Big Ups to Anothai!

I'd be up for some Ethiopian too.

I'd like some more Afghan places near us. They are usually cheap and good eats.

 

I think it's a combination of both 1) increasing popularity for Thai food 2) availability of rental space. Obviously, Thai food has become much more acceptable as reasonable and healthy food over Chinese during the past few years. Compared to other Asian food, Thai is more flavorful. With this, fueled by the exploding growth in Ashburn and the scarcity of rental spaces in the city, Thai entrepreneurs are heading to Ashburn. Unfortunately, we don't have a good systems to cross check with each other to prevent this 'too-many-Thai-restaurants' problem. Had it been brought to our attention that there would be 5 restaurants in the 5 mile radius, I doubt that each of us would have made the decision we made (or at least I wouldn't). Well, in conclusion, like you said, not all of them will make it. That's why don't be surprised to see a change of hands on some Thai restaurants in this area. Thanks to many of you (Lee, Dalyn, Redon1, and many more), Anothai is not one of those.

Regards,
Lalida.

 

Lalida, if you close shop be prepared to cater at my house!

 

I recently ate at Sala Thai on Waxpool Road, and this would not surprise me based on my dining experience. I found that every plate that came to my table appeared dirty, complete with oily fingerprints visible on the eating surface. Their food lacked flavor, and the some of the vegetables served appeared to be less than fresh. I ordered a hot entree; everything was hot except the shrimp. I do not plan to return.

 

actually we did go to Orchid Thai right before Anothai opened...and then after we ate at Anothai---we haven't been back to Orchid Thai. god bless the freedom of choice. But thanks for your very strong opinion.

 

My opinion exactly!

 

In retrospect, I think I have to take back my energetic compliments for Orchid Thai. In reality, I began to notice serious drop off in food quality recently. Had a dish with cashews that were mushy instead of crunchy. Broccoli wasn't cooked well.

Overall, Orchid Thai was mediocre. Not terrible, but OK.

I say "was" because Orchid Thai is no longer. It's gone.

In its place is another Thai restaurant. And this one - you can bank on it - is five stars.

It's called Thai Basil. It just opened Labor Day weekend. It's the same Thai Basil that's in Chantilly off Rt. 50. We used to go there and it was outstanding. Just tried the Broadlands location - yum!!

They still have to add more things to the menu and they'll start their famous Thai cooking classes down the road.

But the bottom line is that with Thai restaurants springing up all over the place, Thai Basil will win out because it's food will be a step apart. The owner has won recognition from many quarters too.

So please try this new place and let me know if you agree.

 

That's great news! The Thai Basil in Chantilly is wonderful.

 

I have to say that I've been to Thai Basil MANY times--I work nearby. It's fine. But it
really can't compete with Anothai. To me, its more run of the mill decent vs. fresh
and made with care. Better than Orchid Thai--probably. Better than Anothai--not a chance.

 

Because of this thread, we finally ordered takeout from Anothai. One thing that stood out was the kind service on the phone (Saigon Star is the same way, Asia Cafe is not). The pad thai was great. My husband ordered the curry and it was tasty also; we're far from connisseurs, but I think some vegetables would have cut the richness nicely.

Overall, we liked it very much and look forward to ordering again!

 

it's definitely not on the cheaper side of thai food, however last we went there for lunch, we found the lunch box special to be a good deal, and everything, including the service was fabulous!!!!!