la.foodblogging

I don’t know how many KCRW listeners are reading this, but I have to say it is worthwhile to be a subscriber. Each year, I donate $50-75 for a one-year membership, and each I year, I feel like I receive more than I give. For a minimum donation of $50, you get a fringe benefit card which gives you discounts at quite a number of good restaurants around LA. This is how I found Rambutan Thai, where you get a 10% discount when you flash your membership card, but even if you’re not a member, the price of lunch at Rambutan Thai won’t break your budget.

First of all, let me say that this place is a hole in wall, in a tiny plaza. Unless you are specifically looking for it, you just might drive by without noticing it. In addition, the other occupants of the plaza look rather dreary, which has a tendency to make first-timers doubt entering Rambutan Thai, but trust me on this one. Once you enter into the restaurant, you feel you’ve been whisked away somewhere totally different. The decor is stylish, comfortable, and relaxing. The orchids throughout the restaurant and dark wood furniture gives the place a feel of sophistacation. Rambutan Thai’s successful balance of elegance with a casual atmosphere is probably why so many people frequent it for quick lunches as well as long lunch meetings. Oh, and for people like my dear mother who thinks no matter how good the restaurant looks and food tastes, it’s not really a nice restaurant unless it has a clean bathroom, the bathroom - well, for women anyway - is very clean.

Now I have to admit I haven’t tried anything not on the lunch specials menu (henceforth LSM). For those of you who think I only order off of the LSM because I’m cheap, you’re only half right! The first time I tried Rambutan Thai, I had no idea what to order. The waiter suggested I pick something off of the “from the grill” items on the LSM because those are their most popular dinner dishes. I took his word for it and ordered the Siam Pork Chops, which turned out much better than I hoped.

On the outside, the pork chops were slightly charred, giving it the right-out-of-the-fire feel, while the inside was juicy and tender. The pork chops must be dipped into the sauce they give you on the side. The mysterious vinaigrette adds a little spiciness, sweetness and tartness, and without it, the pork chops wouldn’t be as enjoyable. For garlic lovers like myself, this is the dish for you! You can also opt for the Grilled Garlic Chicken, which is equally flavorful. Non-garlic entrees include the Roast Duck Breast in a honey-based sauce served with bok choy and rice.

“From the grill” entrees are all served with your choice of rice (jasmine, garlic, or brown), and thanks to the LSM, they are all approximately $10. If you order any of these items for dinner, it’ll cost you $12-16. Of course Rambutan Thai has the standard Pad Thai, Prig King, Fried Rice, etc. I’ll definitely get around to those soon because I’m almost done sampling the “grill” items off of the LSM.

2835 Sunset Blvd
Silver Lake, CA 90026
(213) 273-8424

By Pauline (see more of her posts).