Thursday, March 25, 2010

Two Thumbs Up for Tuk Tuk Atlanta


Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft is an interesting and tasty addition to the Buckhead restaurant scene.  On a recent weekday, my friend Becky and I headed over to check it out.  Located within the Kroger shopping center on Peachtree St., Tuk Tuk welcomes guests into a 2 story entry way, where an actual Tuk Tuk, a motorized rickshaw found in many Asian countries is parked.  Proceed to the elevators and head for level 3where you enter into a large, airy and spacious space, populated with dark hardwoods, high exposed ceilings and a lovely view of the area.  There is a rather large and inviting bar and an open kitchen and a wall comprised of Asian candies.  My companion and I began with Pla Muk Tod, crispy fried calamari served with a chili lime sauce.  I loved the tart spiceness of the dipping sauce and the calamari were wonderfully crisp and tender at the same time.  My entree was the Larb Kai, minced chicken with onions, cabbage, lime and a touch of palm sugar.  The combination of sour, sweet and hot was a perfect example of thai cooking using all the essential thai flavors to create something magicial and satisfying.  I was less enthused with Becky's entree, the Pad Zee U, flat rice egg noodles with chicken, egg, chinese broccoli and black soy sauce.  The flavors fell flat and it lacked the peppiness and zip of thai food I've come to expect and love.  Unfortunately we were too full for dessert despite the allure of a Bangkok snow cone or thai custard.  Let me also mention that our waitress Pauline was a doll and very, very attentive to our needs.  Infact the entire staff was very welcoming.  While a bit on the pricey side, Tuk Tuk definitely merits another visit in my book and has all of the elements of a memorable feast.



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