THERE was plenty of lively debate during our lunch at the Spirit House, with topics ranging from art to politics and lots of “what the Trump” and “what was Theresa May thinking” expletives.
The restaurant was called Colours of Thai last time I visited, but the food at the rebranded Spirit House was just as good. As was the service; our waiter’s smile didn’t even crack during my Kath and Kim attempt at the traditional “sawadee ka” greeting.
Illustrated menu
We were catching up with our mate Diamond Dave, and were keen to hear about his next art installation, but only after we had perused the extensive and beautifully-illustrated menu.
The Thai fish cakes ($8.90) were larger and lighter in texture than the ones I usually eat, but still had that classic burst of lime, coriander and chilli.
The dipping sauce—a thick, sweet and tangy mix of chilli, sesame and ginger—proved to be the prefect accompaniment.
It was so good that D’Angerous Dave used the accompanying salad to mop up every last drop.
Kha-na moo krob ($20.90)—pork on a bed of Chinese broccoli— was Diamond’s main and it got the thumbs up:
“I’d give it a four out of five, it has nice crispy pork crackle and the greens are really good,” he said.
Everyone tucked into the pla tod king sod ($24.40) I’d ordered to share.
The huge fish fillet was smothered in spring onion, shallots and capsicum, and doused in a sweet and salty ginger sauce.
“It’s bloody beautiful,” Diamond said.
Not to be left out, D’Anger added, I suspect facetiously, “It left the mouth doing a tango.”
The vegetarian green curry ($15.90) was also a winner, featuring a rich creamy sauce and fresh, almost-crunchy, vegetables.
Is anyone ever too full for dessert?
Thankfully not, because Spirit House’s black sticky pudding—topped with coconut milk and sesame seeds ($6)—was out of this world, and easily the best I’ve ever eaten.
And days later, D’Angerous was still rubbing his belly and drooling over his green sago ($8 with ice cream).
by JENNY D’ANGER
Spirit House
22 Riseley Street, Ardross
9364 2499
open 7 days