Even after eight years, dining at Erawan is still an exotic experience. There is something simple and charming about the ambience and the young servers in traditional Thai dress.
The owner, Paul Lim, has been in the restaurant business for many years going back to when he had a restaurant in Israel, opened several in Queens and shared experiences with his twin brother, Peter, who has restaurants in Manhattan. Knowing his background, we took his advice in selecting dishes for our dinner.
First, the three of us toasted each other with our drinks. Mine was a Bangkok iced tea, a tall drink with gin, rum, pineapple juice and whiskey sour mix ($11). My partner had an over-sized Lychee Martini with vodka and Lychee syrup ($11).
Next, we shared our appetizers attractively presented on trays and proudly served by Lim. My mixed chicken and beef Satay was two skewers each on separate plates accompanied by the always-great peanut dipping sauce and a small cucumber salad ($11). My seafood-loving partner had the Koong Yong: BBQ shrimp on a cabbage salad and with a spicy dip ($11).
The Erawan kitchen will modify dishes to your taste, spicy, mild or however. For example, my Sirloin Steak Cubes ($18) were spiced to my order. Each of the dozen or more large cubes were seared in garlic, scallions, peppers and lemon grass on the outside and left a tender, rosy pink on the inside. Delicious! However, it was more than I could eat so we took it home for enjoying again the next day.
Lim’s suggestion of White Tuna ($25) was also precisely prepared to order and elegantly presented. The flaky flesh was fork-tender and delicately flavored with a garlic sauce. Before long, as we shared this entr/e also, there was nothing left.
A Thai special entree with well-deserved reputation is Petd Shu-Shee - a crispy half duck with red curry, garlic and coconut milk ($18).
Noodles and rice can also be done in a special manner.
Try the Pineapple Fried Rice: a great combination of shrimp, chicken, oriental sausage, Thai rice, tomatoes, pineapple and onion ($12).
Vegetarians have their own listings on the menu where they will find some tasty, pleasing dishes. For example, there is Pad Pak Ruam - stir-fried Asian vegetables with ginger ($10).
Erawan does off premises catering, has a take out menu and caters larger groups for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Several smaller groups have birthday dinners here several times each week. A small party near our table was presented with a nice floral bouquet to enhance the occasion.
Erawan is famous for its traditional Thai Curries, $12 for chicken, beef or pork and $18 for shrimp. The five curries on the menu all sounded delicious but we might be partial to the Panang Curry with ground peanuts, chili peppers, kaffir lime leaves and coconut milk. An adventurous group might consider ordering several curries and sharing family style.
We also recommend the Luncheon Specials Monday through Friday (noon to 4 p.m.) at $7 for choice of chicken, beef, pork or vegetable dishes or $8 for shrimp or squid dishes.
Exotic Thai dishes in another category on the menu are served with vegetable fried rice and choice of house soup or salad. I was intrigued by the Pad Pak, a combination of oriental vegetables. Also in their own area on the menu are Noodles and Rice at $6, $7 and $8 (the extra peanut dressing at $1 is well worth it).
Desserts are rich and not to be upstaged so save room. Try the Sweet Banana in Warm Coconut Milk ($5) or to cool the palate, try the Fried Ice Cream with Fruit Sauce ($7).
Erawan has built up a steady clientele not only because of the delicious food but also for the warmth of their reception by Paul Lim and his charming wife and partner, Oi Lim.
ERAWAN
42-31 Bell Boulevard
Bayside, NY 11361
718-428-2112
www.erawanthai.com
CUISINE: Thai.
PRICES: A la carte menu. Appetizers: $5- $11, Basic Exotic: $12- $18, Erawan Specials: $12- $18, Desserts: $4- $9.
PARKING: Lot in rear or curbside.
HOURS: Open 7 days. Monday to Thursday: noon to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: noon to 11:30 p.m. and Sunday: 3 to 10 p.m.
TAKE OUT & CATERING: Yes
ACCESSIBILITY: All at street level with close spaced tables.
RESERVATIONS: Recommended (limited to groups of less than six on Friday & Saturday).
