In Search of Good Food: in the land of Thai
By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Contributor
The World Cup ended Sunday, Spain defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time, and that makes this article the last of our series on foods of the world. This does not mean food from around the world won’t make an appearance in the future, of course. It will happen often.
Thailand did not field a soccer team for the World Cup, but their food has made a statement around the world, reaching heights in popularity close to the likes of Chinese and Mexican food. I had not yet joined the millions that have tried and love Thai food. This changed a couple weeks ago, when I went to Zaap’s Thai Cuisine, 3244 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City. I am so happy that writing these articles led me to visit Zaap’s.
New to a Thai restaurant, I had no idea that curry was the central spice theme of Thai food. Curry is something I like, just in smaller doses! Zaap’s does their meals with a 1-5 range of curry and heat.
We started with Thai Egg Rolls and the fried Chicken Balls. The Chicken Balls were marinated in sweet and sour sauce, minced and rolled into a ball and deep fried. They had a crispy outside and juicy center; the sweet and sour marinate added a nice touch of flavor as a starter.
The Thai egg rolls were outstanding, with great flavor and a sweet and sour dipping sauce that made each bite excellent I believe. Somehow I only got one bite! When I went back for another, all I saw was an empty plate.
I ordered the Shrimp Karee. I opted to go with the level 1 on the curry and heat scale, not wanting to get too much heat and be unable to taste the food. The next time I go, I am sure I’ll go to the level 2.
The shrimp was in a sauce that was very silky and smooth, with good flavor. The shrimp were cooled perfectly. The dish also came with rice. The dish was way too big for me to finish, so half ended up as leftovers. It did not last until bedtime! My son-in-law ended up eating it, and said he enjoyed it even a couple hours later.
My daughter ordered the Basil Fried Rice, adding chicken as the protein. She went with a 3 on the curry and heat scale. I did try their dish, after I had finished eating mine, and I am glad I did. The fried rice had a strong bite to it, more than my taste buds could have as my own meal. She very much enjoyed it. She can handle heat much better than me.
Zaap’s has a menu page with more American type items, so if you have a person or two in your family that doesn’t enjoy curry, they are able to still enjoy a meal with you.
Zaap’s also has a variety of dessert options that I will be trying next time I go. For now we will just have wonder how good they are, and expectations are very promising.
Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net
