December Food Group - Thai in Elmhurst

[Jeffsayyes]

Here's what I'm thinking...
Sunday early or late afternoon...
Chao Thai - very highly regarded in the post-sriprapai era
http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGLS_enUS291US303&aq=f&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=chao+thai
smallish though

Boon Chu - solid place. english friendly. cool looking - its on broadway, green restaurant where the wall to the street is completely glass.

and finally, a new restaurant. which according to schedule will have just opened up by the time we have the meeting
Ayada - on 43rd ave and approx 77th st. Very nice interior. It is new, so that's exciting, but there are a few drawbacks in my opinion: new places may not have their act together. and also, this is not in Elmhurst chinatown which I wanted people to get a taste of when traveling to the place.

I think we should go not at prime supper time so we can have a more intimate experience with the staff and also because these places are not that big. I also expect more people to want to experience the Thai at these places.

so that's what I'm thinking...
as for the date: 14th, 21st or 28th... up for discussion as always.
and we will definitely do more thai in the future. there are too many good places to pass up.

[erikubz]

"very highly regarded in the post-sriprapai era"  ... I found that really funny for some reason.  Anyhow, I think I want to say Chao Thai.  I've never had or heard of most of the dishes mention in the article, so I'd be interested to try some new Thai dishes.  Also, I'm really excited about the fact that they play Thai pop.  Arunee used to do the same, but now they play mainstream American music.  I really miss the Thai music.  As for when, I'd say the 28th would be least convenient and the 14th would be most convenient, but I'd probably be able to make it any of those days.  During the day is good.  Yay Thai!!

[sb103]

Chao Tai works for me, also the 14th and late afternoon is great. Can we meet in JH and subway it together?

[judibean]

I'm up for some Thai food!  Any of those days are good and my vote goes to Chao Thai.  Will be bringing hubby too.

[broad]

The 14th is the only day of these I will be in town, and even then it might be too busy with holidayness.  So I am not voting, but will happily join if I can.  All sound tasty.

[Jeffsayyes]

THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14TH AT CHAO THAI IN ELMHURST.
5:25 pm



I've been working on the people at chao thai this week. I already got them to give me the "Thai only" specials... so I hope to get a great education in Thai dining and maybe a comparison of the cultures. There is a very helpful young man that likes to talk, but then I think his mother is a little more closed off. She looked at me askew when the kid gave me one of the thai specials.

They have vegetarian options and can cater to all sorts of diets. I will post more information on the food a bit later, but who's in??

[judibean]

Count two for me.  Boy, you are a very earnest foodie.  Are we going to see you sampling mama's cooking in the kitchen when we show up? 
Speaking of which, it's a trek for us, so we're planning to take the R one stop over to Elmhurst Ave.  We could meet some of you as a group at 5:15 on the R side of the platform at 74th St if you're starting from that point as well.

[Jeffsayyes]

Hey, I want us to have the best possible meal we can and learn more about the area we live in. I want to be informed and to expose new people to what else is out there. I also want to spread the popularity of these businesses so more will come and people will stop going to national chains. some of my goals to make the world a better place...

Thats a good idea to have a meet at the train station beforehand. I will meet you inside the restaurant though.

Here are some helpful articles to ordering at Chao Thai
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/506693
http://events.nytimes.com/2006/08/16/dining/reviews/16unde.html
http://www.villagevoice.com/locations/chao-thai-152990/

Id like to find out what region they are from, who do they cater to, what the differences are in how thai people eat and people born in the US. I'd like to get a good discussion going.

We on on the verge of Thai Town. It's happening...

[sb103]

Hey Jeff, I'm in. I'll look for a group on the R platform about 5:15, if I don't see you guys, I'll head over to the restaurant and meet inside, looking forward to it.

[Jeffsayyes]

http://cheapassfood.com/eats/show/314
another article about Chao Thai. We should have between 6-8 people again. December proved to be the least available month of all for people BUT the group is gaining interest and every month there are new members.  looking good for this week and let me know if you are interested!

[erikubz]

Chao Thai was so delicious.  It's almost neck and neck with Arunee, although I have to say Arunee still wins.  If you love Thai, I recommend you check it out.  I also recommend you walk there.  It's a colorful walk down Bway.

[Jeffsayyes]

great success.
best turnout yet, exposed people to new areas of the neighborhood, and i think people learned more about thai cooking in general and chao thai more specifically. we definitely will have to do more in that area sometime next year.

lucked out in the weather. I love walking around this neighborhood. always things to check out and talk about.