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The Essential Guide to Twin Cities Restaurants |
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Kate NG Sommers is a full time foodie and part-time photographer. When not cooking or eating, Kate can be found in Northeast Minneapolis with her husband Kyle and their rambunctious cats. More of her work can be found on her blog Fork Knife and Spoon.Photo Credit: Melissa Copon Photography 
Chef: (Bou) Haanpaa 1346 Lasalle Ave. Downtown Minneapolis Valet Parking Available (612) 332-6928 www.kingandithai.com Arriving at The King and Thai promptly at 5pm, we were able to find metered parking less than 1/2 block away and were just in time to grab a seat in the lounge for a happy hour cocktail. The restaurant was a welcome alternative to the chilled winter air. I think I even took off my scarf, a rare treat for a wimpy Minnesotan like myself. Wanting to order a specialty drink but not being a particular fan of the sweet stuff, our server recommended the King's Passion or the Singapore Sling. Over the course of the evening I ordered both (though The King's Passion was my favorite: house made passion fruit ginger punch, brandy and brut sparkling wine). Both cocktails were well mixed without being overly boozy (nor so drinkable I found myself under the table in 20 minutes, as can often happen with me and mixed drinks) and were just fruity enough to get me through a spicy Thai meal. 
We ordered the Veggie Curry Puffs immediately after we got our drinks. Described on the menu as a "delicate pastry filled with curried taro root," these little golden puffs of delicious and creamy taro and a perfect blend of curry spices were a fanstastic way to begin our meal. I was actually tempted to order another round but realized I had a full meal of family sized entrees coming my way. Darn. We proceeded to order and asked the server for his recommendations for one dish, as we already had the Pork Sriracha Fried Rice and Gaeng Puk in mind. He directed us to the Holy Basil Sauce that he mentioned was one of the spiciest on the menu. Bring it on!
I was most excited about the Gaeng Puk and it did not disappoint. I love a good coconut curry and this was right on the money. Many pieces of chicken and vegetables in a creamy pool of red curry will warm up any belly on a cold Minnesota night. The Holy Basil Sauce, as warned, was spicy but not so much so that one couldn't enjoy the flavor of beef and mushrooms in its savory sauce. The Pork and Sriracha Fried Rice was a creative twist on classic fried rice. It provided a gentle heat amidst the tangy goodness of moist and flavorful rice and tender pork. 
Though incredibly full at this point we still ordered two desserts and decided to go the more classic route trying the Sweet Sticky Rice and Mango Cake. Amazingly we were able to polish both desserts off without a problem. My favorite, the mango cake, was very light and a great palette cleanser for the end of a spicy meal. The Sweet Sticky Rice was served with Jackfruit (the fruit option changes seasonally) and a warm coconut sauce. The sweetness of the fruit and sauce was nicely balanced by the sticky rice beneath it.
My experience at The King and I Thai reminded me that the location is perfect for happy hours and group outings, being just a stones throw from downtown. And it is also great for romantic and cozy meals, perfect for warming up from the winter's cold. I look forward to returning in summer to order a fruity drink when their gorgeous patio is open. 
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 The Twin Cities Food Finds Restaurant Guide is the most complete annual reference directory for those who enjoy dining out in the Twin Cities.
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tcfoodfinds.com | TWIN CITIES FOOD FINDS GUIDE 2010 |