Last week, Nicole and I were perusing the Upper East Side looking for one Nicole's favorite Vietnamese restaurants, Veatery. Upon arriving at Veatery's location, we saw a "new" restaurant had opened in its place. I use the term "new" very loosely. The interior was the same, the staff was identical, but the menu had been somewhat Americanized and there were fewer exotic items on the menu. Still a a very good restaurant and dining experience, but the menu change was bittersweet.
Fortunately, New York isn't a one-restaurant town.
Where Chinatown meets downtown, one can still find the genuine article. Thai Son, straddles the western end of Chinatown with the northern end of New York City's municipal row. Just a block away from the infamous "Tombs," one can find both an abundance of bail bond businesses and ethnic restaurants. Nicole and I were walking by when we spotted Thai Son. After our experience uptown, we thought we would give this unassuming location a chance. We were not disappointed.
The menu is quite comprehensive. They even have a frog legs entree in a nod to Vietnam's days as a French colony. Nicole and I went with some more cautious choices, but everything was perfect. The temperature food, the consistency of the rice, the flavor of the spices. How good was it? Nicole said she would share entree. Then she took a bite and reconsidered.
What about pricing? Yes, people say New York City is expensive. But if you are careful, the cost can be mitigated. And the New York experience is still very rich at a price most people can afford. At Thai Son, Two entrees, one appetizer and two drinks came to less than $35 after tax and tip. Hey, it's cheaper than flying to Saigon!
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