2008 May > Tastes of our Town by Sarah Dann, Photographs by Lee Waddington

If you're looking to take your taste buds off the beaten path, look no further than the Thai House. Located on Queen Street at Wineva on the South Side, the Thai House is a relatively well known and well tread Thai restaurant and while those who have discovered it typically remain very loyal, for those who havn't darkened the door its a gem worth trying. Chef Byrd has been bringing his tender touch to the Thai House for 9 years. You taste his talents in every dish from the start to finish of each meal. We started with Cold Rolls - a fresh, fragrant combination of carrot, tofu, egg, lettuce and coriander wrapped in fresh rice paper - a great way to kick off the tangy pallet that characterizes the Thai House. Like most dishes there, cold rolls come to life with a personal touch, the Thai House's special sauce a perfect blend of tangy and tart and a good stage setter for the rest of the meal including the tender chicken satay. Green mango salad tickles the taste buds and the sensations with the addition of mint. Mixed with the mango, ground cashews and coriander this salad is fantastic and very pretty as well with the peach and green tones set off perfectly against the classy and comfortable cream and black decor. Colour is the name of the game and art even enters into the picture with the main courses as radishes become flowers and green onions turn into lilies - Byrd works his magic not just with flavour but also with pretty presentation that makes each dish a wonder to behold before trying a taste. Mango chicken is lively with fresh spring peppers. Tamarind Beef Curry offers large pieces of fresh, moist, flavourful meat that literally melts in your mouth. Pad Thai features large fresh shrimp backed up by fresh noodles in another just-right sauce. Our hostess Pauline, beautifully dressed in traditional Thai silks, completes the meal with wonderful service and Singha, the original Thai Beer from Bangkok. As can be seen by the consistent flow of patrons wondering in for dinner and for take out, Thai House Cuisine is a spot worth coming back to - a treat to the taste buds. Call the Thai House at 416 686 8541 or drop by 2213 Queen Street East.