Editor Pick
Lannathai
- April 16, 2001
- Rated 3 of 5 by
food&fun from Truckee, California
There are probably 10 Thai restaurants within a 2 mile radius of Lannathai, and it beats them all. Although the quality has gone down a little since our last visit a couple of years ago (new owners, we think), it is still excellent. The room is pretty, with tables and booths upholstered in turquoise with black accents. Contemporary art decorates the walls. Unexplainedly, there is a 3' deep swimming pool in the middle of the restaurant. (One man somehow dropped his ring in it and the poor waiter had to go in after it...I hope he got a nice tip.) The menu is extensive, but we always seem to come back to our same favorites. Nevertheless, it seems when we try something new, it often becomes a favorite as well. I don't know the Thai names for most of the dishes we like, so I'll have to give the English names. Die-hard Thai fans, forgive me. The beef salad is outstanding, with its Romaine lettuce, thin slices of warm beef and tangy lime and fish sauce dressing. The cashew chicken is good, although sometimes it can be dry. We always get the prik king (aha, a Thai name), which is meat and green beans in a Thai curry sauce. You get a choice of beef, chicken or pork. The spicy squid and shrimp are another favorite. The fish are bathed in fish sauce, peppers and other seasonings. I've tried unsuccessfully for years to duplicate it at home. (I even asked for the recipe, but it is a "secret.") A standard to judge all Thai restaurants is pad thai noodles. Lannathai's is not too gooey or heavily sauced, with just the right amount of sweetness. I recommend getting it with shrimp, though you can also get it with chicken or tofu. Thai barbecue chicken and sate other Thai restaurant standbys are also expertly prepared. They will adjust the spiciness of all dishes to suit you. If you're not having a Thai beer, then the Thai iced coffee is pretty good, served in a tall glass with whipped cream on top. They also have a full bar. Reservations are not necessary for small groups, but if you have a group of 6 or more, it's a good idea to call ahead.
From journal An Eclectic Sampler