Chez Siam

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I t was a dark and stormy night not fit for diner nor automobile. Along the way to Chez Siam we passed numerous accidents where distressed motorists were having their autos being towed away while the highway patrol directed traffic. In spite of all of this we were pleased we accepted host David R's invitation to attend "Lost Supper" at the Chez Siam once we arrived. Inside out of the weather, Chez Siam had numerous dining areas each in understated modern with sufficient Thai accents that bespoke oriental dining. We found our fellow Mensans in an intimate dining area away from the other patrons. When we came in and sat down, the efficient staff promptly served us ice water in what appeared to be oversized burgundy wine glasses and provided us with an extensive Thai menu (viewable on the website .) We also noted the nicely pressed white table cloths and light brown napkins, unlike many other establishments featuring similar cuisine and moderate prices that have paper table cloths, napkins, and plastic flatware. Each of the tables that had been moved together to accommodate us had a single real carnation in its slender bud vase

When the appetizers arrived we were all pleasantly surprised. The Vegetable Tempura ($4.95) for my dining companion(wife) and me had the usual veggies, onion rings, broccoli, and sweet potatoes, but also included a few banana slices for that little extra touch. Temporaistas who care about batter, will find a lightly spiced and crispy coating at Chez Siam. Those who had requested hot and sour soup ($3.95) expecting the usual lonely mushroom in a thin broth found they were enjoying a spicy chicken or shrimp broth with numerous mushrooms and flavored with lemon grass, lime juice, and hot chili with character. I ordered the Seafood with Cashew Nuts ($14.95) and a glass of Chardonnay. The seafood featured mussels, scallops, squid, and shrimp with straw mushrooms, onions, baby corn, scallions and cashew nuts and choice of mild or hot chili. I ordered mine with the hot chili sauce. My dining companion decided to split a Chez Siam Roast Duck ($12.95) with another diner. My entree surprised me as well; it arrived in a fish shaped chaffing platter with candles keeping it warm. Sometimes the chefs think hot means a challenge but in this case, they managed to get just the right degree of spicy. The sauce did not overwhelm the other ingredients but rather complimented them so that you could actually taste the scallops, squid and shrimp. The baby corn and straw mushrooms retained their usual blandness. But I neglect the Roast Duck which arrived sliced (marinated with honey and spices before being roasted ) arranged on a bed of stir fried spinach and sweet pickle ginger. My gentle companion gave me a taste which I found to be quite delicious. I felt guilty giving her a taste of scallops and squid in return.

The next time the "Lost Supper" returns to Chez Siam, I'll probably order the Roast Duck just to see if the rest of the duck is just as tasty as my small sample. After the dinner some of the Mensans decided to have some very delicious looking desserts although I did not. They all commented favorably on the Homemade Coconut Ice Cream ($2.75) The Chardonnay proved to have a strange oaky flavor (or maybe it was just old straw that had molded strangely) which might be expected considering the inexpensive price. My dinner companions ordered a MaiTai like drink and when it arrived they were unable to determine the degree of MaiTainess. In spite of this we all felt the reasonable price of the selections and the presentation were excellent and we expect to return again.

The Mensa Reviewer