At first glance, you may think you?ve walked into a trendy Los Angeles restaurant. Surrounded by chic wooden furniture and absorbed in rich brown, beige and deep red walls. Then, suddenly you are enthralled by a mixture of rich, delightful aromas radiating from the kitchen. As your senses lure you further, you decide to sit and eat, leading to an extraordinary encounter with authentic Thai cuisine.
Cafe de Bangkok, one of Blacksburg?s newest restaurants opened in early August. Founded by Thanzdoul (Kim) Khunngam, 23; Valaipetch (Aivey) Chzroemsombut-Amorn, 24; and Ekarin (Andrew) Boonurai, 25; Bangkok blends family-style Thai cuisine with a trendy, urban atmosphere.
After opening several restaurants separately in Thailand, Los Angeles and Fredericksburg, the three owners of Bangkok, ?started from scratch, the three of us picked the colors, put pictures together. This one is about us, it?s about what we like,? said Chzroemsombut-Amorn.
The caf??s menu consists of the owners? family recipes. While menu choices are somewhat limited, the menu is updated every few weeks based on customers? likes and dislikes. After tasting a variety of dishes, I can safely say the likes far outweigh the dislikes.
Starting off the meal with bubble tea is the perfect beginning to any Thai meal. Prepared fresh each morning, the bubble tea combines jasmine and black teas, sugar, creamer and tapioca. Served in a small mug and big straw, drinkers are able to enjoy the sweet taste of the tea and chew the tapioca beads.
Next, as an entr?e, I recommend the basil chicken with a mild, spicy, or Thai spicy sauce, depending on your tastes. The mild basil chicken is served with a pilaf of white rice to dip into the sauce. Plated with cabbage on the side, carrots, cucumber, onion and peppers, the chicken was tender and cooked to perfection. The sauce has just a touch of basil and is prepared with chilis to give the dish the desired spice.
Bangkok?s authentic food, combines spice, sweetness, sourness, and saltiness to prevent an over abundance of one dominant flavor.
To finish off the meal, I highly recommend the fried banana. For anyone with a sweet tooth, this dessert is certain to satisfy a craving. The banana is marinated with milk and sprinkled with coconut flakes. Then it is enveloped in a Thai skin wrap and deep fried. To fully tempt the tastebuds, the fried banana is served with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge to contrast the hot and cold component.
The portion sizes were perfect to satisfy my hunger. However, the prices could have been lower. Appetizer prices range from $2.98 to $8.98, while entrees run from $8.98 to $12.98. With the exception of water, the cheapest beverage is $1.78.
The service at Bangkok is phenomenal. As soon as patrons enter the caf?, they are greeted by either Kim or Aivey, two of the friendliest (and most stylish) restaurateurs I have ever met. Once sat, patrons are served their drinks within the first few minutes. The service is quick, without feeling rushed. One feels comfortable with enough time to actually enjoy the meal.
?I want people who walk in to not feel cold. Imagine if you walk into a restaurant painted bright red. We tried to pick the right combination of colors so people sit and relax, and enjoy the food while enjoying the environment,? Khunngam said.
Not only does Bangkok provide great food and service, but the ambient atmosphere is ideal for a relaxing meal, quick snack, or to hang out over tea or soda with friends.
?I?m young. I?m putting what I like and what customers would like into the restaurant. The decorating is not like other places around here, it?s not traditional Thai. But, the food is authentic,? Khunngam said.
Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Bangkok guarantees an enjoyable dining experience. Uniting savory dishes, friendly service, and trendy surroundings, the Caf? de Bangkok, located on Jackson Street, is the perfect addition to Blacksburg?s dining scene. Bangkok is sure to attract the Blacksburg community and surpass patrons? expectations.
