GREAT EATS HAWAII: PHUKET THAI RESTAURANT

Sunday, April 17, 2011

PHUKET THAI RESTAURANT - KAMAKEE STREET

PHUKET THAI

HONOLULU, HAWAII

Phuket Thai opened a location near Ward Avenue and the large theatre complex that anchors the block. After a movie we decided to walk across the street for some Thai Food. We love Thai food. In fact, in my younger days I probably ate at Mekong on Beretania Street once a week. To this day, the original Mekong is probably one of the places I have eaten most in my lifetime. Absolutely best Thai food I have ever eaten. Mekong is gone now. Replaced by a burger joint. Phuket Thai has another not far from our old condo. We always enjoy the food but it just has a different taste than the old Mekong. Phuket Thai's new restaurant is located on Kamakee Street just off Ala Moana Blvd. We were greeted and seated in a matter of seconds with a 7:00 reservation. The restaurant was a good 2/3 full and filling quickly. I found the staff to be excellent here. Our waiter was first rate. The hostesses also work hard. When there is nobody at the front they run around and fill water glasses always keeping busy and taking care of the guests. We started with The Spring Rolls ($8.50). Six vegetarian rolls that were really a bit bland. Nothing in them but noodles it seemed. The Thai Beef Salad ($9.25) was probably my favorite dish of the evening but still a bit bland. The Paht Thai Noodles ($9.75) were not bad. Large serving of noodles with some crunchy bean sprouts and chicken. The Seafood Combination ($12.50) was filled with shrimp, fish, calamari and scallops. The sauce was real soupy. This was not a hit and we did not want to take the leftovers home. I was amazed how fast all the food came out considering the restaurant was almost full. The appetizers were at our table only minutes after we ordered them. As soon as we put a dent in the Spring Rolls, our entrees came quickly. Our waiter was polite and professional. Service was the good part of our meal here. I didn't like the restaurant seating because you have people sitting too close on both the right and left. It is like being part of their group and there is no privacy. I know, you don't go out to a restaurant for privacy. Just don't like this seating set up. All in all the food was o.k. Made me really miss Mekong on Beretania.