Sukhothai review

      It was with great sadness that we learned our beloved Tiny Thai had sold their Essex location. As you know, (see previous review), that was probably our favorite restaurant in all of Vermont. So it was with dread and anticipation, we made our way to the new Sukhothai on Friday night. As it turns out, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

      The first thing we noticed is the popularity had not change one tiny bit. A large line snaked to the door, which was always typical of Tiny Thai on a weekend night. The next thing we noticed, is both servers were part of the original Tiny Thai family. The third thing we noticed, is the menu really has not changed much, a couple of new appetizers and some new stir fries and curries but all in all we are looking at all our old favorites, YEA.

      We gave our name to the server and were told 15-20 minutes wait. This is pretty much normal for a weekend night, but be aware if you have a party greater than four, you are going to WAIT. This is a small place and not alot of large tables open up. As we sat waiting, I observed the first flaw, many, many tables had some food, while others in the party were waiting. I noticed one couple, (I say I am being observant, my wife says nosy), who the husband had food for a good 20 minutes before his wife. Several other times during the evening we heard the servers offering discounts or free food for prolonged waits. Obviously, this is a situation they will need to get under control.

      One of the things I always loved about Tiny Thai, was every night you could be assured of some specials and I loved ordering them because it gave me a chance to try new preparations but for now Sukhothai sticks strictly to the menu. We started with one of our favorite appetizers, dim sum and decided to try a new one, Goong Hom Pa, shrimp wrapped in a wheat dough and fried, Unfortunately, what came out was dim sum and fish cakes? I was going to return it but this was one of the other appetizers we wanted to try. Big mistake, should of sent them back ,as they were very rubbery and not much flavor.

      For our entrees wife went with her go to meal, massaman with chicken and I tried a new stir fry, Pan Nam Prik, roasted chili jam, cashews, basil with chicken and shrimp . The menu assured me it was one star the same as the massamn which I always thought of as mild. WRONG. I won't say it was blistering hot but it was MUCH hotter than expected and as such I didn't enjoy the sauce as much as I would of. The new owners need to make sure the heat scale on the menu is accurate as many of us base our meals on this index.

      Both entrees were very good and it appears the serving size is equivalent to what Tiny Thai offered and again the price for both of us together was under $40, which is a bargain anywhere.

On a scale of 1 to 5;

Food,                Quality means much more to us than quantity.
Beer and Wine,  Based on selection and pricing

Service,             Speaks for itself
Ambiance,          Does the look fit the food and pricing

 Price,                And finally does the pricing equal the results we had.

Food,                     3.75  Good as always though one appetizers fell way short and my entree was hotter than expected. Wife was relieved to see her favorite hadn't changed.
Beer and Wine,    No  Still BYOB so no rating.
Service,                 3.0  I knocked it down by .5 for the poor service by the kitchen and for getting our order mixed up.

Ambiance,             3.5  Same as Tiny Thai, like visiting a favorite Thai aunts house.
Price,                     4.0  Prices have gone up a bit but still an incredible bargain for this area.

Overall                  3.56  Still a great place but needs a little work with the kitchen to come up to the high standards of Tiny Thai. We will be back to give them another chance.