Thai Cafe:Royal Oak

For the first time in about a month we were able to escape for some Thai food again. This time our target was a small restaurant in downtown Royal Oak, right across the street from the local community college. We had been to Thai Cafe before but last spring might have been the most recent visit. Perhaps since it is such a small storefront (with a few tables outside) the service here was very prompt. As I sat down we already had our water and were placing our orders shortly after. Marshall ordered their FR2 Chicken Pad Pad Prik, while I went for the E22 Chicken Masaman (which sadly was available only in a dinner portion). Marshall passed on the Egg Drop soup and I decided to give it a taste. I'm not a fan of Egg Drop soups yet found this one to be better than usual. After a few spoonfuls it was still too salty for my taste and I abandoned a nearly full cup. The entrees arrived moments later. My Masaman was very heavy on peas with huge chicken pieces almost too large to fit into my mouth. Marhsall found his fried rice to be tasty but more spice than he wanted. Within twenty-two minutes of parking the truck we were back into the truck pulling out of Royal Oak leaving some rice and peas behind. We talked a little about the food as we drove away and concluded they used more salt than either of us like. Overall we were pleased with the taste and experience.

Darryl: 7/10
Marshall: 7/10

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Ahan Thai:Royal Oak

One place we've been hitting on occasion is Ahan Thai in downtown Royal Oak. This stand-alone building had been a coffee house near the tracks in it previous life but now is a very attractive Thai restaurant. This afternoon we were joined by a coworker to try the place again. The lunch menu seems to have been reduced in price and now falls far toward the low end of the Thai lunch rates -- a very welcomed change! I ordered their Chicken Masaman (C4) while Marshall settled on their Chicken Kow Pad Prik (FR2) and Fred tried their Chicken Peanut Curry. The meals came with Hot & Sour Soup which we all agreed was too salty to eat and didn't have much substance (all broth), but Marshall substituted his soup for a terrible spring roll (bitter and greasy) which he also didn't eat. Fortunately the entrees were good rescuing the overall rating. They were still lacking with Fred and I commenting that they were dry and lacked the spice we've expected and heat we ordered. Given the price it's good, but we'll take the drive to one of the other restaurants next time.

Darryl: 6/10
Fred: 7/10
Marshall: 5/10

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Thai on Main:Royal Oak

One of those restaurants we'd not tried in years was Thai on Main in Royal Oak so that was our destination today. The first thing we noted was that their web site needs work having among other issues a broken link to the menu. Their interior was pleasant enough but a little disquieting for lunch with more of a cozy dinner feel thanks to the music selection. The service wasn't quick, but once we ordered, I ordered the Chicken Masaman (E22) and Marshall ordered the Chicken Kow Pad Prik (FR2), we were informed that the waiter didn't know what type of soup they were serving today – just that it was something sesame. It looked like a basic noodle soup but in a terribly salty broth and neither of us were able stand more than a couple spoons. The entrees were much better. My was a little bland but not bad. Aside from the favor it was decent quality but didn't have that freshness of ingredients we've had at most of the better rated stores. Marshall thought his was pretty tasty though the rice was a bit greasy. It was on the low end of pricing for Thai lunches we'd found and the portion was good for that price. Sadly we don't recommend the restaurant mostly because neither one of us felt quite right after leaving the table. We've had worse at a much higher cost. Perhaps we'll try again in another couple years.

Darryl: 5/10
Marshall: 5/10

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