I think I need to do lunch with the food critic at the Times-Dispatch. Apparently, my counterpart and I have a lot in common. Invariably, we choose the same places to review, and often order the same dishes.
Again this week, I opened my paper to see a review of Alex's Thai on 17th Street, just after I had finished writing my comments on the very same place. And, once again, Dana and I agree that this is a great, affordable place. At least we ate different things this time, but I wonder if maybe we're sitting one table or booth away from each other. I just don't know.
Nevertheless, my friend and I started with the Chicken Satay and the two-piece Spring Roll, which was a real bargain at only $2.95. We wanted to try a Thai beer and our charming server recommended Chang, telling us it was a bit lighter than the more well known Singha. It was perfect with the chicken skewers, which were served with a good peanut sauce and a side of chopped cucumber and onion in rice wine vinegar.
The Spring Roll was stuffed with crisp fresh veggies and the portion was perfect for two to share, especially because it came with a bowl of the dark peanut sauce large enough for dipping.
Although I love lemongrass soup in the winter, especially if I have a cold, I passed on the hot offerings and went straight for the Sweet and Sour section of the menu. I ordered the pork, though you can also get chicken, beef and shrimp on almost all dishes. Thai sweet and sour is lighter than Chinese and mine was really refreshing, loaded with chunks of pineapple.
"Residents of downtown, Shockoe Bottom and Church Hill will love having a solid, seven-day-a-week choice for a fast and affordable meal."IF YOU GO:Alex's Thai
13 N. 17th St.
(804) 343-3934
Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: noon to 11 p.m. |
My friend chose the Kapow chicken with chili, as he's a fan of food with a spicy kick. He consulted our server first to check the heat factor and was told that his dish was a medium-hot selection. It had nice heat but didn't leave your mouth burning for the entire meal.
We also wanted to taste one of our favorites, Pad Thai, so we shared an order of the popular noodle dish. Our portions were large and arrived at the table still steaming hot, since the open kitchen is just steps away. We even had enough for next-day lunch leftovers.
Appetizers start at the amazing $2.95 for the Spring Roll to $5.95 for the Satays, and most main dishes come in under $10, from $7.95 and up. Traditional sticky rice desserts with mango or Thai custard are $4.50 and Alex's offers take-out, a good option since the small restaurant has limited seating.
Residents of downtown, Shockoe Bottom and Church Hill will love having a solid, seven-day-a-week choice for a fast and affordable meal, and the take-out menus will be a go-to choice in the "I don't feel like cooking" menu drawer at many homes in the area. For visitors to the 17th Street Farmer's Market and shops in Shockoe, Alex's Thai is a welcome addition for a casual lunch or dinner, and everyone will be charmed by the welcoming staff.