Thai Face

LOCATION
On Falcon Street opposite Woolworths and the Crows Nest Hotel.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
In the mood for Thai with a twist of class? Well that’s just terrific – or Thai Face as the case may be. The Crows Nest branch of this restaurant chain occupies a busy, dark-toned space in the centre of the Lower North Shore suburb. Offering a range of variously shaped, funky seats, an open kitchen that lights up when the chefs play with the flames of their sizzling hot plates and a bar that sizzles just as brightly with a selection of cocktails, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks, it is a destination for your senses. But don’t stare around for too long – the real treats await you on the menu.

Spread across a few leisurely pages, this presents a good selection of the token favourites – noodle and rice dishes (the pad prawn Thai is particularly worthy of a mention), curries (Penang, green, red and so forth) and stir-fries. But what earns the restaurant its playful moniker is a selection of chef’s specials. Try the ped num bouy (roasted duck served with a blended plum sauce spcied with garlic, cinnamon, star anise and served with shiitake mushrooms and stir-fried bok choy) or the ever-popular pla muk tod (deep-fried salt and pepper squid served with crispy noodles and dressed with a sweet tamarind sauce). Just be aware that the servings are quite generous, so unless you’re ravenous it’s a good idea to share a few dishes with friends. Pair your selections with a drink from the bar or bring your own bottle of wine and while the evening away.

Agnes Gajewska