In 2006, when Spoon opened on Atlanta's Westside, the hip, contemporary restaurant brought city diners a fresh taste of Bangkok-style Thai cooking, with a friendly neighborhood vibe. Since then, it's become a favorite lunch spot for area office workers, as well as a fun place for dinner and drinks. Now, chef Aim Suteeluxnaporn and her sister, Sujaree, who runs the front of the house, have a second Eastside location on the edge of Ormewood Park.
Eastside scene
Spoon East Side takes over the space formerly occupied by Salsa Havana in a commercial center at the corner of Moreland and Ormewood avenues. Inside the look is industrial chic, with concrete floors and high ceilings. Minimal modern furnishings and quirky art work add to the stylish air. But, with the liquor licenses still pending, the bar area seems a bit disheveled and forlorn. Of course, the good news is that the current BYOB status means dining out here can be a better bargain. On a recent evening, a couple carrying a bottle of wine were barely seated when a cheerful server appeared with two glasses and a corkscrew.
Curry fresh
Suteeluxnaporn's cooking is built around curry, noodle, fried rice and stir-fry dishes that can be complemented with tofu, chicken, beef, shrimp or mixed seafood. But her fresh curries are the star of the show, from green with hot chili peppers and rich coconut milk, to spicy red with crunchy veggies, and sweetish Massaman laced with tamarind. Anything can be ordered in a range from medium spicy to hot to Thai hot, upon request. Panang curry is a Thai classic flavored with aromatic Kaffir lime leaves. At dinner time, look for nightly specials, and the regular menu offers several elegantly prepared seafood entrees, including delicate Golden Talapia ($17) topped with a light ginger sauce, and a pair of crispy soft shell crabs ($16) over a nicely spiced curry sauce with a melange of vegetables. At $26, a roasted half-duck with red curry sauce, vegetables, and longan fruit, is a bit dear.
Starters and sweets
When it comes to appetizers and desserts, Suteeluxnaporn has more than a few pleasant surprises. Tofu corn cakes are a unique favorite, with a pillowy texture and a savory/ sweet contrast of flavors. Chicken satay skewers, tempura veggies, and creamy coconut soup are all solid starters. Suteeluxnaporn's sweet tooth is on display in a range of treats not often found in Asian restaurants. Among the goodies: chocolate caramel mousse with coffee ice cream, and blueberry chocolate spring rolls with mango dipping sauce and coconut ice cream.
At a glance
Where: 749 Moreland Ave. Suite C 105, 404-624-4713
Signature dish: Curry and seafood dishes
Entree prices: $10-$26
Hours: Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.-Sun.. Dinner: 5-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 5-11 p.m. Fri.; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Sat.; 3-10 p.m. Sun.
Reservations: Yes
Credit cards: Yes
Online: www.spoonatlanta.com
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