
Ste 8
Jacksonville, FL 32233
I have never had a sit down meal at Simply Tasty Thai, but often drive down and get food to go, so when I was invited to dinner it was a go. Once inside and sitting down, it became evident how much I had missed. The interior is just this side of opulent, the very Zen like atmosphere, is created by lighting, and art work that adorn the walls.
For this evening a Prix Fix menu was offered, with several selections from each category, as it turned out all six of us ordered the same dishes. It’s was looking like we all hang out together way too much.
We started off the evening with a Thai Iced Tea, sweet packed with ice, cream, and a Chi flavored tea, a traditional drink that defuse the heat from many of the dishes.
Next we each received two steamed dumplings, fashioned into little purses, noodles soft the sausage sweet with just a hint of spice accompanied by soy based dipping sauce.
Next, Tom Ka Gai, a silky, aromatic soup that is a complete meal in a bowl. We found ourselves drinking from the bowl, so no drop would go to waste.
Time for salad, that turned out to be Shrimp in a Blanket with Mango salad with a cilantro lime dressing. Shrimp crisp to the bite but warm and tender inside, a hint of tart from the lime, made for a well balanced dish.
For our entree, we all chose the Curry options, three of the top selling dishes offered. My first dish, the Yellow Duck Curry, a Southern Thailand curry with saffron, chunks of potatoes, bell peppers, carrots and onions. No heat in this dish allows the richness of the duck to shine.
Then the smooth and filling Beef Massaman Curry, another Southern Thai curry with tender beef and dried spices in coconut milk with chunks of potatoes and onion. Beef large portions, potatoes like clouds in the mouth, only made more tasty by the coconut milk.
To finish off the meal Fried Ice Cream. Yes I know how do you fry ice cream? I don’t care just bring me some please! I really don’t know what the covering was jut know it was sweet and crispy, not sticky or oily. Ice cream like velvet on the tongue, sweet and tart from the compote and whipped cream that accompanied this little treasure.
All of the dishes, are on the regular menu, and Nancy Straw, owner, artist and chef offers several special dishes if you want to experience some of the best Thai around the city. Let me to encourage you to try the Choo Chee Curry, strongly flavored Thai village turmeric curry, with coconut milk, lemon grass and lime leaves. It may change your life. Remember bring your besties, the more the merrier. Have some Thai Tea or some special beers. Most of all enjoy.
Categories: Thai