Spicy Hot- Spicy Good!

Critique No. 3
Restaurant:
Thai Spice
1192 NE Douglas
Lee's Summit, MO 64086
816-347-9859

Cuisine: Authentic Thai
Max. Seating Occupancy: 57
Price Point Average: Lunch- $6.99, Dinner- $8.99

(Well, I was referred to this next restaurant by a reader of the blog- Thanks for the tip, and keep the referrals coming!)

In an unassuming little strip mall off of Douglas Street in Lee's Summit you'll find dry cleaners, Army recruiters and other merchants; but rarely do you find a restaurant that pays attention to details like this one does. I walked in to Thai Spice, Authentic Thai Cuisine and was pleased to see a business owner that cares about presentation. They've been at their location for a year and 8 months and have been embraced by the community as the "go-to Thai place". I was seated at my choice of table or booth (I took the booth). The aroma of Thai tea was perfuming the room, so I had to order some. Then I was told that with my meal comes with either a salad or hot and sour soup, I opted the soup and it was amazing. A delicious combination of mouth-feels, the soft texture of the tofu and the silkiness of the egg all mixed with the deep complexity of that broth. For the appetizer I enjoyed the Fried Dumplings.

They were filled with wonderfully tender chicken and vegetables and a homemade sauce was served for dipping. It was rich and savory. The thing I loved about these dumplings was how they were plated. This is when I started to notice the cuisine part of Thai Spice. A Rectangular plate with a bed of red and green cabbage and these little pillows of fried goodness resting on top. The simple detail of garnishing food with food you can eat instead of scraps of parsley. The cool, crisp cabbage against the warm tenderness of the dumpling all tied together with the sauce...ahh..it was scrumptious; and this was just the appetizer! Next was the entree of Pineapple Fried Rice.

This was something I'd never even heard of- and the reason is simple, it's a Thai food classic and this was my first Thai meal. Fried jasmine rice with segments of sauteed pineapple, shrimp, chicken, roasted cashews, raisins, egg and scallions. Wow! This was served with two wonderful little Crab Rangoon and a beautiful dish of four sauces and spices. Red chili flakes, jalapenos, a hot and sour sauce, and a scallion vinegar sauce. The hostess told me that the red chili sauce was good on the fried rice, so being the brave soul that I am- I went for it! OH MY! They lived up to the Spice in their name. Spicy, but in a way that didn't kill you- it kind of rolled around in your mouth then ends up on the back or your pallet to cool down. In all of this experience, I've tried to be objective and not just sing the praises of an establishment but look at any negative or challenging aspects. In this case however...I really can't. This was a great meal, served by great people, in a relaxing environment and I have nothing but good things to say it. They are open 7 days a week for dine in or carry out. Thai Spice is a family owned, local gem that you won't mind visiting time and time again.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Please visit this locally owned business and see if you agree!