Looking for authentic Thai cuisine?
Posted by The Skyliner on April 8th, 2009
Kellan Mayfield
Staff Writer
The Thai and I is located right beside the Tigerville Post Office. They serve a variety of cuisine from burgers to curly fries to fried rice and egg rolls. (Photo by: Daniel Jamison)
Life in the bustling metropolis of Tigerville can sometimes be a bit hectic and leave little time for dining. I am of course being a little sarcastic, but let’s face it: sometimes college students need something to eat and do not have the time to drive very far. The question is then, with The Thai and I being so close to campus, is it worth a try? Probably not.
The Thai and I is a quaint little restaurant that serves eastern cuisine, such as egg rolls and chicken fried rice, but also serves American food as well, like burgers, hot dogs and chicken tenders. But being as adventurous as I am, I wanted to get the full Thai experience.
The wait staff at The Thai and I was very polite, and when I asked about the menu’s options to make my meal spicier, the waitress was nice and seemed very knowledgeable. Once I sat down, my drink order was immediately taken and my soda brought to the table within the minute.
My food order, however, was not served so speedily. After ordering, I waited for a little over 15 minutes, in which time another party was seated and brought their food orders.
I ordered the chicken stir fry (extra spicy) which included chunks of white meat and assorted vegetables in a tangy sauce served over fried rice.
While the vegetables were fresh, the rice was a little overcooked, and rather than spicy, the sauce was pretty bland. The sauce was also extremely greasy and smothered the entire meal.
As I sat in The Thai and I, I could not help but feel like I was sitting inside a restaurant with an identity crisis. Some may argue that the establishment’s greatest strength is that it serves both oriental and American cuisine, but it seems to me that it is instead the restaurant’s greatest weakness, because it doesn’t really do anything exceptional.
I have to admit, I did have a laugh at the soy sauce and Texas Pete hot sauce being on the same table, as well as the Natasha Bedingfield being blared over the radio. I couldn’t help but think, “If Waffle House decided to go Thai, this would be the result.”
The prices are reasonable though, with an average meal costing $7 – $13. Figure in a discount for NGU students, and your dining experience may be more justifiable.
For NGU students looking for a quick bite, The Thai and I is conveniently located at the intersection of Chinquapin Rd. and North Tigerville Rd. just below campus. Hours are: Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 4:30 – 8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Sunday.
For a much more authentic Thai dining experience, try Bangkok Thai Cuisine in Greenville. The food is rich and flavorful (the Pad Thai is excellent), the service is superb, and the surroundings boast a rich oriental atmosphere.
Bangkok Thai Cuisine is located at 1440 Pelham Rd. just a short drive from I-85. Hours are: Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday – Saturday 5 – 10 p.m.