Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
When most Americans think of Thai food, they think of pad thai. In fact, I would bet most can only name one or two other dishes. That’s why in the last few years, many newer Thai restaurants in NYC have gotten away from the now ubiquitous and over-done dish.
But when the folks behind Uncle Boons decided to turn their meat and three Southern diner into an upscale Thai take-out restaurant, I imagine they knew they had to sell pad thai. It’s the king of Thai take-out.
Uncle Boons Sister, as the new spot is named, serves more than just this dish. The small menu runs the gamut from different curries to fried chicken to beef stir fry. And while I enjoyed the fiery crab curry and the cooling papaya salad, I just had to see how their pad thai (spelled phat thai here) stacks up.
As expected, chefs, owners, and married couple Ann Redding and Matt Danzer have made one of the better versions I’ve ever tasted. And I like to think I’ve had my fair share of pad thai.
Delicately cooked prawns with head (and roe) barely still intact top the usual noodle stir fry. The shrimp themselves were impeccable – soft, sweet, and tender. If these were served on their own, you might still be reading about them on this page.
The pad thai was also great – it had a bit more sweetness than most with a tamarind tang, a definite sour funk from the fish sauce, and excellent crunch from peanuts and dried shrimp. It was addicting and even though I wanted to take some of it home (this is take out after all), I managed to down the entire thing at one of the few tables. It was like I had discovered Pad Thai all over again. Price: $15
| UNCLE BOONS SISTER |
| 203 Mott Street (between Kenmare and Broome Street), Nolita (646) 850-9480 |
| uncleboonssister.com |
