring agent and a marinade which gives the meat a unique, addictive flavor. I was first introduced to these ribs at TAC and again at Dharma Garden by Erik M. and they've been a favorite of mine since. I can't think of a dish that goes better with a cold beer:
So, even if it sounds simple, start ordering off the chalkboards (especially if you see Thai writing next to it), you might be pleasantly surprised.
- The less-simple approach: Pay attention to menus and look for items that don't exist on every other Thai menu in town. You'll always find a core group of items, but if you take notice of things that don't exist everywhere, you might stumble across a regional specialty or just something that one particular family does really well. Sticky Rice has a vast menu of northern Thai specialties where it's easy to spot the unique items, but other places might only have a small handful of dishes that make them different. An example at Thai Avenue is the curry puff--it's not available everywhere and it's something that they do particularly well. The curry puff is a flaky pastry filled with curried potato, and it is excellent:
So, next time you're thinking about Thai for dinner but you're not sure how to take the first step beyond pad thai and spring rolls, think about expanding out to a couple of the items that stand out in the crowd.
Thai Avenue is located at 4949 N Broadway in Chicago, (773) 878-2222, BYOB
Sticky Rice is located at 4018 N Western, Chicago, (773) 588-0120, BYOB
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