FOOD QUALITY
Three of us dined on a chilly eve in August. We ordered a satay chicken entrée ($10) and three mains to share: the Pad Thai with veg and tofu ($14); massaman beef with roti ($18) and fried chicken with cashews, mushrooms and chestnuts ($17). To round it off, a serve of sticky rice and a serve of boiled rice at $3 each. Everything was brought out at the same time, so we simply plonked the lot in the middle and got stuck in. The massaman beef was flavoursome and tender, but well-cooked just the way we like it. The two chicken dishes neatly complemented each other. The satay chicken was succulent and tasty and the fried chicken, spicy and crispy. The Pad Thai with its fresh, crunchy vegetables, chewy tofu, and thin, soft noodles was the perfect balance to the meat dishes. Presentation was neat and stylish in dark-hued stoneware. We all enjoyed our meals. Unfortunately, there was only one dessert on offer, fried ice cream, which none of us was in the mood for.
ATMOSPHERE
As it says on their website, B.T. is designed to have a casual and relaxed ambience in a clean and comfortable setting and I think they’ve succeeded in that. Décor is modern, yet simple but tasteful with plain wooden furniture, tiled floors, white walls and interesting decorations and plants on shelves built into the walls. The low hanging, oriental style light fittings complete the picture. When we arrived, there was only one other occupied table, but as this isn’t a huge place it didn’t have a dreary or bleak feel to it, as large empty restaurants sometimes can have. In any event, as the evening wore on, it gradually filled up to a more respectable level. Being a Sunday night, perhaps it was quieter than usual with the atmosphere somewhat subdued rather than buzzing and energetic, but that suited us fine for a family dinner.
SERVICE
Our waitress should get the Olympic gold medal for speedy and enthusiastic service. This pretty, friendly, lady in her snug blue jeans, was just a marvel at smartly taking our order, bringing out the dishes in double-quick time, presenting us the bill, taking our money whilst simultaneously looking after all the other tables as well. Also thanks to the manager, Alex, for promptly replying to all my email enquiries. We were looking forward to meeting Alex, but he never made an appearance. Perhaps he was too busy in the kitchen.
COMFORT
In the design of the restaurant, unfortunately, one thing has been overlooked, and in this, Bo Thai are not alone amongst Sydney restaurants in forgetting there is such a thing as winter. Hence there are no carpets or heaters or anything else to keep you warm, and with the door kept wide open all evening we were chilled to the bone. Time to sort this out guys! The chairs are comfortable enough and we were able to (just) fit all the dishes on the table, but then it was a table for four and there were only three of us.
MENU
I liked the colourful and artistic menu design. It’s well laid out and easy to read in the strong lighting and exactly matches the one you’ll find on B.T.’s website.
TOILETS
There is a single unisex/disabled toilet at the back behind the kitchen. Being a small restaurant, it’s easy to find, and it’s spacious, clean and well provisioned. One toilet though is never enough in my book as if it’s occupied it means going back to your table and trying again. I always find that a bit disruptive. It’s a pity they couldn’t have fitted in an extra one when they did the makeover after the last lot moved out (another Asian style noodle bar I think it was, from memory).
ACOUSTICS
We had no trouble in conversing but that was maybe because it never really got very full. With all those tiles, wood and glass, I imagine it could be a bit noisy if it got busy.
COST
With our 25% Ent Book discount (up to a max $30) we paid $54 for the single entrée, three mains, two serves of rice and a bottle of sparkling mineral water. You just can’t beat that for value in these straightened, awful economic times.
BOOKING
We took the precaution of booking ahead for a Sunday night but it wasn’t necessary. This is the kind of place with a quick turnover, where tables are always becoming available so it’s ideal to just pop into without a booking.
PARKING/ACCESS
You’ll find B.T. near the Falcon Street end of Crow’s Nest’s shopping and entertainment district in Willoughby Rd. On Alex’s advice, we parked in the nearby Woolworths car park (access from Burlington Street). It was pretty full, so we had to drive right to the top level to find a spot, but it’s free to park anytime on Sundays or two hours free Mon-Sat and after that $5 per half hour.
SUMMARY
We had a pleasant evening here and everything went off smoothly. Service is fast, friendly and efficient and the food is fresh and tasty and served in generous portions. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid back, the perfect place for a casual meal with family or friends and there’s parking at the nearby Woolworths car park. Definitely merits a return visit, although perhaps in spring or summer.
RECOMMENDATION
The crispy fried chicken was a delicious dish.
MEMO
Two things to note here: Firstly, you can use your Ent Book card, and as it’s a bonus offer, there’s no number to scratch out which I guess means that you can use it here as many times as you like. Secondly, as far as I could see, this place is not licenced despite this website listing “beer and wine” as one of its highlights!
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