Thai Angel Restaurant :: 1812 Vets Highway, Islandia

We’re back! And we’ve ventured outside of Smithtown. This time to the Thai Angel Restaurant in Islandia. It’s tucked into the outdoor mall on Vets Highway in Islandia (next to the Walmart and Dave & Busters)  and nestled in a corner with confusing signage that hangs over the Radio Shack sign. It’s easy to miss.

Jennifer ate:

Spicy Noodle with tofu from the lunch menu — ($10.95)
Thai Iced Tea (a must-have with any Thai dish) — ($2.50)

I’m just going to start out with “yum”. And not just because I love Thai food (I do).

It’s easy to miss Thai Angel because of the way the mall is laid out, so keep your eyes open, you don’t want to miss this place. There’s a bar when you first walk in which, during lunch, has several bored-looking people standing around waiting for their to-go orders. Once you’re seated, the large dining room has high ceilings, deep red walls with gold-painted Thai goddesses, and beautiful solid wood high-backed chairs that I liked, but Chuck and Aaron didn’t.

Of course, before I go on, I must mention the temperature. I know it’s cold outside (in the 20s) but come on. That means you have to better heat the inside. The restaurant was freezing cold inside! Cold enough so that you can barely feel your fingertips and your food cools more quickly than you can eat it. Even the guys were cold. Moving on…

The lunch menu has a nice selection of offerings and come with soup or spring roll and Thai salad. The Thai salad came out first and was yummy! The peanut dressing is usually good, but this one was spicy as well, which I enjoyed. Next came the vegetable spring rolls, which were delicious. Probably because they were fried. But the light sauce they sat in was also very tasty.

I’m glad I saved my Thai Iced tea for the main dish though, because it was perfectly spicy and the tea takes the sting out. The broad rice noodles were super and the veggies were perfect. I wish I knew how they are able to make their tofu so crispy and tasty. It was outstanding. I would have liked a few more veggies, maybe a bit more tomato and basil, but the overall flavor was delicious. Really, really good. I will probably be craving this again tomorrow.

The bottom line:

Spicy Noodle with tofu – so yummy.
Thai Iced Tea – perfect.
Overall rating: Gotta go! Now! Go. Really, really good. Just bring a warm coat. And maybe gloves.

Chuck ate:

Chicken Pad Thai from the lunch menu ($10.95)

Ok, first things first. Thai Angel is a really nice looking place with rich color on the walls, Asian decorations and appointments, and clean spacious bathrooms. It was a bit cold in the restaurant though. In regards to the chairs, while they looked nice, they were incredibly uncomfortable. They felt similar to pew seating, not concave scallops to hug your hiney, just flat wood.

However, we didn’t come here to talk about chairs, we came to eat. And eat we did. The salad was good and spicy (which was surprising), but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Next was the clear noodle soup which was also good but I would have liked some more noodles in it (it was a bit veggie-heavy for my tastes — Jen would have liked it though ;P). The meal arrived quickly and on large, leaf-shaped plates — a very nice, subtle touch. I usually like trying something different, but since this was the first time here, I figured I would go with the safe bet and order the Chicken Pad Thai. Boy, was this a good move! The Pad Thai was excellent. Just the right amount of spicy (for me) with generous amounts of finely chopped chicken, noodles and veggies. I ate the entire plate and felt satisfied (not full).

The bottom line:

Chicken Pad Thai — Excellent flavor and a generous portion.
Overall rating: Excellent food and decor, just bring along a cushion.

Hotoke :: 41 Rte. 111, Smithtown

A tasty new Smithtown treat is Hotoke, a Japanese hibachi-style restaurant boasting the “Fusion Sushi” title you see so often these days. Hotoke is in the Uncle Guiseppes’ shopping center, just south of Main Street in Smithtown.

Jennifer ate:

Hibachi Lunch: Vegetable ($6.65)
with Buckwheat Noodles ($2.75)

We’ve been waiting for this place to open since we’ve been running low on interesting Smithtown eateries that we haven’t blogged about yet. And it was worth the wait! Interesting decor as you walk in, it’s dark but inviting and the restaurant is really set up with three distinct eating spaces that flow well into each other. The bar area is first, which, I imagine, is bustling at happy hour, but not so much at lunch. A more traditional dining room area is central, followed by hibachi-style seating in a somewhat closed off area of the dining room. (That’s the group-type seating where the chef cooks on a large, flat surface while doing fancy things with knives and sauces, and you sit with strangers. Doesn’t appeal to me, but has a large following by those who enjoy playing with their food (or having their food played with).)

The Vegetable Hibachi Lunch meal was outstanding! Of course, first came the mushroom soup and standard Asian salad with ginger dressing on iceberg lettuce, both were good. With the meal they brought out two tasty dipping sauces, one mustard (wasabi) and one ginger (reminiscent of the salad dressing). Both were very interesting and I couldn’t decide which way I preferred the already tasty veggies, alone or dipped in one of the sauces.

When you order the Hibachi Lunches you can also add on either hibachi fried rice or buckwheat noodles. Both were tasty, but the buckwheat noodles were outstanding! And far healthier than fried rice.

We finished off the meal with a dessert this time, the traditional deep-fried ice cream, which is always delicious! It is definitely big enough (and calorie-laden enough) for two to share.

The bottom line:
Vegetable Hibachi Lunch– Really, really good!
Buckwheat noodles – Try them!
Overall rating: Another superb addition to Smithtown’s collection of yummy Asian eateries. And it’s new so go check it out!

Chuck ate:

Hibachi Lunch: Chicken ($7.65)
with Hibachi rice ($2.75)
2 pcs. Smoked Salmon Sushi (a la carte) ($5.50)

Mmmmmm sushi. Seriously either you love it or you don’t. I (happily) love it and I get it every chance I can. My beloved smoked salmon came to me on an intriguing rectangular plate, tasty and sticky white rice and wasabi. It was good, real good and whetted my apetite for the coming Habachi lunch.

Unlike Jennifer I enjoy the Habachi Chef and the culinary antics that ensue. The performance aspect of the meal makes it more of an event than just “let’s eat!” and I like that. The lunch was exceptional, I found the ginger salad dressing tastier than other eateries we’ve blogged about and the Habachi chicken and rice were fantastic. As Jennifer stated, the sauces where excellent as well.

While I am by no means as enthusiastic about dessert as Jennifer is (particularly ice cream) – tempura ice cream is just plain awesome.

The ambience was great. I really liked the dark wood feel and the floorplan makes it perfect to host private parties. They also have a bar, so why don’t you saddle on up for happy hour and have yourself a Saki?

The bottom line:
Chicken Hibachi Lunch and Rice – Flavorful and light.
Smoked Salmon Sushi – Awesome.
Overall rating: Yeah, gotta agree with Jennifer. Hotoke is a great place and a fine addition to Smithtown’s excellent foodscape.

Shiki :: 97 E. Main Street, Smithtown

Shiki Japanese Restaurant has a narrow storefront on Main Street in Smithtown with an unassuming awning and simply decorated front window. There is also a rear entrance accessible from public parking off Bellemeade Rd.

Jennifer ate:

Bento Box Lunch Special – Cucumber Roll, Edamame, Salad, Miso Soup, and Vegetable Tempura ($11.50)

Walking down Main Street in Smithtown, you might easily miss Shiki with it’s unassuming storefront and rather plain awning, but you’ll want to take note and stop in. It’s simple entrance and narrow hallway open to a simple, tastefully decorated dining room in the front, and a more traditional area in the back with tatami mats.

Although our server was less than enthusiastic, she was attentive, brought our food quickly, and cleaned up our table several times during the meal. At the height of the lunch hour the restaurant was less than half full, so I have to assume that business picks up later in the afternoon and at dinner time.

The presentation was good, typical of what you’ll find in American Japanese restaurants. The meal was outstanding. The lunch menu has quite a variety of interesting options and I chose a Bento Box which lets you choose one item from each of three lists. There were enough meat-free selections for me to have options and I chose a cucumber roll, edamame (lightly salted boiled soybeans in pods), and vegetable tempura. Included with the meal was a typical salad and miso soup. This was quite a large lunch!

The salad was typical with iceberg lettuce and sesame/ginger dressing, but had added interest with small pieces of brocoli and orange slices mixed in. The miso soup was somewhat less salty than I’ve had at other restaurants and decidedly better that way. The Bento Box was pretty with compartments for each item. Cucumber rolls are pretty much the same no matter where they come from, but the vegetable tempura was outstanding. The edamame is always a fun treat and if you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend it. (Pop the soybeans out of the pods and enjoy.)

The bottom line:
Bento Box with cucumber roll, edamame, and vegetable tempura – Good all around!
Overall rating: Overall, the meal was great. For a good Japanese dining experience, give Shiki a try on your next visit to Smithtown.

Chuck ate:

Chicken and Vegetable Tempura Lunch Special ($7.95)

I am increasingly impressed with the quality of Asian cuisine on Main Street. Shiki is good – It’s bright with faux finished walls and a single skylight in the center of the main dining area. Sushi chefs are in full view and welcomed us in to the restaurant with a firm “Hello” and even thanked us for dining and said goodbye. I liked the simple, bright ambiance and was impressed with the food.

I just didn’t feel like raw fish today, so I decided to go for something a little different. I chose the Chicken and Vegetable Tempura and I was not disappointed. Incredibly light and flaky, the chicken was tasty with a mild dipping sauce and the veggies where excellent. The meal was served on a bamboo plate with a doily (both a nice presentation and functional arrangement to soak up any extra oil — which there was none, BTW).

I agree with Jennifer regarding the soup and salad. She also encouraged me to try the Edamame and I liked it. Really simply, but pretty good. I think I will have a bowl the next time around.

The bottom line:
Chicken and vegetable Tempura – Tempura done right. Very good.
Overall rating: Nice and bright with friendly Sushi chefs. Shiki has a relaxed feeling with attentive staff and excellent food.

Genghis Khan :: 71 E. Main Street, Smithtown

Genghis Khan sits next door to the Frame Center on the corner of Main Street and Landing Avenue in the heart of Smithtown village. It is self-proclaimed Pan-Asian cuisine, with tastes of Koren and Japanese fare. Take-out options and “Free Delivery” are advertised in the front window.

Jennifer ate:

Hotstone Bowl – vegetables and egg only, no meat ($8.95)
Small House Salad ($1.95)

Designed primarily for takeout, the few, small tables and wobbly floor give Genghis Khan a decidely “fast-food” feel.

Walking through the front door, we were greeted by a small, empty dining room and a friendly, eager staff. After being seated we explored a 2-sided, plastic-laminated menu and ordered drinks — water and diet coke — which were served in a bottle and can, respectively. Not what you’d expect while sitting at a table. This was our first indication that Genghis Khan is primarily designed to be a take-out eatery.

The wait staff was eager to explain the variety of offerings on the menu. I needed assistance to come up with a vegetarian option, and I went with the Hotstone Bowl with vegetables and rice, served with a spicy sauce on the side. (He also asked to make sure we were comfortable using chopsticks (we are) and would have offered to either give us forks or show us how.) The standard miso soup appetizer was served in styrofoam bowls with plastic spoons, our second indication of GK’s take-out focus.

The house salad was basic iceberg lettuce with a few pieces of purple cabbage and carrot strings and a watery dressing that was flavorful enough but not remarkable. The salad was also served in a styrofoam bowl. When the Hotstone Bowl showed up, it was indeed hot! The rice and vegetables were sizzling and steaming as it sat on the table, and an egg yolk sat in the center. I was informed that I was supposed to mix everything together, then add the spicy sauce to taste.

Overall, the meal was good, not great. The vegetables were sparce (more were needed for flavor), mostly rice and fairly bland. The spicy sauce added some flavor, but there was a little bit too much oil for my tastes. Not sure I’d eat at Genghis Khan again, especially with the lack of vegetarian options available.

The bottom line:
Hotstone Bowl with vegetables over rice – Decent Asian-American cuisine. Not quite a unique blend of flavors, rather bland.
Overall rating: You might want to try some of their take-out, they have a variety of options. However, if you’re looking for something unique, there are better options in Smithtown.

Chuck ate:

Spicy Chicken Bento Box ($8.95)

Genghis Kahn certainly conjures up an interesting mental image when seeing and hearing the name. I imagined GK himself standing in front of an hibachi with a “Kiss the Cook” apron holding a spear in one hand and tongs in the other. Alas, the Kahn was nowhere to be found, he did however, leave me with a nice lunch.

I say “nice” because GK was a little unexpected. First, it was small with small 2-seater tables. The service was exceptional though and very helpful. I was, however, expecting a more high-end dining experience — e.g. actual utensils and tableware (not Styrofoam and plastic) and at the very least, a glass with ice. Now, that being said, the food was good. The Miso soup was good, though the Styrofoam bowl was a buzzkill. My Bento Box arrived in Japanese-box-lunch-shaped black plastic (obviously a take out item — reminiscent of the plates at Boston Market). It included a salad, tempura veggies, a dumpling, spicy chicken, 3 California rolls, Wasabi, and a healthy scoop of rice with sesame seeds. The tempura vegetables where tasty, the spicy chicken was spicy (but not too), the salad was fine, the rice was bland, the dumpling and the rolls where both tasty. I was actually unable to finish the lunch, so the portions where good.

The bottom line:
Spicy Chicken Bento Box: Good variety, not bad.
Overall rating: If you have a hankering for some Asian and want to eat in, by all means, give GK a call, have them deliver or get take-out.

Thai House Restaurant :: 53 W. Main St., Smithtown

The Thai House Restaurant on Main Street in Smithtown is tucked discreetly along the main row of narrow storefronts. Joan Reminick from Newsday says, “The spice is right at this up and coming Thai House in Smithtown.”

Jennifer ate:

Pad Kae Mao ($7.95 lunch special)
House Salad (comes with lunch special)
Thai Iced Tea ($2.95)

It’s easy to miss the Thai House on Main Street. An unassuming exterior boasts a favorable Zagat rating in the window and opens into a tasteful and simply decorated dining room. (But don’t come on Tuesdays, it’s closed!) It was fairly quiet for a weekday lunch hour with three or four other parties already seated. Menus and water were brought to the table quickly, but nothing on which to nibble as you browse meal options.

An extensive selection of Thai cuisine is presented in an easy-to-understand fashion, with additional pages in the back to explain various spices. (A helpful tool if some of the menu items are unfamiliar to you.) Each menu item is also clearly explained so you have a very good idea of what you’re ordering.

I treated myself to a Thai iced tea, which I highly recommend. It’s a creamy, sweet tea that compliments potentially spicy dishes typically available at Thai restaurants. The lunch menu was diverse and extensive. I chose the Pad Kae Mao, a mildly spicy, sauteed flat noodle with vegetables, basil, onion and red bell pepper. Lunch menu selections come with a small house salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, fried bean curd and their house special peanut dressing.

Both were delicious. The salad was light and tasty. The Pad Kae Mao portion was on the large side, but was full of flavor and well balanced. (I’m stuffed!) Contrary to other local Thai restaurants and in keeping with more traditional Thai customs, chopsticks are not made available. It is my understanding that chopsticks are not traditionally used in Thailand, Thai people use spoons, forks and knives to eat their meals.

The bottom line:
Thai iced tea – Always a treat. A sweet, flavorful tea.
Pad Kae Mao – Well seasoned, not too spicy, just enough to “feel” the flavor.
Overall rating: Yum! Great traditional Thai food at an affordable price. I will most definitely go back!

Chuck ate:

Gang Massaman w/ Chicken ($7.95 lunch special)
House Salad (comes with lunch special)
Thai Iced Tea ($2.95)

What an interesting little restaurant. Inside was nice and bright; from the Thai design decorating the interior to the photos on the wall — this was an inviting and comfortable place (nice plush seat cushions, too!). The service was prompt and very respectful/friendly. They seemed genuinely thankful that we were dining with them, and were eager to refill water glasses and clear our empty plates.

Since this was the second time I had ever eaten Thai food (the first being Pad Thai at a Manhattan restaurant last month), I wanted to try something different that included curry. My palette is fairly resistant to spicy foods so I figured I’d be safe . I really appreciated the “spicepedia” (my word, not theirs) that explained all the spices used in Thai cooking, as well as their medicinal values (who knew curry had anti-flatulance qualities?).

The Gang Massaman was excellent. The combination of the sweet coconut milk and mildly spicy Massaman Curry complimented with chicken, onions, potatoes, red peppers and rice was amazing. I only wish the dish had more red peppers.

The salad was nice and light with a sweet peanut dressing. On Jennifer’s insistence I had the Thai iced tea. It was very unique, having an initially “rounded” sweet taste with a sharp tea aftertaste. I liked it, but not being an (unsweetened) Tea drinker, it had limited appeal for me (Jennifer actually finished mine).

The bottom line:
Thai iced tea – If you like tea, you will like this alot. It would be really good on a hot day!
Gang Massaman – Mild and sweet with the vegatables cooked to perfection.
Overall rating: Great price, great place, great food. I will be back. Oh yes, I will be back!