Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.
You have probably realized by now that Nancy and I are not the brightest people in the world. Both of us are in our seventies, and we decided it would be a good idea to get a little puppy. How much work can she possibly be? So, after two weeks in Aruba, resting up for this momentous occasion, we came home and picked up a nine-week old Maltese/Shih Tzu puppy named Rosie. We now realize why puppies are so cute, because that is the only thing that keeps them alive!!! After living on four hours sleep for several nights, we needed to get out and have a quiet meal. Because Shih Tzu’s are an Asian breed, we decided to try Bangkok Thai and Sushi in Algonquin.
Bankok Thai & Sushi
4077 W. Algonquin Road
Algonquin 60102
(224) 569-3999
www.atbangkokthaisushi.com
Directions: Take Route 47 North to Algonquin Road East to restaurant.
Estimated Travel Time: 17 minutes
This small store front venue has 12 booths, four large tables that can be separated, and a sushi bar in the rear.
While looking over their HUGE menu featuring Japanese, sushi, and Thai items, but “no Chinese” items, we decided to order the Bangkok Sampler ($13) as our appetizer. This is the Thai version of the ever popular, but politically incorrectly named, Poo-Poo Platter. It consisted of crab Rangoon (3), egg rolls (2), potstickers (3), and shrimp rolls (2). They were served with two delicious sauces. Everything on the platter was yummy, but the star of the platter was the shrimp rolls. These were shrimp wrapped in a wonton wrapper and fried perfectly. Nancy wanted hot mustard sauce for her egg rolls which is common in Chinese restaurants. The waiter abruptly informed her that “it is Chinese, we’re not Chinese.” Oops!!!
Jim with so little sleep felt like he was in a drunken stupor and went with the Drunken Noodles with Pork ($13.50). This was stir-fried thick noodles with basil, bamboo shoots, onion, broccoli, baby corn, egg, and bell peppers in a spicy sauce. Jim gave it about a two on his “sweat head meter.” The flavor combination was out of this world, and the lightly charred pork brought the dish up a notch.
Nancy wanted the Shrimp Pineapple Fried Rice ($18) which comes with jumbo shrimp. This was fresh pineapple, white and green onions, carrots, eggs, and green peas. When it arrived at the table, it was a sight to behold! It was served in a hollowed-out half of a fresh pineapple and the rice overflowed on her platter. It was absolutely delicious and different with the pineapple chunks adding a little sweet freshness.
FYI: This restaurant is handicap accessible.
Between the platter of appetizers, our entrees, and the doggie bags we took home, we couldn’t even think about dessert, sorry…
This became a keeper in our arsenal of restaurants. Jim and I both won today, since we both loved our meals and all of the appetizers.
The price for our dinner was $48.06. Coming home to see what our puppy Rosie destroyed, priceless…
Jim’s take: I couldn’t figure out what gave my meal such a delicious flavor. Believe it or not, it was the basil. I never heard of basil in Asian foods, but it works!
Nancy’s take: My meal was not only delicious, but it was a treat for the eyes. It would be hard for me to order anything else when I go there again.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com
