LOCATION
King Street Wharf, walk from the CBD down King Street.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Raised on Thai takeaway, Australians have grown to love their Thai food cheap and cheerful, and are uncomfortable with restaurants disrupting this stereotype. Note: don’t go to I Thai expecting the food to be quick or cheap. You won’t be served curried prawns from a bain-marie here – this is restaurant quality Thai with a setting to match. The owners aim to serve “up-market Thai cuisine in designer surroundings with sensational views”. The sharp monochrome interiors are tempered by the water and greenery outside, and with its warm balcony overlooking King Street Wharf, I Thai’s scenery is a good introduction to our fair city.
The kai kra pao pops with spice: the tender chicken and fresh basil leaves expertly stir-fried with chilli – the result lip-numbing, but good. The kitchen can accommodate requests for more or less spice, and there are gentle options for children such as pad seafood in mild sauce. The a la carte menu is only available for groups of less than eight, any more than that and you are forced to order from the banquet menus (not bad value, but I hate being cornered into a set menu). The service can be vague at times, but the food is expert and the location superb.
Jennifer Miller, April 2007
DETAILS
I Thai Restaurant and Bar is the brainchild of master chef Nelson Ng. Nelson and his wife, Joan, have a long and distinguished history in the restaurant business, previously having restaurants in Kirribilli and North Sydney. In fact Nelson counts two prime ministers among his past restaurant guests. Nelson insists on only the freshest of foods. Thus, market conditions often dictate seasonal changes to the menu ensuring the best quality for the diner.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
The restaurant serves up-market Thai cuisine in designer surroundings with sensational views. The menu is surprisingly affordable given the unique combination of cuisine and location. With an extensive menu and wines by the glass, there is something here for everyone. Meat and seafood lovers will love dishes such as Lamb Kra Pao (lamb pieces stir fried w/ chilli, basil, capsicum & shallots) and Nam Salmon (marinated salmon cutlet w/ ginger, garlic, soy sauce and wine served on a bed of bok choy), whilst the restaurant is also vegetarian friendly.
FUNCTIONS
I Thai is fabulous venue for functions, whether it be a corporate or private event. Numerous beautiful weddings have been held here capitalising on the gorgeous outlook over the harbour. The restaurant caters for up to 200 seated guests. Upstairs seats 140 guests and private dining can be accommodated for those wanting an intimate dining experience. Both upstairs and downstairs have their own bar.
PRIVATE ROOM
I Thai now has a private
room seating up to 50 people. Book your corporate function and enjoy privacy in this new room right on the waterfront - plasma screen, DVD player - opens out onto terrace.
BANQUET MENU
$36.80 per person
Mixed Entree of Thai fish cake, curry puff, vegetable, chicken wing, meat, spring roll, vegetables
Mains:
Homok (seafood steamed in banana leaf)
Keow Gai (green curry chicken)
Garlic lamb (Thai style garlic lamb)
Nua Basil (chilli basil beef)
Gado-Gado (steamed vegetables in peanut sauce)
Jasmine Rice
MAIN COURSE MAY VARY TO SUIT
Homok Seafood
Garlic Lamb
Nua Basil (beef with basil)
Keow Gai (green chicken curry)
Pak Pak (mixed vegetables)
Rice (jasmine)
PARKING -PLEASE NOTE THAT DISCOUNTED PARKING OR COMPLIMENTARY PARKING NO LONGER APPLIES
Tip:
Arrive in style with
Water Taxis Combined or
Yellow Water Taxis
H2O Water Taxis
