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Auburn Thai Garden Restaurant

Sep 01, 2011 05:30AM ● By Wendy Sipple

When my parents suggested treating me to Thai food recently, I jumped at the opportunity – both for the complimentary meal and the chance to indulge in my all-time favorite cuisine! After a scenic cruise through historic Auburn, we arrived at our destination. The modern, sleek décor and intricately folded napkins instantly caught my eye, while the aromatic smells triggered my appetite.

Soon after sitting down at one of the few tables still available, we were given ice-cold water and guided through the lengthy list of libations, from domestic and imported beers to a plethora of local wines. I chose to quench my thirst with a Singha, one of Thailand’s most popular lagers. The frosty and full-bodied brew did not disappoint; in fact, after my parents took a sip they each ordered one for themselves!
With an impressive menu – guaranteed to make your mouth water after simply reading the descriptions – the hardest part was narrowing our selections down. Finally, after much discussion and debate, we agreed on the Papaya Salad and Thai Garden Rolls to start, followed by the Pumpkin Curry, Pad Thai and Pineapple Fried Rice.

Each artistically-presented dish offered such unique textures, levels of spice and ingredient combinations that picking our overall favorite proved impossible. I personally enjoyed the Papaya Salad – heaping with shredded green papaya and tossed with chili, garlic, tomatoes, carrots and a spicy chili lime dressing then garnished with crushed peanuts – as well as the Pineapple Fried Rice – fragrant jasmine rice stir fried with pineapple, egg, onion, carrots, scallions, cashews, sliced chicken breast and shrimp. But my parents raved over the creamy, mildly sweet and slightly spicy Pumpkin Curry and the bold explosion of flavors in the Pad Thai.

Despite the appeal of the desserts, namely the Mango with Sweet Sticky Rice, we opted to save it for our next visit to Auburn’s Thai Garden…a restaurant blooming with delectable food and top-notch service! •