Donovan D.
Yelp
Wow, I'm so glad that Lucky Noodles popped up in my Yelp feed -- because I've driven past the location countless times and never noticed this unassuming gem. I don't know how Yelp knew I was craving authentic Thai -- but I'm grateful that it surfaced Lucky Noodles on a late Friday afternoon after I skipped both breakfast and lunch.
This charming restaurant is located in Denver at the SE corner of Colfax Ave. and Marion St. with curbside parking. Upon walking in, the friendly vibe, simple yet elegant and thoughtful decor and abundant plants immediately reminded me of small, family operated restaurants I had the privilege of enjoying in Chiang Mai, Songkhla and other places in Thailand. I was greeted by friendly staff and Ploy, the owner who gave me both the standard menu and the "secret" Thai menu.
All of the expected Thai standard appetizers, entrees and desserts are presented which made it hard for me to choose -- so I impulsively asked Ploy to recommend something. She suggested Khao Soi based on my preferences and the weather. Ploy explained how she prepared the curry and how she tracked down the missing trick to producing the aroma that reminds her of her grandmother's Khao Soi in Chiang Mai. I added Singha Thai beer and asked if they had Cha Ma Nao (Thai iced lime tea). Ploy said it's not on the menu but she would make it for me. At that moment I sensed that I had stumbled into (or was led to) a very special place.
I am writing this review as I'm enjoying this extraordinary meal that was made with love and served with care and the pride that comes from being deeply invested in creating a personal work of art. The Khao Soi is delicious -- the curry, pickled veggies, egg noodles, crispy chicken and other ingredients are each perfectly prepared and the combination greeted me with an aroma that invited me to just stop and savor everything. Which I did.
Every bite and every sip revealed something delightful: delicious flavors and wonderful textures that are the result of thoughtfulness, planning, careful preparation and the desire and will to present something special to guests. The Singha beer was a nice, crisp and refreshing compliment. Each sip was a reset and made the subsequent bites and sip of Khao Soi brand new.
I chased this fantastic meal with the Cha Ma Nao prepared just for me. And I'm deliberately taking my time as each sip reminds me of the thoughtfully prepared meals I enjoyed in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Songkhla and the dear friends and extended family in The Land of Smiles that made those meals so special for me. I don't want this meal to end, but I'm grateful that I can relive this experience and fond memories on-demand at the corner of Colfax and Marion.