Trish S.
Yelp
My husband has been doing all of the cooking during our shelter in place and he's earned every day off that he requests. When we eat out, we try to eat what we don't prepare at home. I was jones-ing pretty hard for some Thai food, which led us to Khun Nai. It's on Eat Street, our favorite culinary destination, and we're really hoping these businesses survive this crazy period.
I ordered the meal online and arranged for curbside pickup. Yes, another chance for me to learn how to do this! This time there were no designated spaces, though they have parking available in a lot across Nicollet and one behind the restaurant. I scored a spot out front and called to let them know I was there. The cheery gal on the phone said it would be another 10 minutes. So I waited, sent some Mother's Day text messages and got out of the car to pick up the order. No call, no one at the door. Meanwhile other diners are walking in and walking out empty handed. Turns out Khun Nai is getting slammed; phone is ringing off the hook and there's only one, maybe two people in the kitchen. Whoa, Nelly! That gal on the phone was taking orders and running orders out from the kitchen like a whirling dervish! She was working so hard, no wonder I didn't receive a call.
The restaurant looks like a really nice place with thoughtful decorations, lots of live plants and a rustic floor. Currently all the chairs are up on the tables and the tables are pushed way to the sides, which enables diners waiting in the chilled evening - like me - to come inside and wait while distanced appropriately. There were eight of us waiting so I completely understood the wait and anticipated something wonderful for dinner. I couldn't get home fast enough!
Lemme tell you about the Por Pia Sod, aka fresh spring rolls. They are my kryptonite. If they're on the menu, I gotta have them. We ordered them with BBQ shrimp filling and the taste was so fresh. No cilantro to be found, which pleased The Hubster immensely. The best part IMHO are the ends. Some places make them with a tuck and wrap at the end, which means your last bite is all rice wrap. Not at Khun Nai! The filling just keeps on going.
I can't tell you about the Shrimp Pad Thai personally, but The Hubster assured me that it was delicious, fresh and tasty. There were so many big shrimp! He made all gone, I mean down to the last noodle. I wasn't about to get between a man and his favorite dish!
The Pad Cha Talay or spicy seafood stir fry is mind blowing. My picture doesn't do it justice because home plating. In the restaurant this would be served in a sizzling pan and I just drooled thinking about that. There were huge shrimp, mussels on a half shell (so much easier to eat; thank you!), an abundance of scallops and other seafood, peppers and herbs. The red curry was on point and - since I ordered with medium heat - my nose was off and running. It was the perfect mix of heat and flavor, something that is hard to define and even harder to find.
Please support this awesome restaurant... but don't take my seat because I'm coming back!!