4618 Mission Blvd. (858) 270-4991
Pacific Beach is the town I have called home since February of 2002, when I returned to San Diego from a several year stint in Los Angeles. I quickly noticed something interesting about my new surroundings as I began taking inventory of the local restaurants. Within a two block radius of the intersection of Mission Blvd. and Garnet Ave. there were no less than four Thai restaurants. I immediately began trying them one by one, and in the end, Thai Village emerged as my favorite. The owner is Thai, the cooks are Thai, and the restaurant is managed by a charming Thai lady named Nana, who also does much of the cooking.
Prompted by a recent discussion about Thai food on Chowhound's California board, I made plans to meet up with fellow PB resident and food blogger, Brunch Master Jim. San Diego Sunday Brunch Master It turns out Jim travels to Thailand once a year, is food savvy, and is quite fond of Thai Village as well. So last Saturday with thoughts of sampling old favorites, as well as new discoveries, I ventured the mere two blocks to enjoy some quality Thai cuisine.
After settling in at our table we got things rolling with traditional Thai Papaya Salad (small $2.95).
I enjoyed the sweet and sour combination in the vinaigrette dressing, combined with the heat of the chilies, and the tartness of the lime juice. Peanuts added flavor and texture to this crunchy salad. If you like Thai papaya salad, you should give Thai Village's rendition a try.
The next appetizer served was the Chicken Satay ($4.95).
The chicken is marinated, then threaded on to skewers and grilled. The meat was tender and flavorful. The satay is served with an absolutely addictive peanut dipping sauce, as well as a tasty cucumber salad. The chicken satay at Thai Village is one of my old favorites that I enjoy almost every time I visit.
We followed the up the satay with Finger Shrimp ($5.95).
This is an interesting appetizer that consists of shrimp wrapped in rice paper, and then deep fried to a golden brown. It is served with a sweet and sour sauce. The fried rice paper wrappers povided an enjoyable, crunchy texture, and the shrimp had good flavor. This offering was enhanced nicely by the sweet and sour dipping sauce.
The first entree to arrive was the Crispy Duck ($11.95).
This entree features a grilled duck topped with a pepper and garlic sauce that includes peas, carrots, and cilantro. This preparation is one of Brunch Master Jim's favorites, and I quickly discovered why. The duck was cooked to perfection, and the sauce was rich with the savory sweetness of roasted garlic. We were also served extra carrots and cabbage cooked in the same sauce.
I have always enjoyed Thai Village's duck entrees, but Crispy Duck is my new favorite.
We followed the duck with the Sea Combo ($11.95).
This entree showcased a generous portion of shrimp, scallops, squid, and crab stick, sauteed in a chili paste sauce. The seafood all tasted fresh, with the large scallops being my favorite of the mix. The chili paste sauce was sweet and spicey, and to my palate, married nicely with the seafood without overpowering it. I really enjoyed this dish, and would order it again.
Not yet done for the evening, our last entree, Avocado Green Curry with chicken ($8.95), arrived.
The curry had a luxurious richness from the coconut milk, a bright basil flavor, and a good amount of heat as well. Nana has devised a twist on traditional green curry by adding fresh haas avocados. The rich flavor of the avocado mated well with that of the green curry. The avocado curry is not listed on the menu, but it is available upon request. For me, the avocado took this curry to the next level.
There is a pervasive sentiment among San Diego foodies that our city does not have any good, authentic, Thai restaurants. If you subscribe to that mindset, you should visit Thai Village. While you will not find street venders selling barbecued insects by the bag on the corner, this does not mean the food is not authentic. Keep in mind this is not a fancy restaurant. If you want alcohol you must bring your own, but as there is no associated corkage fee, it is actually a great deal. Thai Village is a restaurant owned and operated by hard working Thai people, doing their best to produce honest, high quality Thai food.
Hi Captain Jack! It is just the right time of year to venture into Thai restaurants, isn't it? Your review is great, love the photos. I may have to linger in PB on this next Football Saturday. -C
Posted by: cathy | October 05, 2006 at 04:26 PM
Thai food! I tend to be dissappointed with Thai in SD. I usually like to head up to the OC for Thai as it seems a bit more homier and about the food up there. I'll definitely have to try out this place.
Posted by: Liz | October 05, 2006 at 06:30 PM
As a Northerner, I consider the heat of SoCal's summer and autumn to be perfect for Thai food. Those selections look absolutely scrumptious. I've got to try some Thai food soon.
- CP
Posted by: Chubbypanda | October 05, 2006 at 11:03 PM
Thanks for the review. Along with Cathy's review of Thai Basil at http:mmm-yoso.typepad.com this week, this is the best news for Thai in San Diego in a long time. I think we'll be making the drive down to the beach soon; all those dishes sound authentic or at least very interesting.
Posted by: Joseph E | October 06, 2006 at 12:15 AM
The avocado curry looks really rich. I think I have to go try some for myself!
Posted by: Nguyen | October 06, 2006 at 07:48 AM
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for the love, Big Blue did well yesterday.
Hey Liz,
Thai Village is definately homey, give it a try and let me know what you think.
Hi CP,
You are right, it is that Thai time of year, isn't it.
Hi Joseph,
I know, Cathy and I both did Thai this week, guess it is the time of year like CP said. I am pretty sure that they don't use alot of haas avocados in Thailand, but good food is also based on regional availability and California avocados rock.
Hey Nguyen,
It was very rich indeed, and I must say, I think Nana is on to something with this dish. She has blended traditional Thai with one of California's great assets.
Posted by: Captain Jack | October 08, 2006 at 10:15 AM
Mmmm...crispy duck! Going back next weekend for more!
Posted by: Jim | October 09, 2006 at 09:40 AM
hey, awesome pictures and great site, keep it up, i enjoy reading it
Posted by: christine | October 10, 2006 at 01:31 AM
Hi Cristine,
Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate you stopping by.
Posted by: Captain Jack | October 10, 2006 at 07:00 PM
Hi Jim,
Ok, that makes me jealous. Say hi to Nana for me.
Posted by: Captain Jack | October 10, 2006 at 07:03 PM
Hey Jack,
Nana said hello. As for the crispy duck...poor thing didn't stand a chance!
Posted by: Jim | October 14, 2006 at 11:57 AM
I am actually from Thailand and have been looking for a good Thai place to go to aside from the regulars in Hillcrest. I went to Thai Village this past weekend and felt like I was a bit closer to home ... So, thank you for the review!
Posted by: Little Miss | October 23, 2006 at 10:34 AM
Hi Little Miss,
sorry it took so long to reply but I was in New York all week. I am so glad you enjoyed Thai Village. Being that you are from Thailand, I hold your opinion in high esteem.
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