Lahn Pad Thai - A Neighborhood Star

In Anchorage, we are lucky to have several very good Thai restaurants.  I am lucky, because the best Thai restaurant in Anchorage is a 2 minute drive from my front door.

Lahn Pad Thai is a small, strip mall, restaurant with powerful flavors in every dish.  My wife and I recently went for an evening out...when we did not want to drive too far.  We were treated to a great meal and friendly service.

In typical Thai restaurant style, dishes have designated spice levels based on little stars next to the name of the dish.  No stars, flavorful, but not too spicy.  Three stars, and find some water!  What is great about Thai food, is that you can ask that a no star dish get the three star treatment.  I love spice and I love curry flavors, so I ordered the Kang Karie.  It is a muslim style chicken yellow curry with coconut milk, potatos, and onions.  It is a one star dish, but I asked for the 3 star upgrade.  My server gave me the amused (silly man) look, but it was exactly what I wanted.

I love asian food that has hot spice.  It is not hot for the sake of hot.  It is a rich and flavorful heat.  The Kang Karie did not disappoint, in fact I loved it.  It is the best curry I have had in Anchorage.  Served over a mound of steams rice, and bam!  Top notch.

My wife had the beef Pad Broccoli.  This is your typical asian style broccoli beef, but it was also very good.

As I said earlier, Anchorage has a lot to choose from in Thai restaurants.  I recommend taking the extra time to go to Lahn Pad Thai.

Lahn Pad Thai:

Address - 2101 Abbott Road

Phone - 907.272.8424

Website - lahnpadthai.com

Reservations - None.  Lahn Pad Thai has a small dining area and limited seating.  It is a popular place and can get full in a hurry.  Call your order in to go, or call in for delivery, if the dining area is full.  You will be glad you did.

Overall Recommendation - Anchorage is blessed with many good Thai restaurants.  Lahn Pad Thai is the crown jewel of Anchorage Thai cuisine.

Harley's Old Thyme Cafe - Southern Comfort Food in Anchorage

Harley's is close to my Chiropractor.  This gives me yet one more excuse to get regular adjustments!  While the dining room is small, there is a huge amount of flavor packed into the food.  I may have found Harley's by accident, but I have been there three times in as many weeks.

• I have had the Chicken 'n Dumplings.  The chicken was tender and juicy, and the dumplings brought a smile to my face.
• I have had the Brisket Dip.  A french dip style sandwich with brisket and a barbecue style jus.  This is very good.  The brisket is tender and the jus is perfect.
• I have had the Harley Bennie.  This is the Harley's "manly" benedict, with chicken fried pork loin and two eggs any style atop a toasted english muffin and smothered in country sausage gravy.  The pork loin is tender and succulent.  Try it with the eggs over easy and experience the blending of flavors as the yolk, pork, and gravy do their magic on your taste buds.
• Try the okra!  There are not too many places you can get good fried okra in Alaska.  Harley's is the place in Anchorage.
• Don't pass on the Fried Pickles.  I have often heard the lore of how tasty a fried pickle can be.  I have searched high and low at fairs, food carts, etc.  Harley's has them, and I am hooked.  You have to try them!

I can't wait for my next Chiropractic visit.

Harley's Old Thyme Cafe:

Address - 7550 Old Seward Hwy

Phone - 907.349.8878

Website - harleysotcafe.com

Reservations - None taken.  The dining area is small, and the place gets crowded on a Sunday morning.  Take the time to wait.  You will be rewarded with some good eats.

Overall Recommendation - This is southern style comfort food, and it is pretty good.  The waitstaff is friendly, the service is fast, and the prices are reasonable.  Give it a try.