FEB 4 / 2002

BUA THAI RESTAURANT - STILL A DOWNTOWN DINING TREAT

It had been several years since I last reviewed the Bua Thai Restaurant, located at 10049 - 113th Street, just off Jasper Avenue. So it was a treat to recently go back for lunch with my friend, Howard. Little has changed. Bua Thai is an elegant little restaurant with comfortable decor, friendly staff and some of the best food in downtown Edmonton.

Having walked from 109th Street on a particularly cold winter day, we were both inclined to start with warm soup. Howard ordered the Tom Yum Kai, or Spicy Chicken Soup. This consisted of chicken, mushrooms and lemon grass in a thick broth with chili and lime leaves. There was also a distinct hint of ginger.

The soup was not only hearty and flavorful, it also had the ability to clear one's sinus problem while still not overpowering you with a "spice overdose". If you like hot food, this one is a keeper.

My Keio Nam, or Parcels Soup, came in a huge bowl, twice the size of the others. To be honest, "Parcels Soup" didn't sound overly exotic or alluring; but it was truly a delightful surprise. Ground pork and shrimp were wrapped in thin egg noodle paper and served with vegetables and copious amounts of noodles.

My soup could have been a meal in itself. The broth was seasoned with a medley of milder spices and the taste was almost addictive. The flavors were soothing, delicious and satisfying. It truly was hard to put my spoon down; yet there was no way I could finish it and still have room for the entree.

Now being curious about the less exotic sounding offerings, I decided to continue eating healthy and simply ordered the Chicken Stirfry with mixed vegetables. Chicken strips were sauteed with snow peas, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms and cauliflower.

For a boring sounding selection, this was outstanding. Suffice it to say that I have dined well, and I have dined "healthy"; but never have the two come together so harmoniously.

Howard decided to order the Curry Combination Special. With this selection one chooses beef or chicken, as well as red, green or Panang curry. The order comes with two Thai springrolls and a bowl of rice.

Again, Howard went for the "spicy". Ordering the chicken and the Panang curry, we noted a strong coconut milk component to the curry. The sweetness of the coconut milk softened, but certainly did not weaken the distinct Thai curry. If you appreciate curry, but tire of the same old thing, the Panang curry offers you something pleasingly different.

Lunch came to around $40.00 for the two of us. Considering we didn't have any wine, beer or dessert, it was a bit high, perhaps. However it is still in keeping with other establishments in the vicinity, and there is certainly nothing stingy in the quality or quantity of the servings.

Our only complaint was that we thought the Curry Combination Special meant we would be able to taste the red, green and Panang curries at the same time. Further examination of the menu did not reveal any selections that allows one to try all three. That would be fun.

BEST POINTS:
Bua Thai has to be one of the soup havens in downtown Edmonton. It is a great place for meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
As I said, we would have like to try something that offered all three curries. Also, our green tea was served only warm. But they were very busy and we just let it go.

RATING CATEGORY:
8 out of 10. I can't envision people going to Bua Thai for either lunch or dinner and not enjoying themselves. Best to make a reservation, it is usually full.