Banana Blossom
Backstory
The Banana Blossom opened in 2009, taking over a strip mall space formerly used by Cafe Zen (which moved next door). The owner goes only by the name Jimmy; he grew up in Thailand, where his parents operated a noodle shop. After traveling for a few years, he wound up in New Orleans and opened shop. He must have passed through California, because he makes a fuss about using a minimum of disposable products--no throwaway bamboo chopsticks, for example.
Dining Room
It's a small, narrow room with a handful of tables and a bright, colorful design. The atmosphere is dominated by the sound of an unusually happy, young crowd, which keeps place hopping most of the time. Sometimes a line forms to get a table.
Why It's Essential
This new Thai restaurant is more creative than most, and in its first year has attracted a large following, largely among young diners. Although most of the menu is made of the standard Thai dishes, it has enough original dishes to set it apart. (A few are just renamed classics, but never mind.)
Why It's Good
The restaurant buys excellent raw materials and cooks with skill and verve. The West Bank has better seafood resources than any other part of town, and that results in particularly fine seafood here. You'll find the likes of soft-shell crabs, clams, and stuffed Gulf squid among the specials.
Most Interesting Dishes
<em><strong>starters</strong></em><br /> »Avocado rolls in rice paper sheets, spicy peanut sauce<br /> »BBQ shrimp, wok-fried, spicy coconut sauce<br /> Crispy veggie egg rolls <br /> Roti (Malaysian flat bread, red curry sauce)<br /> Spicy clams wok-fried, spicy coconut sauce<br /> »Crispy calamari, jalapeno, sweet chili sauce<br /> Coconut shrimp<br /> Steamed pork dumpling<br /> Marinated baby back ribs, garlic-cilantro sauce<br /> Crispy tofu salad<br /> »Tom yum soup<br /> »Tom gha soup<br /> <em><strong>Entrees</strong></em><br /> <em>Dishes below cooked with choice of chicken breast, beef, shrimp, mixed seafood, or veggie and tofu</em><br /> »Spicy basil, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli<br /> Veggie delight (napa cabbage, broccoli, carrots, mushroom, bean<br /> sprout, tomatoes, garlic sauce)<br /> »Ginger lover (fresh ginger, onions, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini<br /> Spicy cashew nut (pineapple, broccoli, carrots, onions, brown sauce)<br /> »Pad thai (wok-fried noodles, egg, peanuts, green onions, bean sprouts)<br /> Bourbon noodle (pad kee mao--flat rice noodles)<br /> »Pad woon sen (glass noodles)<br /> Voodoo noodle (pad see ew)<br /> »Tom yum noodle (rice noodles, broccoli, carrots, bean sprouts, peanuts, spicy lemongrass broth)<br /> Basil spaghetti (angel hair pasta, vegetables, spicy basil sauce)<br /> »Chiang mai noodle (khao soi; yellow coconut curry)<br /> »Green curry<br /> Masaman curry<br /> »Pineapple curry<br /> »Red curry<br /> <em><strong>Specialties</strong></em><br /> »Garlic soft shell crab <br /> »Soft shell crab red curry <br /> Rainbow trout, tamarind-garlic sauce<br /> »Red curry trout <br /> »Coconut shrimp and ginger rice <br /> Fried rice with crispy chicken <br /> Thai fried rice<br /> Spicy basil fried rice<br /> Pineapple fried rice<br />
Deficiencies
They could use more local fish on the menu.
For Best Results
The most exciting food is found in the day's specials, particularly if you're in the mood for seafood.
Bonus Ratings
2
Attitude
1
Hipness
1
Service
2
Value