Thai L’Elephant – Cuisine De Thailande

By Washington Washington

Thai L’Elephant is a true gem of Phoenixville. They serve a unique style of Thai cuisine with French flair in atmosphere enhanced by authentic antique Thai décor. Their staff is incredibly warm and knowledgeable, and is sure to make you smile. If located on Bridge Street, Thai L’Elephant would be filled to capacity every night of the week.

I’ve had the pleasure of dining at Thai L’Elephant on several occasions, and each time it seems to get better. Their vast menu, containing both regular and vegetarian options, is a gormandizer’s paradise. It’s no wonder that they’ve been so dully recognized by the press: Philadelphia Magazine’s award-winning “Philly Cooks,” “50 Meals for Under $50,” Chester County “Best Taste,” and more.

ThaiElephantChef/Owner Wansawang (Michael) Raethong has been in the restaurant business for over 15 years as a chef. He’s completely self-taught and learned from experience, creating tantalizing dishes using the freshest local ingredients.

Chef Michael has a knack for great restaurants. He also founded the Lemon Grass Thai restaurant in West Philly and Lancaster County, Thai Orchid in Berwyn, Blue Bell & Marlton NJ; Royal Thai Orchid in Frazer, White Elephant in Huntingdon, Nooddi the noodle bar in Media, Café de Laos in South Philadelphia, and Champa Laos in Cherry Hill, NJ.

According to the Thai L’Elephant website, “One of the keys to the preparation of his wonderful food is the use of fresh herbs and spices such as Lemon Grass, Galangal, basil, mint, cilantro, chili and kaffir lime leaves.” This fact is evident in every bite.

For starters, their Tom Yum Thai soup is outstanding. You’ll find several of the previously mentioned herbs and spices in this dish. Light and flavorful, it’s a great way to start your meal. Also, they have daily appetizer specials that are unique and amazing.

ThailElephantDesertTheir entrée list is nothing short of extensive, and again, there are always specials of the day. On my most recent visit, I enjoyed the Chilean sea bass special. It was served w/ a light cream sauce which was an excellent compliment to the perfectly prepared, semi-buttery fish.

The deserts are also plentiful, but none can match the simplistic perfection of their homemade coconut ice cream – which is always beautifully presented. (see photo on the right)

Thai L’Elephant is quickly becoming my favorite place to dine in Phoenixville. The price is very fair for the level of food they prepare, and their wait staff is unmatched. They’re some of the friendliest people around. If you are planning on eating out any time soon, and you haven’t tried Thai L’Elephant, your decision should be a no-brainer.

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admin, July 26th 2009 | Posted in Reviews

Pizza Profile: Flippin’ Pizza

By Washington Washington

PizzaProfileWow! I’m impressed… Flippin’ Pizza (102 Village At Eland) makes a seriously good pie, folks.

Despite the fact that this is a chain (albeit a small one) this pizza parlor performs like any primo mom and pop shop.

According to their website:

“Flippin’ Pizza is real New York Pizza. It’s Pizzeria-style pizza. It’s Real, authentic, hand-tossed and as east-coast as pizza pie gets.”

And I agree… Total east-coast magnificence. It’s the kind of stuff I was raised on. In fact, it actually gave me the “pizza party” feeling. You know, the one you got as a child when you had some super good pizza as a reward for little league season well played, a friend’s birthday bash, etc. Yea, it’s that good.

The 18” pie is a behemoth spectacle. It arrived at my door draping out of the box. It’s not exactly cheap, but not unfair either in regard to the quality (around $14 for a large pepperoni).

FlippinPizzaThe ingredients are top notch. The first thing you’ll notice is a semi-firm and super crusty crust. There’s some kind of granules on the bottom like you’d expect to find on artisan Italian bread. It’s not too much though, it’s just right.

The cheese is a bit on the salty side. That’s my kind of party. The sauce, while not exactly a stand out, is certainly more than serviceable.

I don’t want to seem fanatical, but this could be the best game in town (or slightly out of town). I’m giving it 7 slices out of 8. Highly recommended and deservingly applauded!

Pizza_Meter_7

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admin, July 24th 2009 | Tags: , ,
Posted in Pizza Profile

Iron Hill Mug Club Tasting With Prestige Chocolates

by Washington Washington

Iron Hill is hosting a Mug Club tasting on Thursday at 5PM. The tasting will feature their Russian Imperial Stout that’s infused with coffee, paired with Scotcheroo cookies made in-house by their general manager. Also, they’ll tap a firkin of Cask-conditioned Russian Imperial Stout, paired with Malt truffles. The chocolate truffles are made with the same malt that they make their beer with, and prepared by local chocolatier Jeremy Wasserman with Prestige Chocolates. Supplies of both cookies and truffles are limited, so don’t miss out… and the first 15 guests that arrive after 5PM will receive a free Iron Hill goblet!

Information will be available for Prestige Chocolates, or you can check them out on-line here

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admin, July 21st 2009 | Posted in Previews

INTRODUCING ROCK & ROLL AFTER SCHOOL TO PHOENIXVILLE!

by Washington Washington

rocknrollafterschollOn Thursday, July 23rd at 5pm, the Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce is introducing Rock & Roll After School to their members and the community with a ribbon-cutting event and business card exchange. Stop by Franklin Commons to see their beautiful new music school and performance venue. Network with area business owners while the kids take FREE guitar lessons and play pinball, foosball and air hockey in their recreation center.

It’s unlike traditional music schools or lessons, ROCK & ROLL AFTER SCHOOL is the ultimate music school and after-school community combo!

Kids collaborate with others as they explore their musical pursuits and learn to write and play their own music. Rock & Roll After School’s brand new, state-of-the art, 5,850-square foot facility features 8 private lesson rooms, a quiet, homework study area, a group hangout and game room and an impressive, 250-seat performance venue complete with professional staging, 24-channel sound, lighting and DJ booth.

In addition to instruction in guitar, bass, keyboards and drums by accomplished professional musicians, Rock & Roll After School also offers instruction in DJ techniques and voice. Students are taught music theory and musicianship as well as songwriting and performance and perform during concerts held throughout the year. Master classes, workshops and special events are designed to enhance each students experience and musical endeavors and to encompass all popular music genres.

CALLING ALL TEEN BANDS…

Here’s your chance to play on a FULL STAGE with KILLER GEAR! You might even come out on top as the best teen band in the area with a Grand Prize of a studio demo by Philadelphonic Studios (G Love’s studio), CDs by Disc Makers and a professional band photograph by Kyle Ober.

Deadline for entries is July 29th, details @ http://rockandrollafterschool.com/battleofthebands

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admin, July 20th 2009 | Tags: ,
Posted in Previews

Pizza Profile: Liberty Square Pizza

By Washington Washington

PizzaProfileHey, here’s a question for you: Who loves pizza? The first and most correct answer is “everybody!!!” (exclamation points are important). The second and equally plausible answer is “me!!!” (exclamation points are here added to drive my point home).

I freakin’ love pizza. I have to limit myself to eating it only once a week. It’s one of those incredibly simple foods whose quality varies greatly depending on the preparer (a concept that will be continually celebrated on this site). That’s why I decided to begin the “Pizza Profile” series. It’s intended to be a guide (of sorts) for navigating Phoenixville’s many pizza producers.

It’s with a heavy heart that I begin this series on a sad note: Liberty Square Pizza just isn’t very good. It’s a shame because the staff is tremendously friendly and the owner seems like “good people”. I had never really given Liberty Square a fair shake before. I tried their pizza only once several years ago and was unimpressed. But everyone deserves a second chance… Or do they?

Perhaps a red flag should have been raised when I called to order. Maybe they were thrown off by my questioning about the availability of deep dish pizza. The guy said that they specialized in New England style pizza. Having never heard of such a thing, I was confused and intrigued at the same time. I ordered.

I knew something was wrong as soon as I got my pie. It was pretty small for a large. I asked what size it was and thus annoyed them. I quickly paid and left after answering a series of questions (“Where are you from?” etc).

My main problem with this pizza is the crust. It’s flaky and very very “airy”… Not quite “crusty” enough for my liking. It’s even too weak to hold the ingredients that it’s supposed to carry to ya mouth. The opposite of robust, baby.

The other ingredients were of an acceptable quality, but nothing exciting. The whole thing didn’t come together very well. It lacked pizza-zz. (Ugh, sorry…)

In any case, I’m giving it 3 slices out of 8. Not recommended. I don’t feel so good after consuming the “manimum”.

Pizza_Meter

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admin, July 17th 2009 | Posted in Pizza Profile