We opted to have dinner just down the block from our hotel (The Ritz-Carlton, of course) on International Drive across from SeaWorld at THAI THANI (Also with locations in Tampa & Clearwater) and were mildly surprised by the warm excellent (and not at all tacky) Thai decor...I loved the mini replica of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok that matched by bicentennial coin for the city of the same name that I purchased years ago. At 6pm, the place was pretty empty, when we left at 730pm, there were lines and folks seated at the entry.
Samuel enjoyed several appetizers as his main course: THAI THANI ANGLE WINGS (he said they were called so because they had an angle) stuffed with PORK, Water Chestnut, Clear Noodles, Black Mushrooms & Garlic and served with a Sweet Plum Sauce (which Sam omitted, but we loved).
EGG ROLLS- a veggie version with sweet and sour sauce He ate tons of these and we also enjoyed an order of TOD MUNN my beloved Thai FISH CAKES with Red Curry Paste and Chilie Sweet Sauce with Cucumber.
A bottle of PROSPER MAUFOUX 2003 Pouilly-Fuisse was a nice light and acidic foil to the spice, b ut was oddly served with chilled glasses.
Will and I decided to continue with an order of traditional PAD THAI and this was indeed the best I have ever had in a restaurant. Several plump shrinp mixed in with the rice noodles and sprouts, a pile of yummy peanut chunks, egg and a lime for perfection.
Our next and final entree was the excellent quality TIGER TEAR BEEF a Northern Thai specialty made from grilles top quality steak with vegetables (cabbage, carrots and broccoli) and a spicy dipping sauce (a milder version arrived on the spot when Will requested it) and rice. A glass of house Round Hill Merlot was nice, but wins nor prizes.
We departed happilY after chatting with an English family with a 2+year old at the next table (the Brits are EVERYWHERE here as the dollar is so cheap for them!).
