"You think you know Thai cuisine? It's not all Pad Thai and Green Curry"
So on Thursday the lovely ladies at Pink Media arranged for myself and a few other local bloggers to attend a fantastic evening hosted by the amazing team at Chilli Banana down on Lark Lane. We had some great food, followed by great drinks, followed by even more incredible food.
Arriving at Lark Lane after walking through this heatwave I was welcomed by a gorgeous prosecco cocktail, consisting of lime, sugar, mint and a sprig of lemongrass to garnish. Dehydrated... it went down an absolute treat! I had the pleasure of speaking to one of the owners, Mike, and Founder May who gave me a real insight into their brand, and passion for Thai cuisine. Their catchphrase being "You think you know Thai cuisine? It's not all Pad Thai and Green Curry".
With there only being 12 bloggers invited to the event it was really intimate and we were able to enjoy the full experience of the restaurant as well as having the chance to really get to know the owners and the brand itself. Mike was so passionate about what he does and you can see a genuine love for the business and Thai Cuisine. It is very family orientated, and this comes across in the comfortable atmosphere. May's nephew Mang is the head chef and is supported as sous chef in the kitchen by his Mother (May's Sister in-law).
Canapé's arrived... and they didn't stop there! Take a look at all these stunners...
Thankfully Mike joined myself and Francesca (@glutenfreehorizons) to help with the eating, not sure we would have made it through them alone... however... we soldiered on! Favourites everything no joke, the highlights were the mushrooms squid and the dip that goes with them prawns, hot hot hot! Beautiful!
So you may have said to yourself, What an amazing sharer starter... oh no... that wasn't the starter... remember... I said Canapé's...
Starter arrived Khao Soi a Northern soup like curried egg noodle dish with chicken, shallots, lime and ground chilli oil. THIS is/was my favourite, I don't think I will ever order anything else in place of this as a starter, ever, ever again!!! No words will describe the flavours, they were well balanced, and all were perfectly cooked.
Did I forget to mention they also have a gorgeous wine selection?!?!?!
May treated us to a cooking demo of a Thai Salmon Salad and a veggie option of Tofu Salad. Felt like I was on Saturday Kitchen. We also tried the different versions of Thai basil (sweet and holy).
Did we try???
Obv!
And yes... I am aware that main hasn't even arrived yet and I have consumed at least 17,000 items on the menu!
Main arrived, Weeping Tiger Tears of seasoned Rib Eye Steak with a Palm Sugar Tamarind Chilli & Toasted Rice Grain Dip sauce. Perfectly Medium Rare, Perfectly seasoned, Perfectly presented... Do you see where I am going with this?
Sides: Jasmine rice and Stir fried Aubergines with sweet basil and chilli
Not a Pad Thai or Green Curry in sight (That's not to say they don't serve it) but it was so refreshing having traditional Thai cuisine that isn't what you would usually expect! The evening definitely did end on a high... Dessert arrived!
After scraping the last of what remained of this little beauty from the plate... it was safe to say I was completely and utterly done in! Get me my bed immediately as the food baby needs its rest.
Mike gave us a speech at the end and we were then presented with another amazing gift... as if the food alone was not enough... May's Cook Book
Personally signed as well!
Thank you so much Mike & May and to all of your absolutely superb staff at Chilli Banana they provided spectacular service and are a credit to you! Thank you to the girls at Pink Media for your fantastic event!
I'll be back soon!
Chris