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 Trendy, tasty Thai a darn good buy |
by Martina Sheehan
Assistant Editor |
“Hot Dishes, Cool Tunes” is the motto at Wicker Park’s Thai Lagoon restaurant. Besides offering a variety of flavorful pan-Asian dishes, this trendy vegetarian-friendly eatery boasts an enviable lounge and ambient soundtrack to complete your dining experience.
While enjoying the music, mood-inspiring candle light, and interesting artwork, guests can peruse a diverse menu featuring everything from Thai favorites such as Shumai Dumplings, Pad Thai and Green Curry to Vietnamese Spring Rolls or Japanese Miso Soup. The cozy 12-table seating area and reasonable prices do keep Thai Lagoon crowded on the weekends, but the delicious food and relaxing atmosphere make the wait worthwhile. The restaurant’s location at 2322 W. North Ave. also makes it easily accessible via the “L” on the Blue Line.
Patrons can initiate their taste buds with the highly recommended Gyoza Japanese dumplings for an appetizer before feasting on one of the restaurant’s many tasty noodle, rice, or curry dishes. One major highlight as far as entrees go is the Panang Curry ($6.95). It’s made with coconut milk and fresh basil served in a rich, tangy red curry. Another recommendable main dish is the Keemow ($6.25), made with wide chewy noodles sautéed with your choice of meat or tofu, vegetables and fresh basil. Finally, a generous serving of Thai Lagoon’s unrivaled Tom Yum Soup with lemongrass, mushrooms and lime leaves makes a meal in itself. Because all meals are made fresh to order, you can choose whether you want beef, chicken, pork, seafood or tofu. You can also decide whether you’d prefer your food mild or flaming spicy.
Thai Lagoon also features a sushi bar, where eight varieties of sushi can be made fresh to order. Sushi prices range from $6.25 for California and vegetarian rolls to $7.50 for tuna/avocado and salmon/avocado rolls.
Besides the various raw fish rolls, the Popeye Maki really stands out with egg, red pepper, spinach and sesame all rolled and cut into colorful little circular slices that are almost too cute to eat.
The restaurant is open until 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Lunch specials are available during the week. Feel free to bring your own alcohol for a $2 corking fee. |
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