Thai 99 II

When I ask people where to find the best Thai in town, they almost always say Thai 99. C-ville Weekly has given them the “Best Asian Restaurant” award on many occasions in recent years, and the web site refers to its Gardens Blvd location as “exquisite.” So how can it be that I’ve almost never had better than a mediocre experience there?

To be fair, I’ve been to Thai 99 on Fontaine many more times than the number 2 location reviewed here, but the experiences are comparable. The décor at this fancier location is a plus, despite being located in a strip mall. There’s a running fountain with golden fish against one wall, a few authentic wall-hangings and sculptures, and an attractive bar area with a wooden canopy. I’m not sure how I feel about the purple everywhere but it’s better than the stark white and fluorescence of certain other Thai restaurants.

The food is good but not great. Erin ordered the Pad See Ew with chicken and tofu. I ordered the Basil Fried Rice. Erin’s was too greasy and the tofu was old. The chicken in mine tasted okay but looked a little like those octopus calamari, all splayed out and ropy. Maybe it was because it was a Monday night, with lingering weekend food that they needed to use up before cracking open the next shipment.

Bottom line: Don’t go out of your way for Thai 99. If you’re on Rio, go to Lime Leaf instead.

Erin says: “Pad see ewwwwwww it’s too greasy.”

Rating: Erin: Jed: