PlanitLife.com • Wednesday, February 12, 2014 • SD
| PlanIt Life |
30
MYSTERY DINER
Questions? Email msleditorial@shawmedia.com
Restaurant reviews
Thai Pot stirs affection for traditional cuisine DOWNERS GROVE – Thai fare has become more commonplace over the years, and, like many other adopted cuisines, often more Americanized. Breading, cream, sugary sauces and less traditional spices frequently are incorporated. Thai Pot seems to resist that temptation, offering authentic flavors and food, to good result. During my first visit to the restaurant, I stopped by for lunch. Tucked into a strip mall in Downers Grove, the storefront eatery has a bright, appealingly decorated interior. The full menu is not available midday, when the restaurant focuses on a selection of weekday lunch specials, which are fairly diverse and very well priced. For just under $8, you get soup, the appetizer of the day and a well-portioned entree. The meal started with a simple yet delicious chicken and jasmine rice soup. It reminded me of my mom’s best chicken noodle, but the jasmine and a smattering of other Thai spices gave it an extra layer of savory that really set it apart. All the components were cooked well, and the broth had an almost buttery texture. The aromatic fish sauce and spices in the red curry with tofu, which usually are muted by lots of coconut sauce, wafted my way as the server approached the table. The emphasis was on the spicy chili sauce in the curry, a dish overflowing with veggies and tofu. The tofu itself melted in my
mouth. It was boiled, not fried, giving it an eggy texture. After the satisfying lunch, I was curious to check out the full menu, and followed up another day with a dinner visit. I started with an order of Shrimp Cigars – admittedly chosen because of the great name. They were big plump shrimp, tail-on, alongside Thai basil and a bit of onion, all wrapped and fried in a wonton wrapper. The visual was a great one, and the presentation allowed the shrimp to stay the star. My entree of spicy basil leaves with chicken had a great blend of flavors, particularly the sauce. It contained just enough basil to add a nice punch. I would have liked even more of the gravy, simply because it was so good. Thai Pot’s greatest strength is its commitment to authenticity. Thai is one of my favorite cuisines – I love the Americanized versions just as much as I love the ones straight from the recipes of Thai grandmothers – and Thai Pot managed to throw in a couple flavors I hadn’t experienced before. Diners who would like to push their boundaries a bit, or those who already relish the more traditional flavors, will want to find out what’s cooking at Thai Pot.
Suburban Life Media photos
Downers Grove is home to Thai Pot, where the lunch menu includes red curry for a spicy kick, shown prepared with the tofu option.
The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at Suburban Life Media. The diner’s identity is not revealed to the restaurant staff before or during the meal. Only positive dining experiences will result in published reviews.
Thai Pot n Where: 2249 Maple Ave.,
Downers Grove
n Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 4 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday n Dress code: Casual n Info: 630-737-0671, Facebook
More photos online
Spicy basil leaves with chicken is a featured entree at Thai Pot.
Lunch specials come complete with soup and appetizer for a hearty meal, such as the red curry, which contrasts the spice of the dish with creamy tofu.
To see more photos from Thai Pot, find this story online at PlanitLife.com