Thai in the northern burbs?
Thai in the northern burbs?
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Thai in the northern burbs?
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Post #1 - August 24th, 2004, 6:08 pmIs there any?
I do enjoy Opart Thai in Wilmette but is there another decent thai restaurant anywhere else in the northern burbs? I'm in Lake County and Wilmette is just too far to travel on most week nights.
If you know of a good place, please share.
Thanks,
=R=By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself. --Kambei Shimada
Every human interaction is an opportunity for disappointment --RS
There's a horse loose in a hospital --JM
That don't impress me much --Shania Twain
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Post #2 - August 24th, 2004, 6:43 pmThai Avenue in Lake Zurich (on Rand just north of 22) is pretty good.
I don't know if you're that far NW, though.
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Post #3 - August 24th, 2004, 8:41 pmSiam House in Niles is pretty highly praised. I know there are posts either here or on Chowhound, though I haven't been myself. Don't know if that's too far, though.
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Post #4 - August 24th, 2004, 9:53 pmAaron Deacon wrote:Siam House in Niles is pretty highly praised.
Aaron,
Siam's House is one of my favorites and, it just so happens, I had lunch there today with the always congenial Harry V.
Siam's house has the typical mix of Ameri/Thai and Thai-Thai, no secret menu involved. I will say though it may take more than one visit before you are served the amped up version of the dishes.
Today Harry and I shared Siam's house's Chicken Larb, Crab Fried Rice, Papaya salad, Fish maw salad, grilled Isaan sausage and sticky rice.
Today standouts were the Isaan sausage, which was ever-so-slightly funky with a light fermented taste. Think a cross between Spoon's highly fermented (round) sausage and their straight grilled Thai Sausage. The sausage was served, as is typical at both Siam's House, and most Thai restaurants, with diced ginger and hot pepper along with lettuce and cucumber.
Crab fried rice was exceptional today, light, greaseless, flavorful and greatly enhanced by the addition two deep fried eggs, which you have to ask for. A sprinkle of dried chili powder and squeeze of lime made the flavors really shine.
Siam's house has any number of very good menu items, including Thai Grilled Chicken (Kai Yaang) on the specials menu. Actually I have been cooking Thai at home lately, papaya salad and Thai Grilled Chicken twice in the last week alone.
Siam's House has the added advantage of being next to a small, but well stocked, Polish deli and Minelli Brother's Italian Grocery.
Enjoy,
Gary
Siam's House
7742 N Milwaukee Ave
Niles, IL 60714
847-967-2390
Bacik's
7744 N Milwaukee
Niles, IL 60714
847-470-1717
Minelli Brothers
7780 N Milwaukee Ave
Niles, IL 60714
847-965-1315Last edited by G Wiv on August 24th, 2004, 10:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post #5 - August 24th, 2004, 9:55 pmThanks for the suggestions and please, keep them coming.
I'm in Deerfield, so I was looking for something a little closer to home. But I'll definitely keep these places in mind for when I'm in the respective areas--especially Niles--since I can combine it with a trip to nearby Produce World.
edit: thanks gary, we crossed posts.
=R=By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself. --Kambei Shimada
Every human interaction is an opportunity for disappointment --RS
There's a horse loose in a hospital --JM
That don't impress me much --Shania Twain
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Post #6 - August 24th, 2004, 10:54 pmHi,
In August last year, I wrote this review for Candles in Highland Park. I haven't been there since. I know David Hammond bumped into the owner at Thai Grocery sometime this Spring, then began inquiring about it on the board.
I did inquire on my initial visit if there was a menu for Thai people. Later, I realized I was maybe being a bit too forward. I should do what Gary has recommended: ask for sticky rice, ask for laarb, show you have a little bit more depth of knowledge. As close as this place is to my house, I just don't think to eat Thai nearby. I am just as happy to jump into the car and hop into the city to eat what I already know I enjoy. Not exactly lazy, but all the top tier Thai have been vetted so often they are a reliable bet.
Hi!
I have to admit I walked into this place expecting not to like it. There is another Thai place in Highland Park which is a below par Thai experience. Additionally, my friend's husband grew up in Hong Kong. Everyone is always inquiring where to get the best chinese. Though we have plenty of asian offerings in Highland Park, it is far better and cheaper to go to Chicago. So with this accumulated experience, I walked into Candles with somewhat of a chip on my shoulder.
Candles is a 2 week old restaurant located where Chicago Diner, a vegan restaurant, used to be next to the car wash. Not missing any beat, I inquired if they had a menu for Thai dinners. They looked rather startled and replied no.
We were seated at a white tableclothed table and handed the menu. On the two chowhound dinners I attended, I never had reason to look the menu over. I found myself struggling with my memory to rememeber foods I liked: exploded catfish, crispy fish, fish custard, one-bite salads, the beef salads, ect. Somethings on the menu stood out from prior posts: Tom Yum Koong (something Erik mentioned), Nam Tok, Lard Nar. However most of the menu did not offer the Thai names but rather names, like Sizzling Ocean Plate or Ginger Salmon. So I was a bit out of sorts knowing what I wanted but not quite sure how to order it.
My query to the waiter was which of the salads offered represented one-bite-salads. He looked at me blankly. "Had you heard of these?" "No, what is it?" Then I began to wonder if one-bite-salads is our shorthand for something offered but a Thai would never refer to as one-bite-salad.
KNowing I wasn't going to get help and hungry, I ordered: Spring Rolls, Grilled Eggplant and Singapore Noodles.
Spring rolls were cold egg roll skins filled with lettuce, carrots, cucumber, bean sprouts, tofu and scramgled eggs. Topped with plum sauce, red and green onions. My Mom was the first one to try and instantly pronounced it delicious. I looked over to a rather earnest appraisal -- remember I came expecting to dislike -- so I forked my segment and had the same happily unexpected response.
We had our entrees put in the center of table for our sampling. I tried the Singapore Noodles first, they were the best variant I have had of this dish. I was rather sorry I had to share these noodles. The grilled eggplants were accompanied by chicken breast, shrimp and plenty of basil. The whole composition with sauce was really quite wonderful to taste and look at.
We'll return soon and probably give a chance to Sizzling Ocean Plate.
Best regards,
Cathy2
Candles Thai Cuisine
581 Elm Place
Highland Park, IL 60035
Tel: 847/433-THAI (8424)
Fax: 847/433-8447
Hours:
Sun-Thurs: 11 AM - 9:30 PM
Fri-Sat: 11 AM - 10 PMCathy2
"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
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Post #7 - August 25th, 2004, 9:05 amThanks Cathy. Weeknights, with a kid in tow, better to have a fair option than no option. Although my cooking skills have improved greatly over the years.
HP is so nearby, I'll have to give it shot.
=R=By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself. --Kambei Shimada
Every human interaction is an opportunity for disappointment --RS
There's a horse loose in a hospital --JM
That don't impress me much --Shania Twain
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Post #8 - August 25th, 2004, 9:24 amYou know, I just remembered a report I got a year or so ago on a stellar Thai meal in Palatine. No idea on the story with this place, but I believe these three suburban locations are related.
To provide some context, the reportee does not delve into secret menus and probably considers herself a pretty mainstream Thai diner, but she does occasionally ask for larb when she doesn't see it on the menu, is a big fan of Thai Aree and Spoon Thai, and kept wanting to trek 45 minutes out to Palatine to try this place again. I haven't made it yet, but I'd love to hear a report.
Siri Thai Cuisine
6602 Barrington Rd # B
Hanover Park, IL 60133
630-289-4900
Siri Thai II
40 W Palatine Rd
Palatine, IL 60067
847-776-7600
Siri Thai III
230 W Virginia Place
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-444-0004
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Post #9 - August 25th, 2004, 9:36 amThai Avenue in Lake Zurich is now Siri Thai. We get carry out from them all the time and they never let us down. Even had them cater a party for us about 6 months ago. They were very helpful with planning and even prepared some dishes that were not on their normal menu.
Siri Thai
115 South Rand Rd.
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
847-726-0036
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Post #10 - August 25th, 2004, 10:13 amExcellent info--thanks Aaron, Kwe730--much appreciated.
=R=By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself. --Kambei Shimada
Every human interaction is an opportunity for disappointment --RS
There's a horse loose in a hospital --JM
That don't impress me much --Shania Twain
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Post #11 - August 25th, 2004, 5:09 pmI'm in Deerfield as well and have had some very good Thai meals at I Am Siam in Wheeling. It's just east of Buffalo Grove Rd. on Dundee although the address says Huntington Lane.
The Siam pancake(Nom Bung), Golden Bags, and Rice Dumplings are excellent starters. Their Papaya salad and Larp were both well done and they're not afraid to ramp up the heat if you request it.
If you're going to carry out I'd recomend getting one of their dining room menus as the carryout menu has limited choices.
I think I'll try Siam House next and see how it compares.
I Am Siam
One Huntington Lane
Wheeling
847-419 0698
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Post #12 - August 25th, 2004, 5:16 pmThanks for the detailed info, DBigg. This thread has become quite a resource and I'm greatly appreciative.
=R=By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself. --Kambei Shimada
Every human interaction is an opportunity for disappointment --RS
There's a horse loose in a hospital --JM
That don't impress me much --Shania Twain
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Post #13 - November 9th, 2006, 10:42 pmCandles Thai Cuisine has closed.
Candles Thai Cuisine
581 Elm Place
Highland Park, IL 60035
Tel: 847/433-THAI (8424)
Fax: 847/433-8447Cathy2
"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast
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Post #14 - November 10th, 2006, 1:45 pmCandles has been closed for a couple of months now, but I like Yummy Bowl in HP also. It is across from Nortons, a block east of the tracks, and a block north of Central. It is primarily Chinese, but they have decent Thai selections also. My personal favorite is their Spicy Korean noodle soup, with lots of veges and various meats...Chicken, beef and shrimp, i think. Further away is Green Basil in Vernon Hills, in the mall with Best Buy on the SE corner of 60 and milwaukee. It is fairly upscale, and probably not too "authentic" but they have excellent curries, and they arent afraid to spice it up.
-Will
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Post #15 - November 11th, 2006, 2:24 amThere is Siam Anchor in North Chicago, across from Abbott Labs on Sheridan Road. They are very reasonable and pretty good thai food for the burbs.
Siam Anchor
(847) 688-9999
1536 Sheridan Rd
North Chicago, IL 60064
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Post #16 - November 11th, 2006, 7:23 amHi,
I have passed Siam Anchor on Sheridan a number of times and wondered what the experience was like. It's in a building that was once a Burger King or something.
Not very far from there, I noticed the La Quebrada north of Siam Anchor is closed for remodeling. Have you gone there?
Regards,Cathy2
"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast
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Post #17 - December 7th, 2006, 10:37 amCathy:
I eat there all the time with my boyfriend. We actually live in Lindenhurst and this place is so much better than Royal Thai in Gurnee. I usually get rama chicken or massmun EXTRA SPICY!! I love their Thai iced tea. It does get busy there during lunch hours, but the owner's corny sense of humor always makes me smile. Make sure that you call ahead on Saturdays if you are planning to make a trip out there ...
... I do love EE Sane in Milwaukee ... it's FABULOUS!!
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Post #18 - December 7th, 2006, 11:58 amI'm glad to see someone already recommended I Am Siam. It is great, and has a lot of stuff that doesn't appear on the menus of average Thai restaurants, including green papaya salad (excellent) and duck curry.
Another spot that's good, though limited to more commonly offered fare, is Thai Noodles. It's the sister restaurant of Your Choice Thai Cuisine in Glenview. Thai Noodles is in Libertyville, so depending on where in Lake County you live, this may be an easier option on days you just don't feel like driving to Buffalo Grove or need a quick fix.
One "un-recommendation" is Green Basil in Vernon Hills, which I found to be so Westernized that it was not really much like eating Thai food, except in name. However, I've only been there once, and it's possible others have had a better experience. But it's costlier than the other places, and paying more for less interesting food has never been of interest to me.
So definitely try I Am Siam, and also consider a stop at Thai Noodles.
Thai Noodles Cafe
318 S Milwaukee Ave
Libertyville, IL 60048-2819
847-362-3494
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Post #19 - December 12th, 2006, 5:20 pmI have not eaten at Thai Noodles, but I have eaten at Your Choice Thai Cuisine, and was not impressed. I love Thai food and will try just about any Thai restaurant around. I find many of them to be fairly good, but very, very few to be great. Of all the many Thai places I've tried in the Chicago area (probably 40-50 of them), the only place to which I keep returning because its food is consistently excellent is Thai Sookdee in Evanston. It's definitely worth the trip from Deerfield. Try it!
Thai Sookdee
1016 Church Street
Evanston 60201
847-866-8012
http://www.thaisookdee.com
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Post #20 - December 12th, 2006, 5:53 pmnsxtasy wrote:I have not eaten at Thai Noodles, but I have eaten at Your Choice Thai Cuisine, and was not impressed. I love Thai food and will try just about any Thai restaurant around. I find many of them to be fairly good, but very, very few to be great. Of all the many Thai places I've tried in the Chicago area (probably 40-50 of them), the only place to which I keep returning because its food is consistently excellent is Thai Sookdee in Evanston. It's definitely worth the trip from Deerfield. Try it!
Thai Sookdee
1016 Church Street
Evanston 60201
847-866-8012
http://www.thaisookdee.com
nsxtasy,
If what you say is true, than you should do a search for posts about places like Spoon, TAC Quick, Elephant, Sticky Rice and others. I'm sure you will be able to broaden your Thai Food horizons considerably.Steve Z.
“Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”
― Ludwig van Beethoven
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Post #21 - December 12th, 2006, 7:06 pmI've been to Spoon Thai and I was underwhelmed (although it was better than Your Choice, which I would rank in the bottom quartile of Thai restaurants I've tried). Like most Thai places, I thought Spoon Thai was not bad, but not fantastic either.
I'll look forward to trying the others you mention, although they're not that convenient for me and I tend to bother traveling far to new places primarily when I'm not happy with the current choices, and lately Thai Sookdee has been making me very happy indeed.
It sounds like you haven't been to Thai Sookdee. You ought to try it. It is really excellent.
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Post #22 - December 12th, 2006, 8:02 pmnsxtasy wrote:I've been to Spoon Thai and I was underwhelmed (although it was better than Your Choice, which I would rank in the bottom quartile of Thai restaurants I've tried). Like most Thai places, I thought Spoon Thai was not bad, but not fantastic either.
I'll look forward to trying the others you mention, although they're not that convenient for me and I tend to bother traveling far to new places primarily when I'm not happy with the current choices, and lately Thai Sookdee has been making me very happy indeed.
It sounds like you haven't been to Thai Sookdee. You ought to try it. It is really excellent.
I used to work just around the corner from Thai Sookdee. I thought it was good - a great lunchtime option - but would certainly not be put it in the same league as TAC or Sticky Rice. Just my opinion, of course.
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Post #23 - December 13th, 2006, 12:06 amLionRock wrote:I used to work just around the corner from Thai Sookdee. I thought it was good - a great lunchtime option - but would certainly not be put it in the same league as TAC or Sticky Rice. Just my opinion, of course.
Sounds like you haven't been there in a while. I thought the same thing as you a few years ago. But their food has improved dramatically in the past couple of years. Try it again and see if you agree.
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Post #24 - December 13th, 2006, 12:39 amnsxtasy, what do you typically order and like from Thai Sookdee?
Thanks,
ed
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Post #25 - December 13th, 2006, 7:02 amI have eaten at Thai Sookdee in the last six months and it was the blandest most dumbed down Thai food I've had in recent memory. I had panang and they managed to make that flavorless. No fish sauce, no laarb, and no moo ping. To me it felt like nothing more than Cantonese archetypes with a little lemongrass, red food colouring (it certainly wasn't curry!), and coconut milk to set them apart. For example som tum with no papaya, shrimp, or fish sauce is just cabbage with vinaigrette.
It was still a step up from the last time I had been there a few years back when it was renamed Thai SaltLick from me. Absolutely the saltiest food I've ever eaten. My tastebuds are still shuddering at the memory.
With all the great Thai food available, I'm not going back.I used to think the brain was the most important part of the body. Then I realized who was telling me that.
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Post #26 - December 13th, 2006, 9:42 amgleam wrote:nsxtasy, what do you typically order and like from Thai Sookdee?
I love their tom kha gai - just the perfect blend of coconut milk, chicken, mushrooms, lemongrass, kha (galanga root), broth, and spices. Best I've had in years. I think their panang is great - VERY tasty, just the right spiciness (of course you can ask for more or less hotness), great balance of coconut and meat. Very nice. The satay and pad thai are both very good (if conventional). They do a great job on the deep fried whole red snapper, too. I always get thai iced tea to drink, and if it's available (in season only), their excellent khao neeo mamuang (mango with sticky rice) for dessert.
I tend to order most of these dishes at any Thai restaurant I try (and I try many, many places). Thai Sookdee does them better than anyplace else I've been in quite a while.
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Post #27 - December 13th, 2006, 11:11 amnsxtasy wrote:LionRock wrote:I used to work just around the corner from Thai Sookdee. I thought it was good - a great lunchtime option - but would certainly not be put it in the same league as TAC or Sticky Rice. Just my opinion, of course.
Sounds like you haven't been there in a while. I thought the same thing as you a few years ago. But their food has improved dramatically in the past couple of years. Try it again and see if you agree.
Actually, the period that I worked around the corner was 2005-2006, so the times that I ate there were pretty recent. I probably won't be returning for a while, seeing as I just moved out of state. Without any disrespect to Thai Sookdee, when I do return to visit Chicago, it probably won't be top of my list of places to re-visit
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Post #28 - December 13th, 2006, 1:34 pmI have to say, I kinda like Thai Sookdee - I've been going there off and on for years. I think it's a step above most Thai places, it has a nice atmosphere, and it's convenient to the Evanston movie theaters. That said, it's still a little below the Thai GNR winners - but it's good.
