I went to Prik Hom yesterday, and I ended up liking it a lot as well. I think it was probably helpful to have my expectations lowered before I went, because while I think the cooking is not quite as precise as what you get at Nari (its been 5 years since I’ve been to Kin Khao), I do feel the flavors are very exciting and bold.
Like Zachary, my favorite dish was the Umami Spicy Shrimp, the best part being the fried shrimp shells with traces of innards left in them – an explosion of (literally) gutsy flavors that pop in the mouth once you bite through them. It sort of felt like eating grown-up Gushers, except the flavors are funky and fermented rather than fruity.
The scallops with lemongrass also had good, assertive flavor, especially the spicy, fermented chili jam, but it had this lukewarm temp that was kind of off-putting. Personally, I would have preferred either seared and hot or raw and cold.
Halibut curry was also delicious, especially with the melange of textures from the crispy greens (tasted like kale), padron peppers, pickled papaya, and toasted coconut. However, even though the curry sauce was delicious, there just was not enough to accompany the halibut, and the fish just felt too dry without there being more sauce.
Smoked young coconut ice cream was also very delicious and the smoke actually added a vital flavor component to the dish.
I’d go back to Prik Hom, too! Glad you enjoyed it. It was part of a great week of dining.
I’ll add that our annual trip to Mourad was as good as always. It was just three of us, so we kept things simple and mainly had the always stunning short rib la’acha. They have tweaked with the preparation over the years and this time it included charred little gem lettuce that was absurdly delicious.
My final night in The City was spent at Palette Tea House - outstanding dim sum in Ghirardelli Square, of all places. Same owners as Dragon Beaux, but the space is much nicer. The truffle duck fried rice is crazy good.
Cross posted from the offline thread - we are opening up to a March 10 Kikuhime sake dim sum brunch for anyone who is interested. We will have several open ishobin of the good stuff to share. Take a look at that thread and let me know if interested.
Any recommendations for a Wednesday night dinner for 3 people? Business trip so nothing crazy. I made a 9:30pm reservation for State Bird Provisions, which is fine for me, but may be too late for the other two I’m with.
We’re staying at the Marriott Marquis so if around there is a plus, but not limited to that area.
