Bell Boulevard has become the dining mecca of northeast Queens. Leading that trend is Erawan, the award winning Thai food restaurant and its sister, Erawan Seafood and Steak just a few blocks away, where we had dinner.
As I walked in, I felt like I was back in Bangkok. The décor is spectacular. As I entered the foyer, I was impressed by a beautiful jeweled tapestry on the left wall and to my right, a stunning bar with small tables in a candlelit room.
As I entered the main dining room, I couldn’t miss the exotic statues and collectables that the talented, warm and friendly husband and wife team Paul and Oi have collected on their many trips back home to Thailand.
I have been there myself; their taste is impeccable. I wish I could buy some of the beautiful objects they have collected. The décor and ambience are matched by the wonderful quality of the meal I had and the presentation of each course is a treat to the eye and the taste buds.
Erawan Steak and Seafood is celebrating its 10th anniversary – a testimony to their great success in an industry that is known for brevity of existence.
With our drinks we had steamed dumplings, presented with garlic oil and soy mustard dip. They were light and chock full of chopped shrimp. We added a tasting of pan-seared scallops, a crab cake and grilled portabella slivered onto skewers. I only had a bite of each, but I was tempted to keep eating because each was so tasty.
That evening, the special was a beef Wellington appetizer that was spectacular. The filet mignon, perfectly cooked to medium rare in a flaky crust is a difficult dish to cook properly and a tribute to the chef.
There was also a butter soft baby lamb chop and deep-fried lightly crusted goat cheese balls. When you go, ask if they are making these specials. They are not to be missed.
There are several salads and soups; we had the day’s special salad: greens with chunks of avocado in a light dressing, with large pieces of lobster meat. Another winner!
On we went to the main courses of seafood and steak. Stu loved his Steak Gai-lun; a 16-ounce piece of prime sirloin steak, crusted and wok fried, served with Chinese broccoli.
My dish could have gotten a prize just for presentation, but after taking a bite of my three fish assortment, I must give the Grand Award to the chef. It is a different way to sample the Mahi Mahi, crusted tuna and a completely new fish to me – Kajiki. I must admit I finished every bite of it because I don’t know if I can get it again. I had never heard of it before. Paul shops for his fish and only buys what is fresh and often unique that day.
Now onto the grand finale – dessert. And grand it was.
We ordered the three balls of sherbet and a wicked chocolate mousse cake. But let me go back to the sherbet, we both were taken aback by its presentation – looking like a sculpture – again a treat to the taste buds and the eye.
Paul and Oi have created in their restaurant a level of service, food, presentation and environment that is one of the best in the borough. Even Zagat’s has rated them one of the best restaurants in New York City.
Try it, you’ll love it!
Erawan Seafood and Steak
213-41 39th Avenue (off Bell Boulevard)
Bayside, N.Y. 11361
Telephone: 718-229-1620
Fax: 718-229-2045
Hours: Closed on Monday.
Tuesday to Thursday from 4:30 to 11 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to midnight.
Sunday from 3:30 to 10 p.m.
213-41 39th Avenue
Bayside, NY
