SILLI KORI

We were walking in my hood hungry, and most options were full. At least the ones I'd consider (Mana, Oiistar, Pub Royale... Bob San is gone) and come upon the old Thai Village- where if you knew what to order (rice nom sod) it was quite serviceable, and they delivered. Reconcepted as Silli Kori, it's the same owner with a different menu and look.

Named after the owner's grandmother, whose likeness is captivatingly portrayed on a brick wall amidst a forest of reclaimed wooden slats, the ambience was enjoyable in many ways. Elegant carved wooden doors opened onto soft but not dark lighting. Music was mellow with Ella, Tony Bennett, and the Rat Pack in rotation. Food wise, after a starter of some limp potstickers, the meal improved considerably. Grilled Scallop Salad had ripe mango, cherry toms, avocado and cilantro but would have benefited with some heat- skewing towards salsa, it was delicious none the less. A perfect foil to the Kao Sai- a Northern Thai curry with stewed beef, pickled mustard greens, egg noodles and roasted garlic. We used the serving spoon to slurp every bit of the broth up. Damn this was good. Really good. Both dishes succeeded in lifting the quality of the food to the more upscale vibe of the place.

My first impression is that I'm happy it was as good as it was, and love the look of the place. In the middle of a restaurant build out myself, they've done a great job. The lack of flat screens and beer specials was probably the reason it was fairly empty on this stretch of Division St, but to some, that's a good thing. The old menu is available if you ask although the new one is what they hope will distinguish themselves, and it just may @ that.

Silli Kori
2053 W Division
773-384-6474