Good Ethnic Eating

by Janet Ross

Sawasdee

The consensus among friends and family is that Sawasdee in Sparks is our favorite Thai restaurant for 2020. Located in a shopping center next to Raley's, Sawasdee fell from favor several years back when my daughter and I had a disappointing lunch experience. Since then, the restaurant seems to have changed ownership or managers and the result has been improved décor, food and servers. Hooray, as we love the “new” Sawasdee.

Sawasdee Thai décor is welcoming, with plenty of room and spacious seating.

Take a moment as you enter to explore the small displays of Thai crafts and fabrics. In a lighted case you’ll find exotic dolls, miniature food platters, and charming elephants. On a table to your right you’ll notice a small stack of elegant fabrics and tiny, stuffed elephant charms. Sawasdee’s décor is welcoming, with walls painted a deep gold and red. Tables are covered with cloths in more red and gold and topped with glass to preserve

By: Janet Ross

the lovely fabric. Chairs are blond wood, substantial and handsome. If you bother to look up, you’ll find a high ceiling that emphasizes the spaciousness of the dining room.

Sawasdee’s menu Fresh Spring Rolls, Fresh vegetables wrapped with rice sheet and served with peanut sauce. runs to several tempting pages. Our favorite appetizers are the shrimp spring rolls served with peanut sauce, but among the dozen choices there is also crispy Tofu served with sweet and sour sauce. Soup choices – there are seven – include the popular Tom Yun, Tom Kha and Bean Thread Noodle. There are eight salad selections including Larb and Green Papaya. More than a dozen entrees feature dishes like Thai Spicy Basil, Ginger Lover, and several Curry choices (I’m eager to try the one with Roasted Duck on my next visit). Noodle dishes include familiar Pad Thai, plus there are Ricebased choices and Chef Specials have a page of their own. You’ll always be asked about how spicy you prefer your choice on a scale of one to five. Pad Thai - Stir fried rice noodle with egg, bean sprout, green onion, topped with ground peanut and lime. Sawasdee, at 2855 North McCarran Boulevard in Sparks, is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Telephone 775/359- 3009) There are lunch specials Monday-Friday and they include a small soup, salad, curry pop, rice, and entree. Editor’s Note: Currently Sawasdee is providing only curbside service. For more information, please call for instructions on menu available and pickup.