Menu Exploration 101: Peruse and Choose

If there is one thing that we as human beings have in common it is that we are creatures of habit.  How many times have you gone to a restaurant that you love and you order the same thing every time?  You know that everything on the menu is good and you've tried a few things here and there, but you tend to stick to your top 3 favorite dishes. That's what I do at least, especially when I am hungry.  I'll peruse the menu analyzing all of the exotic choices and exciting selections and by the time the server arrives at the table to take my order I panic and order something from my top 3.  Today. however, I was feeling lucky.  I was on my way home from running an errand and I decided that I had the perfect chance to have something  I desired for dinner.  I stopped at the Pad Thai Cafe and as I was walking in I felt myself leaning toward one of my top choices, but before I knew it I found their specials and ordered something that I had never had before.

As I waited for my food I realized I was going through a series of emotions.  Firstly, I felt bursts of excitement because I was hungry and this place gets their orders out fast. Secondly, this was a new entree for me; it could have ended really well or really poorly.  As I waited I felt time began to slow and the anticipation started to get to me.  Even when the cashier was calling out orders my number was skipped.  Finally, when my number was called I all but ran up to get my food.  When I grabbed it this is what I saw

Ba Mee Song Kruang

This dish is called Ba Mee Song Kruang and it was SERIOUS.  I don't even know where to begin to describe this dish.  It consisted of yellow noodles, roast pork (which was sweet), ground pork (that was savory), cilantro, Chinese broccoli, scallions, fish balls, fish cake, peanuts, bean sprouts, fried wontons, crushed chili pepper, sugar and a lime on the side.

The sweet and savory pork mixed with the chili pepper and sugar made for quite a treat.  My senses were overwhelmed and stimulated at the same time.  This dish was a treat and a must try.  If you ever see it on a menu at a Thai restaurant broaden you palette and try this.

The Pad Thai Cafe is located on 1116 Boylston Street in Boston. You can also check them out on www.padthaicafe.com.