Tue Thai Food

Recently, an adventure over in the West Village proved to be a rather yummy discovery. One night, Crystal, Laurel and I decided to grab a bite to eat after a comedy show. After much walking, we found a cute, somewhat cheap little Thai place somewhere in the midst of the confusion that is the West Village.

One of my all-time favorite appetizers of Chinese restaurants (I say this because I've never seen these in a Thai restaurant until we went here, and I just read the Wikipedia page and apparently it's a new commodity in Thai restaurants), is Crab Ragoon. Fried wontons (or just the pastry that makes wontons) stuffed with crab and cream cheese, which you dip in duck sauce. They are de-licious, and not usually offered in authentic Chinese restaurants. At Tue, the crab ragoon is a bit spicy, which added an extra flavor I thoroughly enjoyed. They're not too expensive either, six pieces for $6.


For dinner, I ordered the "World Famous" Pineapple Fried Rice ($9). Although being apparently famous throughout all the lines, it was pretty standard. It had pineapple, raisins, cashews, onions, roma tomatoes, lime, and a choice of meat. I went for the chicken, which was a bit tough to the bite, but had a good flavor. Either way, while good, and not too expensive, I'm pretty skeptical that this restaurant's pineapple fried rice is actually heard of in say...Thailand.

Either way, the decorations are adorable, and rather inventive. The light (pictured above) was really cool and gave the restaurant a bit of an arty feel. Also, the staff was super nice and very attentive. I recommend it if you're walking around the West Village. -Jennifer


Our visit to Tue was born out of a bout of incredible indecisiveness. We walked around and around the West Village, declaring this too expensive and that too whatever, when we finally came upon Tue. Thai didn't sound too bad, the prices were good, and it looked cute. Aaaaaand done.

The menu is largely standard (price and selection-wise), with appetizers, a couple of soups and salads, curries, noodle dishes, and rice dishes. I ordered a yellow curry with chicken, which was $10ish.


It was a hearty portion, with a good amount of veggies (onion, cabbage, green beans, carrots) and chicken, which was a little overcooked, but fine. The sauce was lightly sweet from the coconut milk and a nice amount of spice, but it didn't wow me with flavor. The rice was perfectly cooked in a ball on the side. Overall, it was solid, but, as Jennifer said, nothing amazing.

The service was friendly and dependable, and the decor is way cute-- not your standard too modern and plastic Thai place. If I lived in the area, or needed a quick bite of Thai food in the area, I would recommend--but nothing to go out of your way for. -Laurel

Address: 3 Greenwich Avenue, between Christopher St & 10th St

Website: Yelp

Payment: Cash, Credit

Delivery: Yes

Open Late: Til 11pm Daily

Large Group Friendly: Yes

Bar/Happy Hour: No Alcohol

Pukk

Despite my intense love for meat, I also love tofu quite a bit. I also love Thai food, although I can't eat most of it because of my pathetic tummy. Pukk is the perfect place to go for that combination.

Suggested by our friend Crystal, Pukk is a vegetarian Thai place with a unique blend of flavors, spices and choices. They offer everything from to the regular Thai food - curry, fried rice, dumplings - but with they also offer an array of other options and twists on old favorites: spinach toast, mushroom puff, massaman curry with sweet potatoes, onions and peanuts. All the "meat" is made of soy - soy chicken and soy duck.

On my first trip to Pukk, I decided to sample as much as possible. I chose before I left work: coconut mushroom soup ($3), spicy spring rolls ($4), and market fried rice with tofu ($4). The soup was good - sweet and a bit tangy, the perfect compliment to the spice and saltiness of the spring rolls. The market fried rice was standard - with onion, chinese broccoli and black pepper, as well as eggs and a cherry tomato. The tofu was delicious, not too spongy but also not tough; it was cooked just right. The second time I went back with Crystal and got the market fried rice with tofu again. Although I like to try new things, I also get nervous at Thai food places...so it's better to stick with what I know won't make me sick.

A little small, but not usually too crowded, Pukk is a good place to go if you want to try a different spin on Thai food, and also enjoy modern decor and multicolored lights. The servers are very nice as well, and they're super quick. Might be why it's not usually too crowded. You get your food fast and then you're out of there. -Jennifer

We went to Pukk with some friends one night for dinner, and it was overall a crowd pleaser. The space is very long and modern with small tables and banquet seating lining one wall. The service was friendly and fairly attentive, but several people came by the table at different points which made it slightly confusing.

The menu is large, with lots of appetizers, soups, rice dishes and noodle dishes, and very reasonably priced. It's all veggie, but they offer meat-like options (chicken, pork or beef) and tofu. I ordered some spring rolls to share, which were crispy and had a nice dipping sauce. As my main dish I had the "chicken" Pad Se Ew, my Thai standby. It was very good, the fake chicken was fairly chicken-y and was a nice texture (weird texture is usually my issue with veg meat), and the noodles were yum. All-in-all, solid Thai food at nice prices.

I would definitely would recommend if you're in the neighborhood and in the mood, and aren't ravenous for meat. Then again, if you're ravenous for meat, I wouldn't recommend you leave the house. Order some mail-order steaks and do the world a favor. -Laurel

Address: 71 1st Ave (between 4th St. and 5th St.)

Website: http://www.pukknyc.com/

Payment: Cash, Cards

Delivery: Yep

Open Late: 11:30pm Sun-Thurs; 12:30am Fri-Sat

Large Group Friendly: Somewhat

Bar/Happy Hour: Wine, Beer

Joya

I have eaten at Joya many-a-times, on account of it being a favorite restaurant of my aunt's and it also being near her house. Therefore, whenever we'd visit and she didn't feel like cooking, we'd often end up here. Upon moving to Brooklyn, I continued to make the occassional Joya visit, as I did this past weekend. To sum up, 'bout time I reviewed this place.

Joya serves Thai food, including fried rice, homemade noodle dishes, curries, spring rolls, and more. The prices are one thing that bring me here for repeat visits, as most entrees are around the $7 mark, and can easily feed two people. You know what that means? Two people can eat fresh and tasty Thai food for $3.50 apiece, plus tip. Nice. The other thing that brings me back here is, as you might have guessed, the food. It's not what I think of as cheap food--it's well made with fresh ingredients, nicely spiced, and generously portioned. I'll review a few of my favorite dishes from here, two of which I had this weekend.

One thing I often order from here is the Pad See Yue ($6.95), a noodle dish with chicken or beef, chinese broccoli, egg and homemade flat noodles in a brown slightly sweet sauce. It's some of the best Pad See Yue I've ever had, and the noodles are delicious. The broccoli gives it a bit of crunch and the sauce is tasty but not overpowering. This weekend I ordered the fresh mango salad ($4.95) and the chicken spring rolls ($2.95). The mango salad has loads of fresh sliced mango, spring onions, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, carrot and a light citrus dressing. So summery and fresh, and really great if you love mango. The spring rolls (includes 2) are hot and crispy and come with a plum dipping sauce, and make a good appetizer.

The interior of Joya is industrial and modern, with a concrete floor and a long bar in the front. There's a good amount of seating and some garden seating in the back, but dinner (especially on the weekends, which I just don't attempt) is often really crowded, and because of said concrete floor, is very loud. That, and they have a DJ at night. Does not good conversation environment make. I'd suggest going at lunch, especially when it's nice out and you can sit out back, dinner on a weeknight (and with someone you don't really like to talk to), or their takeout/delivery is also very good. The service isn't overly friendly but pretty attentive and accurate (and by no means rude).

So try it if you're in the area. You might see me there. -Laurel

Laurel has been talking about Joya since she moved to New York (which would explain why her post is much longer than mine). Let's be honest, Thai food gives me a little bit of a scare. My stomach can't handle curry, and I'm quite the weakling, so I was extremely hestitant to eat at Joya. However, I love Pineapple Fried Rice, probably one of my favorite foods, so I know not all Thai food is scary.

Unfortunately, they don't serve this at Joya. BUT, their regular Shrimp Fried Rice is excellent and largely portioned - I definitely had enough for lunch the next day. Also, it wasn't greasy at all, the vegetables were fresh, and the balance of flavors were perfect - not spicy, but just a hint of soy sauce.

And of course, the outside patio is beautiful and perfect for a nice afternoon lounging in the sun to discuss how excellent Tropic Thunder was. No crazy bathroom stories at this restaurant - but as a warning, they aren't labeled, and unisex. - Jennifer


Address: 215 Court St @ Warren (Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, New York)

Website: Yelp

Payment: Cash Only

Take Out: Yes

Delivery: Yes

Open Late:

Large Group Friendly: Yes

Bar/Happy Hour: Full Bar

Cafetasia w/ Guest Reviewer Ryan

While finding cheap Asian food isn't difficult in New York, or pretty much any city for that matter, finding value in your purchase can be quite a challenge. Any time I can get an appetizer, entree, and drink for $20 is money well spent. It helps too when the food is good, and the eclectic, possibly trendy atmosphere make it feel like a bargain.

On my two separate trips to Cafetasia I sampled several different dishes. Their menu offers items sized small to extra large, priced accordingly. Having the option of a sampler platter of the small dishes (3 for $10) is a great way to try a few different items, or share an appetizer with friends. The calamari fritters and beef, mushroom, and pepper teriyaki skewers were particular standouts of the small dishes.

The medium dishes on the menu are primarily salads. The grilled shrimp and grapefruit salad had some great flavors - unfortunately they were over powered on my palate by the intense spicy heat. When the menu says the dish is hot, it's hot. On the large size, the pad thai is an obvious choice that doesn't disappoint. While not the best version of the classic dish, it is well portioned and satisfying.

On the alcohol front, the wine list is small and reasonably priced, as are the specialty cocktails. Don't look for anything too crazy, but you'll be sure to find something to quench your thirst, which you may need when your water glass empties. While service is not the best, it's easy to forgive as you sit at communal tables and stare at the bizarrely floating candles that illuminate the dining room. The dim uni-sex bathroom also gives you something to talk about as you wait for your food.

On the whole, the good food, low price point, and unique surroundings make Cafetasia a worthwhile destination. The service leaves something to be desired, but exercise a bit of patience with your server and you'll be rewarded with a reasonably priced, memorable dining experience. -Ryan

I first attended Cafetasia one night with Ryan and a group of other hooligans and a ravenous appetite. We were seated after a short wait- they were busy and most of their seating is dining hall-style. I had the tasting menu from the "small" portion of the menu-- three choices for $10. It was a nice way to sample a few different things and (as Ryan mentioned) the skewers were especially good. David got (and let me eat some of) the Beef Pad Se Ew from the "large" part of the menu ($9). It was a nice-sized bowl of tasty noodles, bok choy and beef.

I ended up at Cafetasia again about a week later with Amy. We went for lunch, which was also busy. The lunch deal is exactly that--a deal. Their prix fixe menu is $7.50 and includes an appetizer (choice of 8) or soup of the day and an entree. Amy had the Massaman Curry (pictured) and I had the Virgin Veggies (also pictures) with chicken. Amy said the curry was "well seasoned" and mine was full of very fresh veggies. Only downside with my dish was a slight lack of flavor.

The menu is the best part about this place. You can choose your food according to the portion size or try a few different things.. and it is all affordable. Definitely a nice variety and good even-if-not-spectacular food. I'd go here again on occasion especially to take someone from out-of-town. But the restrooms are creepy. -Laurel




Address: 38 east 8th street (b/t Greene and University)

Website: http://www.arribaarribawest.com/

Open Late: 12am on the weekends

Delivery: yes, guaranteed in 30 minutes

Take Out: yes

Bar/Happy Hour: yes and not sure. drinks are pretty reasonable, however.