Bann Thai with Friends

I know we've reviewed Thai food already but this story is a bit different. It's a tale of the strength and endurance of real friendship.

I moved to the United States from Guyana, South America when I was 14. Since then a large number of my childhood friend have themselves migrated to various places across the globe. As a result I haven't seen many of them in over 15 years. Last weekend the time had finally come for a reunion with two great people (Ron driving to NY from Canada for this) who I was blessed to have reconnected with via facebook.

Ron and Marcia came to get me last Friday. We exchanged hugs, got in Ron's car, started our journey and shared stories of where we are now. So many things to share, so many years to cover but only one night to do it. With GPS on blackberries and in the car, we attempted to find an Asian Fusion spot in Long Island City to no avail. After driving in circles on the Grand Central Expressway, hunger over took our sense of adventure and we settled for a well known foodie street...Austin Street.
The destination was Bann Thai located at 69-12 Austin Street Forest Hills, NY. It's a quaint little restaurant that's wonderfully decorated in traditional Thailand memorabilia.  We took a look at the menu and choose Calamari fried in Chick Pea Flour as our appetizer and for entrees Thai Sliced Beef and Basil, Sweet and Sour Duck with Pineapples and BBQ Chicken Breast with Jasmine Rice.

The plating of the dishes was absolutely beautiful. Purple orchids were used as little gems on the plate and Ron and I dared to eat he petals. They tasted a bit tangy and slimy but weren't bad at all.

The Calamari was a huge disappointment. It was bland and rubbery and we were not impressed. Our entrees got mixed reviews however with Ron having the best dish of us all. Ron's BBQ Chicken shined in flavor and texture. It was seasoned and grilled to perfection.  Marcia's Duck had a good flavor but lacked that crispy skin but moist flesh she craved. My beef was a happy marriage of sweet, savory and spicy. The flavor was spot on, however I was served ground beef with green beans and was a bit disappointed that the Thai Sliced Beef and Basil was not sliced at all. Well it gave us a few more things to laugh about and we ate and enjoyed each other's company.

After dinner we took a stroll over to Martha's Country Kitchen and enjoyed a slice of Strawberry Cheesecake and a very light version of Tiramisu. It was a great evening full of fun, lots of laughs and decent eats. It was amazing that after so many years our bond of friendship was still stronger than time and distance.

Here's to you Ron and Marcia! May we forever keep the candle of friendship lit. Love you guys :)