News Research Editor Karen Duffy recently had lunch at Thai Erawan in Ormond Beach with her friend and former News-Journal Photography Editor, Jim Michalowski.
What's the restaurant like?
We were impressed with the decor from our first step inside the door. Upon entering the restaurant, diners immediately see a large, full height wall fountain graced with the image of Buddha, separating the front entrance from the dining room. The interior is elegant, with dark wooden furniture and flooring.
Both tables and booth seating are available. The booths were especially inviting with a tapestry-like fabric and especiallywere comfortable and supportive. The dark interior decor was well-balanced with effective lighting in the booths.
What did you order?
The regular menu is extensive, and there were many lunch specials to choose from. Karen selected the chicken with garlic and black pepper special, while Jim chose the pork with ginger special ($8.50 each). We both added the optional soup of the day (chicken noodle) and spring roll to our special ($1.50 extra).
Both specials were served with a side order of jasmine rice. We agreed everything was delicious. The soup was full-bodied with ramen noodles, the finger-sized spring roll was crispy on the outside and the dipping sauce was just the right balance of sour and sweetness.
The presentation of the food was excellent and the portions were just the right size for lunch. The cups of rice were garnished with a sliver of red pepper and the main courses were colorful with fresh vegetables or green peppers and carrots.
How was the service?
Our server, Felipe, was gracious and attentive, offering frequent drink refills and promptly servicing the table.
What would you try next time?
Felipe described two specialty beverages to us, one being a fresh mango juice. We kept it simple with ice water this time, but after seeing a tray of mango drinks served in tall parfait-type glasses being delivered to the next booth, we made a mental note to try it on our next visit.
What was the total?
Two lunch entrees, including soup and spring roll, with tax, came to $21.30.
Thai Erawan
WHERE: 219 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
PHONE: 386-677-0999
HOURS: Lunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily; dinner: 4:30 to 10 p.m Monday-Thursday; 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 4:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday
