the mellow dish: a casual new yorker’s guide to dining out around the way and beyond

www.thaimarketnyc.com

Located in my neighborhood of Morningside Heights, we get really excited when a place like this opens up. This, I predict, will be exactly one of those neighborhood gems - where locals frequent and foodies travel all the way up here. Located on a nondescript stretch of Amsterdam Avenue between 107th street and 108th streets, amongst 4 floor walk-ups and neighborhood bodegas, Thai Market is a lovely suprise.

Price $$$

Decor ***

The decor is striking. Industrial meets trendy depiction of the east. Red umbrellas suspended over the contemporary bar, large brightly lit photos of Thai markets on the walls, and exposed red brick in this brightly lit open space. Approaching for the first time is a wonderfully pleasant surprise!

Food ***

I sampled the following:

Lemongrass Shrimp Soup

Steamed dumplings

Shrimp Pad Thai

Red Snapper in tamarind sauce

Tapioca Pearls in Coconut Pudding

Everything was absolutely delicious. The red snapper was particularly wonderful. Pan seared, it was not greasy or heavy. The tamarind sauce was a wonderful balance of sweet and spicy. This dish was not something I’ve had before.

The portions are right on . I did not receive a massive bowl of pad thai as in many other Thai restaurants, nor were the portions too small or overpriced.

The tapioca pearl dessert was light, refreshing, and tasty.

Service *

Service is definitely leaving something to be desired. The waitstaff is not very attentive at all and the manager/owner seems a bit rude. The tables are small and I felt a bit crammed in. The first night we went, they sat us at a tiny table by the window where the wall jutted out causing my chair to be at an angle, awkwardly seating me. I was uncomfortable. The place was pretty full except for a 4 person table directly behind us. I did not ask to sit there, as I knew they were saving that for a larger party and it was prime dinner time (I used to be a restaurant hostess as a teenager). However, as the night progressed, no one ever sat there and the place began to clear. An attentive waiter would have offered to move us (especially as I was visibly uncomfortable with my awkward seating arrangement). Additioanlly, our table was small - that kind of small where you barely have room for anything, you know what I’m talking about. And as the waiter brought our food, drink, caddy of hot sauces, he just dropped them in with little care to try to make space. We eventually resorted to putting our cups of water on the floor!

Lunch Special

They have an awesome lunch special! Two courses for about $8. Again, food was great, and this time we had a better placed table, although still very small. Again, service — the food took forever to come and the waitstaff is just not helpful.

Overall ***

I will definitely return. It’s in my neighborhood, the decor is really lovely, the food is very good, and the price of dinner does not exceed our standard $40 range for typical not-a-special-occasion dinner (ordering takeout or sit-down dining). However, I really do not enjoy those tiny tables or the waitstaff. Let’s see if that improves. The good outweighs that bad so that’s why I give this one three stars.