Lamaii
White Rice
Tom Kah Gai – Chicken Coconut Milk Soup, Galangal, Mushroom
Kao Soi – Braised Beef in Northern Curry / Thin egg Noodles
Duck Basil Fried Rice – Roasted Duck, Jasmine Rice, Black Garlic Basil Sauce
Pad Thai – Stirred Fried Small Rice Noodles, Chicken, Egg, Green Onion, Bean Sprouts
Som Tum – Shredded Green Papaya Salad, Thai Chili, Lime Juice, Fish Sauce
Garlic Green Beans – Stirred Fried Green Beans, Garlic Sauce (served without Crispy Pork Bits by request)
Gai Him – Crispy Chicken Cubes, Roasted Cashews, Onions, Peppers
Drunken Noodles – Steak, Stirred Fried Wide Rice Noodles, Basil Leaves, Young Peppercorn
Many will remember Bank Atcharawan from his Sommelier days at Lotus of Siam, or later cooking at Chada Thai & Wine and Chada Street, but in early 2019 the restaurateur behind The Patio Desserts & Drinks made a return to his roots with Lamaii.
Having departed both Chadas in early 2018, the Restaurants soon to shutter with both spaces since reconcepted, Lamaii seeks to elevate classic Thai Food through pairings and packaging, Atcharawan’s love of Wine a frequent topic on social media while Lamaii’s décor features a blend of gold, grey and wood that is undeniably chic.
Unfortunately not visited prior to COVID-19 closures, but now available for take-out beginning at 11:00am daily, it was in celebration of a septuagenarian’s birthday that eight dishes were ordered, Bank assisting with dietary restrictions prohibiting Pork and Shellfish that only required the omission of crispy Bacon from Garlic Green Beans.
Translated as “delicately,” a word some may not associate with Thai Cuisine, Lamaii’s menu runs the gamut from “Small Plates” to Soups, Mains and Dessert, the Pad Thai a top-notch iteration with tender Noodles, crisp Bean Sprouts and just enough sweetness to tame a bold combination of Onions and Fish Sauce.
Requesting modest spice levels, the Papaya Salad nonetheless a bit too heated for one diner but a vibrant palate-refresher for others, those seeking spice will likely be fond of Tom Kah Gai teaming with Ginger and Mushrooms while Atcharawan’s Kao Soi sees Beef utilized instead of more traditional Chicken for an expected increase in richness.
Finding Rice better suited for the Curry than the Noodles from which it apparently takes its name, another Beef-based highlight is Lamaii’s “Drunken Noodles” featuring Basil and ground Peppercorns, the $20 pricetag easily justified by what is easily six ounces of tender Steak.
Also offering Duck with the Rice Noodles, but instead opting for crispy-skinned Fowl amidst Jasmine Rice, Black Garlic and Basil, it was on Atcharawan’s recommendation that “Cashew Chicken” rounded out the order, a dish called Gai Him masterfully balancing taste and texture with broad appeal even for those who many not typically gravitate to Thai.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS: Likely suffering slightly from take-out, considering Lamaii’s obvious focus on aesthetics, it is via well-culled menu that executes well across-the-board that Bank Atcharawan again proves highly capable of satisfying diners both familiar and novice with the Cuisine of Thailand.
RECOMMENDED: Tom Kah Gai, Kao Soi, Duck Basil Fried Rice, Gai Him, Drunken Noodles.
AVOID: Garlic Green Beans were requested with Pork on the side. None was included.
TIP: During current COVID-19 precautions business hours are 11:00am – 7:00pm for take-out and delivery. Delivery is offered within a 5 mile radius by calling 702-238-0567.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.
www.lamaiilv.com
