The curry of my life
I’m not sure why I waited 27 years to try Thai food.
I’ve heard good things about it, but never got into it for some reason. Well now that I’ve finally crawled out from under my rock, I finally understand what the hype is all about.
We were looking for somewhere casual to eat last night, and walking down Mission, we stumbled upon a tiny Thai restaurant. I wish I would have snapped a photo because it was so cute, cozy, and packed to the brim <—a sign of a good restaurant. The Pilot said “Does Thai sound good to you?”
“Sure, I’ve been wanting to try it.”
He couldn’t believe that I’d never had it before, especially since I love Indian food so much.
So Thai it was 🙂
We got a few appetizers to try:
Fresh rolls with shrimp, tofu, veggies, peanut dipping sauce and another sweet dipping sauce
[These were so good. It was my first time trying a rice paper wrapper too, and I liked it. Chewy, and not too dense. I only wish these would have been a little spicy, as they were very sweet]
The Pilot got some crab wontons:
and we shared some salad.
[egg, tofu, greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes]
I want to swim in peanut sauce forever and ever.
Entrees:
Red curry chicken and yellow curry shrimp
with brown rice for me, jasmine for him:
My plate (x2 ish)
The verdict?
Incredible. Thai food reminded me of Indian food in the sense that it’s so flavorful, but by using so many fresh herbs, Thai food feels really light and fresh. It wasn’t the least bit greasy and with how much food I ate, I didn’t feel gross afterwards. The broth in the curries was like a glorious blanket- I told the Pilot that this is the food you want to eat when it’s cold outside and you’ve had a bad day. And that I was henceforth addicted 😉
After our feast, we came back to the hotel the lay on the lounge chairs,
drink cocktails and mocktails
listen to the ocean and hang out. It was a very good night <3
This morning, we ordered room service for bfast and I’m off to yoga. Something about practicing yoga by the beach… there’s nothing like it.
See ya later today with a family post!
xoxo
Gina
Something to read:
–Marge Simpson becomes a food blogger <—did anyone catch this episode last night?
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Mmmmm there is nothing better than a spicy red curry with chicken and brown rice. The Thai place near my house even substitutes only red peppers for me instead of the red/green pepper mix! Mmmmm now I want Thai Red Curry for lunch…
Mmmm I love Thai food! When I was in San Francisco in October, I went to Ar Roi with one of my co workers on the first night of our trip, and it was so good that we went back on the last night and had the EXACT same orders! Like you said, this restaurant was pretty small as well, but the food was so amazing! Glad you had a great first night, and have fun getting your yoga on! 🙂
LOVE yoga by the beach. I have only tried thai once and had a terrible experience 🙁 maybe I should give it another shot!
I adore thai food theres a place by my house that has the most incredible green curry its soo addicting!
OMG! I totally agree! I didn’t try Thai food until my mid 20s. I wasted all that time without the yummy deliciousness.
I love Thai food- especially green curry. For some reason though I’ve had a major aversion to basil since I got pregnant, so I’ve avoided it. Those spring rolls look wonderful!
I cant believe you just tried Thai for the first time! It is my favorite but yes, I always have to order it extra spicy (just like I like my Indian food!) It is amazing how different it is from Chinese food which I HATE! Thai is so yummy and fresh. Next time you try it, see if there is something on the meny called “Holy basil Supreme” or something that has Thai basil and a ton of veggies and add some shrimp or scallops and it is to die for! I love the fresh lemoney Thai basil flavor!
i’m not a fan of chinese food, either. that sounds AWESOME, and yes, i’ll prob have to ask for everything to be spicy next time 🙂
While I like Thai food, Vietnamese is probably my favorite of all the Asian cuisines as I love their use of a variety of fresh herbs and I find most of their dishes to be very light and never leaves my stomach in knots. If you haven’t tried it yet, I’d recommend that you add it to your list!
Also, regarding Chinese food, it should be noted that there are 8 different major Chinese cuisine types (and each of those has a number of different “styles” below it) so when people say they “hate” Chinese food, I think more often than not that really only applies to their experience with one or two Chinese cuisine types they tried that were also probably “Americanized” in tastes. I think there are so many very different flavors and cooking styles from China that there is a style suitable to every taste bud 🙂 For example for something light, maybe try ordering a steamed whole fish with ginger & scallions – delicious!
i’m sure that if i went to a restaurant in china, i’d love the food! i’m just not a fan of the americanized versions that i’ve tried.
Thai is EXACTLY the kind of food I want when it’s cold outside but I’d want it any day… good or bad! I can’t believe you haven’t tried it either– for the exact same reasons the Pilot listed. Now I want the spicy rainbow peanut noodles from my fave Thai restaurant for dinner :o)
If you are on mission beach you have to go to The Mission for bfast!
http://www.themissionsd.com/
I love Thai food, we actually also had it last night! I was in the mood for something super spicy, and you just can’t beat that heavenly sauce with the fluffy rice!
The Simpsons last night was hilarious!!! I loved how they made the foodies all hipsters!
I don’t even like the Simpsons but was laughing so hard watching it last night!
I was just bookmarking recipes for yellow curry chicken last night! It’s my very favorite at the thai place by our house. I didn’t really try thai (or vietnamese or indian or for that matter) until my 20s and I must say, what a waste of years that could’ve been filled with delicious foods!! I give credit to the foodie husband for broadening my horizons. : )
I can’t believe you’ve never had Thai!! It really is the ultimate cold weather food– so warm and comforting!
I second the suggestion for the Mission for brunch…. It is amazing
OMG Gurl – being the culinary princess that you are – you could go ca-razy makin’ some of this stuff! It is so easy…so glad you loved it – I do too…. j’yummmmmm.
Ok – there is this little shack called El Pescadore (I don’t know if I’m spelling it correctly -sorry!) – it is on the beach in La Jolla…ask some locals and they might be able to tell you…if it is still there – you MUST try it out…some of the best fresh fish and rice I’ve ever eaten in my life.
Love the toe polish!
I love Thai food – way more than Indian food. Your fresh shrimp rolls look amazing!
Coming from South of La Jolla: • I-5 North towards Los Angeles
• merge onto La Jolla Pkwy via exit 26A (1.7 mi)
• slight right at Ardath Rd. (472 ft)
• slight left at Torrey Pines (1.4 mi)
• turn left at Girard Ave (.1 mi)
• turn right at Pearl St. (.3 mi)
• On the left at 627… look for our sign
Coming from North of La Jolla: • I-5 South toward downtown
• take the La Jolla Village Dr. exit 28 (.3 mi)
• turn right at La Jolla Village Dr. (.7 mi)
• turn left at Torrey Pines Rd. (3.2 mi)
• turn left at Girard Ave (.1 mi)
• turn right at Pearl St. (.3 mi)
• On the left at 627… look for our sign
Located in La Jolla since 1974, El Pescador provides the freshest and finest fish around. A full service fish market and restaurant that remains unsurpassed for its quality and selection. On a daily basis from 10AM – 8PM we offer hot char-grilled and sauteed seafood items, such as sandwiches, plates, and salads. Proudly serving San Diegans for over thirty years, we hope that you will join us soon ! GINA!!!!!!!!!!!! It is still there – go get some chow with your Man!!!!!!!!!!!!
xo
Natasha
That last picture of you guys is wonderful!! How many weeks are you now, Gina?
i’ll be 33 in a couple of days 🙂
I LOVE Thai food! Indian is still my favourite but you’re right – it’s so easy to feel gross afterwards. I actually found a great Indian restaurant that cooks with yogurt rather than cream and tries to make its dishes lighter and it’s to die for, but that’s hard to find! Thai food is so fragrant in its spices, just love that.
I have a straight up Thai food ADDICTION and I’m not sorry about it. I loveeeeee it.
Thai food is my jam! Since you like spicy – you’ve got to try the Green Curry Tofu; its not as sweet as yellow and red and can made fiery hot.
And if you want a bowl of comfort; try the Coconut Chicken Soup; its fragrant and herby and you will want to bathe in it!
Welcome to Thai food love!
Ah I wish I knew what Thai place that was! I’m pretty sure you’re staying in my neighborhood and our Thai place closed so I need a new spot!
thai village on mission
If I could, I would eat only peanut sauce forever. Thai food is my absolute favorite!
I adore Thai food. Perhaps more than Indian food?! Ah, I don’t know, it’s too hard to choose one!
Hope you have a great yoga practice. 🙂 I’ve never done yoga on the beach, but I can imagine how amazing that would be with the waves crashing in the background.
Ooooo I’ve never had Thai Food out in public!!! LOL! It looks delicious and I can’t wait to venture out to try some 🙂 Mmmmmm
xxoo
Go to Char’s Thai on 5th and Rosemont as soon as you get home! It’s a little hole in the wall and everything they make is delicious!
Annnnd this post just made me text my husband and say, “Let do a date night tonight. Thai food sound okay?” It’s been so long since I’ve had it and I’m craving it! Have fun at yoga! Beach yoga is the best. Lululemon puts on a beach yoga event here in Chicago every summer and I LOVE it!
Thai is probably my favorite Asian cuisine, can’t believe you hadn’t had it before! You’ll be hooked now 🙂
Rice paper spring rolls are so delicious and easy to make. During the summer I love to fill them with some nice fresh crunchy veggies and make a dipping sauce with soy sauce, orange juice and lime zest, and brown sugar. They are so yummy and light!!! You can also add in some crab or shrimp. I can’t believe you haven’t tried this before! Enjoy your babymoon!!!
Mmm I love Indian food too but Thai food is def my fave!! I could eat it everyday and not get sick of it!! I love how spicy it is with still being fresh and flavorful! I might need to get some this week! So glad you are enjoing SD! Can’t wait to hear more about your trip!
YUM!! Thai food is one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITES!!! 🙂
Thai food is probably my FAVORITE type of food <3 I want some curry now lol.
Where are you heading to yoga? I’m moving to sd in a week 🙂
I’m stunned you hadn’t had Thai before, given your Indian adoration! You’re right about it being lighter. It seems “brighter” to my taste buds too, if that makes any sense.
Glad you’re having a great time!
Looks like Thai Village! LOVE. In case you want any other recommendations in PB… Dinner: Lamont Street Grill (FYI they’re closed Mondays), Costa Brava, or Su Casa (right up the street in La Jolla). Breakfast/lunch: Cafe 976. Enjoy! 🙂
Never had Thia food, what! did I hear that correct!
Glad you finally had it and your meals sure looked delicious.
Yay for Thai food, glad you like it! It’s one of my go-to cuisines, though I am with you on the sweet thing. Thai food is very sweet! BTW, the other dark dipping sauce for the rolls must have been Hoisin sauce.
Love love love the curries, especially when there’s lots of spice and lots of bamboo shoots. I think maybe we’ll see some thai inspired dishes on the blog soon??? 🙂
You should try Vietnamese food!!! Love love.
Rice paper wraps are really easy to make at home. Just soak in warm water and fill with just about anything. Dunk in peanut sauce and fab!! You should try withcarrots celery green onion and sliced pear. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on the wrap before rolling.
ahhhh yyayyyyyy!! welcome to the thai food world!! Isn’t it just….so amazing that you just can’t stand it? hhaha. I highly highly recommend “pad thai”, “pad seewe”, “beef curry panang”. They’re some of the most commonly eaten dishes, at least in America. And yoga by the beach sounds so wonderful, I hope to try it someday 🙂 btw, you’re looking amazing! You shine from the inside out.
Thai food is the best! There’s a place in my neighborhood that wins the Best Of awards all the time called Amarin Thai. If you really loved your meal, check that place out, too. I love Thai, too, b/c it’s fresh and not greasy and you don’t have that greaseball feeling after you’re done 🙂
Happy that you and Pilot enjoyed your food…and I can’t believe you’ve never had rice paper wrappers! Make your own spring rolls now at home…so easy girl! A great money saver, too.
I could eat summer rolls every.single.day. I’m obsessed. I get the vietnamese ones, though. The dip is spicy!!
I’ve never had Thai food!!!! It looks really awesome!
Ahh yes, Thai food, love the stuff!! I just tried it for the first time a couple years ago, and my husband and I can’t get enough. I learned how to make our own at home, and it’s so simple too! Glad you’re enjoying your trip so far!
i really like rice paper, i have some in my cupboard, its a nice quick and fresh way to wrap up some veggies and shrimp for a snack or lunch
Im so glad you finally got to try thai!! Peanut sauce is out of this world and I love how fresh and flavorful everything is! My favorite is pineapple tofu withh rice, its so good!
Thai and Vietnamese food are my absolute favs : give me larb (ground chicken mixed with toasted rice powder over salad) and tom kha soup or pho any day. There’s something about the mix of sweet/salty/sour/spicy in Thai and Vietnamese food that makes it addictive!
I’ve never had Thai food either–I’ve gotta try it soon!
I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Yoga on the beach sounds like something you’d see in a movie 🙂 <~~~Is jealous 🙂
Hey Gina –
I was checking out your archives for Nov 10 – GURL can you believe that it was almost 1 year ago that you worked your cute booty with Lacey Stone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved that youtube post!!! So inspirational for me right at this moment – I’m in a huge rut…and this was just the thing to pull me out – thank you!
Hope your having a blast –
Natasha