Restaurant Review: Siam Bistro

You want ambiance, quality Thai food presented beautifully and cocktails that are moderately priced? This is the place to go!

This jewel of a restaurant, wrapped in warm teak wood, candlelight and a single fresh flower on each table, is a welcome change on the Lake Ridge scene.One would never imagine you are sitting in a small strip mall on the edge of Old Bridge Road.

Don't dismiss Thai food if you've never tried it. For my taste, it's lighter and less oily than Chinese and not all dishes are spicy, (menu is specific for mild, medium or spicy dishes). I love the whole package at this "dine-out destination" -- great service, fresh food, top-shelf drinks and especially a warm and inviting atmosphere.

My first encounter with Siam Bistro was at the 2006 Taste of Lake Ridge luncheon sponsored by the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce. The crowd was wowed with the restaurant's "shrimp blankets," and Siam Bistro took home the award for Best Appetizer -- full-size shrimp, stuffed with ground chicken and Thai herbs, wrapped in crispy spring roll skin and served with a tangy sauce.

Nunn Ratanaprakai, is chef and owner of this bistro-style restaurant that opened in January 2006. Appetizer selections include (Malaysian) satay, (Chinese) dumplings and steamed mussels served in a quaint covered crock flavored with white wine, lemongrass and basil. Thai food is actually influenced by three cultures; Chinese, Indian and authentic Thai, which relies on herbs, garlic, basil and pepper.

Ratanaprakai came to visit Virginia from New York City after almost 10 years in the restaurant business. He drove around looking for the perfect location to open a restaurant and discovered the "quiet and peaceful" community of Lake Ridge. A new wing of shops was being added at The Glen Shopping Center location on Old Bridge Road and this intimate venue with a 50-person capacity was perfect.

Ratanaprakai wanted to offer the community a health-conscious menu that preserved his culture.

Beside being fresh, characteristically Thai food has beautiful presentation. Plated with banana leaves or accented with fans of sliced strawberries, mango and avocado as in the Grilled Salmon and Mango Salad (another favorite of mine), all these things work to make dining in a Thai restaurant a total experience.

During our interview, I was introduced to two items from the menu that I had never ordered. First a Thai-style beef jerky, paper-thin marinated flank steak deep-fried and mildly seasoned, served with a carrot-cabbage slaw. This tender meat had no resemblance to American fried fare.

On the elegant side, we indulged in a pot of chamomile tea. Purchased in bulk and bagged in house, sipping this aromatic beverage from a delicate teacup evoked thoughts of a luxurious day at the spa. I am anxious to return and try the "once upon tea" with flavors of chocolate bits, vanilla, mint and rooibos, (South African red tea high in antioxidants and low in tannins). Both of these teas are caffeine-free.

Siam Bistro is working on offering a catering service. It currently offers free delivery service ($20 minimum), during dinner hours only, within a three-mile radius of the restaurant.

Also, should you visit Siam Bistro, look for the luncheon specials and weekly appetizer and entrée specials, and keep in mind knives aren't part of the regular table service.

In Thailand, it is traditional to eat with just a fork and spoon (push with a fork, cut and eat with a spoon). Chopsticks are available on request and knives are served with specific entrees, such as crispy duck.

Get to know the charming and attentive servers. You'll be glad you did; their bar skills are second to none.

Mary Ann lives in Lake Ridge. Her third cookbook, "SHORTCUTS, TOO," is now available at Salt & Pepper Books in Occoquan. Send questions or comments in care of this paper at P.O.Box 2470, Woodbridge, VA. 22195.

WANT TO GO?

» SIAM BISTRO, The Glen Shopping Center, 4129 Merchant Plaza (next to Fox Pizza),

703-878-8988, Siambistrothai.com

» HOURS

Monday through Thursday:

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (lunch)

5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (dinner)

Friday:

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (lunch)

5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (dinner)

Saturday:

11 a.m. to 11 p.m.