Traveling to an unfamiliar place and finding a place to eat can be edgy. To rely on reviews alone can be edgy.
So here I found myself in Suffern NY. Icy roads, after dark, with an empty stomach. I pulled up Jay’s Thai Kitchen, I read some reviews, so I went.
As the hour or unfolded I started to realize something very rare was taking place. Imagine this scene if you will: You walk into a restaurant in the middle of February, it’s small, it’s warm, it’s empty. Your waiter has great respect for the menu, and knows it very well.
I started with Thai Shumai. It came out, it was insanely delicate, insanely delicious. I then ordered Pad Kee Mao, and an ordered of Fried Rice. The rice comes, it’s deadly. It’s so good that I start to feel that this is turning into something very special. I told the waiter I needed more food, I needed something curry. He recommended the Thai Poutine. This young kid was so on the money and so in sync with the cook that he was stacking my dishes in perfect order, bringing everything at the right time. It was turning into the Thai Version of a complex Sushi meal. A complete ceremony. He recommended their Chili Powder, and Chili Paste.
As I am eating the Thai Poutine I’m blown away at the flavors of the curry. Complex flavors, amazing texture coming from the homemade fries. I’m texting Brian photos telling him a Religious experience was happening in Suffern NY, and I’m at the alter.
Finally my Pad Kee Mao is served along with the Chili paste and Powder. I then was at a complete loss. Beyond any reasonable expectations. Totally great. The owner and cook came out from the divider that divides the small dining area from the kitchen, and asked if everything was Okay. I couldn’t express my gratitude enough to her, it was a lovely experience. Beyond great. A 10/10. A very rare instance of a chef cooking for you and no one else, in the home in which their restaurant has been built.
I wanted to reflect on this before I wrote it. My sentiment 24 hours later remains, that Jay’s Thai Kitchen provided me with a meal that will forever stick with me. A perfect meal, on a perfect night, in the perfect restaurant, on a snowy night in small Suffern NY.
Enjoy,
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