I was at the liquor store today trying to figure out how closely related Cocoa and Mole Bitters are. That usually means I just had a life altering drink somewhere, though its very rarely at a Thai restaurant. That drink is called Her Honey Hand (Rye whiskey, banana, antica formula, honey, mole bitter), one of the better drinks I’ve had this year. Of course as usual I got distracted at the Vermouth section (we can never have enough these days) but the quest for Mole bitters continues.
The drink being the highlight at my favorite Thai in the city just means I’ve had their highlights often enough and a level of brilliance with any new dishes is expected. This time in addition to the regulars the 7 of us tried the Squid Ink Fried Rice which easily leapfrogged to the top rice dish. The Goat Curry on the other hand, while excellent, is still behind the superb crab curry and Massaman Duck Confit. They were out of the latter, hence the New Zealand goat which tasted like a nice slow cooked lean beef.
Chalong quality hasnt changed, but the popularity certainly did. Probably the only Hell’s Kitchen Thai that requires advanced reservations. And even with reservations, you need to wait at the roped queue on the sidewalk before speaking to someone. Very different from our first meal years ago when it was mainly empty.
Here’s a complete list of my favorite dishes followed by the previous post:
Jeeb Pu (Dumplings)
Crispy Wings
Sator Goong (not for the faint of heart)
Crab Curry
Massaman Duck Confit
Mee Pum Riang (Southern style Pad Thai)
Squid Ink Fried Rice
Chalong Southern Thai
749 9th Ave
