Food: 4*
Atmosphere: 3*
Value: 4*
Service: 3*
4/22/2018
I decided to come back and try this place again upon returning to Des Moines. On the waiter’s recommendation I tried the Red Curry and added chicken – and ordered Very Hot (one step below the hottest, That Hot). I loved it – just the right amount of spiciness and very flavorful.I was feeling full but the waitress talked me into some Mango Sticky Rice because ‘it was in season’ and boy am I glad that I did – I highly recommend it! The ambiance still isn’t Cool Basil, but this meal was very good, so I upped my rating.
12/20/2014
I had eaten here several years ago and really enjoyed it. This time, I ate at Cool Basil (2 blocks north of this restaurant) the night before and was spoiled. I ordered the coconut soup (as I did the night before at Cool Basil) and was very disappointed – this soup was very watery and had very little taste (as opposed to the creamy and delicious version at Cool Basil). I also ordered the Thai Spring Rolls on the waiter’s recommendation and was disappointed when they were delivered fried instead of fresh with peanut sauce, like every other time I’ve had them (clearly should have looked at the menu before ordering).
Since I had already had these two items and didn’t want another full course, I asked if I could get a 1/2 order of either the Larb or papaya salad to try it – and after the waiter checked behind the counter, I was told I either needed to order a full order or none at all. So – I ordered nothing and instead went across the street for some Culver’s custard for dessert.
Lastly, I am usually not big on ambiance – as I kind of like ‘dives’ if they have great food (focus on the food, not the building, tables, menu, etc.). However, in this case, not only was the food not nearly as good as the Asian restaurant just 2 blocks away, but they were inflexible to requests and it really was a dive (tables and menus in poor condition, ice machine making constant noise, etc.). I really don’t see myself returning here when there is so much better just up the street for about the same price.
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