Bhan Thai (Yes, Again!)

Thursday, April 25, 2013, we were trying to decide where to eat because Jay didn't want to cook. We went back to Bhan Thai in Mount Laurel without a reservation and were able to get a seat by the window!

Love this place!

Appetizers enjoyed:

Jay enjoyed the chicken curry puffs. Note to self - don't order pastry-type appetizers - they are normally not warm inside. Had to send back and they heated up in microwave so they were no longer crispy. Good flavor though.

Of course, Ken had the martini shrimp. It goes without saying...

We shared the chicken satay. Ken loved the cucumber sauce; Jay ate the peanut sauce by itself, it was so good!

Entrees:

Ken ordered the jumbo garlic shrimp. Huge shrimp and just the right portion size.

Jay had the tilapia masaman curry. Many fried tilapia pieces. 3 chili hot. Very flavorful. She was able to finish, but it took some time...

Wines enjoyed:

Jay's favorite Zinfandel!

Ken's favorite Chardonnay!

So glad it's close to home!

Pho Xinh (Vietnamese) [Marlton Location]

Must pay close attention - the Marlton location is the place to go! Marlton Crossing Plaza, 101 S. Route 73, Marlton, NJ 08053, (856) 988-1666

Since we were wine shopping at Wineworks, we decided to find the Marlton location of Pho Xinh, since we weren't too happy with the Centerton Square location the last time that we went.

We were happy to see a familiar face! Unfortunately, we were the only ones dining during the time we were there. What's wrong with people? Go and try this location. You won't be disappointed!

Ken was tired from having to attend a meeting for work on his day off and Jay was a bit pooped from shopping, so we only ordered appetizers, but they were worth it! Yum!

Sweet Onion Beef Wrap - tender slices of marinated steak wrapped around a sweet onion and topped with crushed peanut accompanied with house carrot sauce.

Grape Leaves Wrap - grilled ground beef on grape leaves, served over romaine lettuce, basil, cucumber, and vermicelli. Ask for the rice paper.

Salt Pepper Shrimp - Battered flash fried shrimp seasoned and wok fried in fresh garlic butter, onions and bell peppers, served over a bed of iceberg lettuce, tomato and cucumber. Wow!

Of course, we had to order the Crispy Spring Rolls (2), which we struggled to finish, since we were so full.

Everything was sooooo good and flavorful!

Twice as large as the Mount Laurel location, so think of this place for not only everyday dining, but also for special events.

Wine enjoyed:

Mirko's A Taste of Europe (Western European)

On Saturday, April 6, 2013, we arrived at Mirko's in time for our 7:30-7:45 reservation, which was made just an hour earlier. It was such a treat to be able to secure reservations at this busy restaurant on such short notice.

This time, we brought our friends, Mary and Terry, since we hadn't seen them in a while.

Asha was our server! She has such a pleasant personality and we always enjoy good conversations with her. It was Germany week, so we were excited about the offerings.

Appetizers enjoyed:

Smoked fish special

Antipasto for two!

Warm rolls (which the men devoured) and pickled veggies (cucumbers and celery) were brought with the appetizers. Delicious!

Entrees:

Terry enjoyed the assorted sausages special with Mirko's potato salad and sauerkraut. Jay told Ken that the potato salad was close to his mom's. He was impressed.

Mary had the duck special, which she couldn't finish, because the appetizers were so good.

Jay enjoyed the pork belly marinated in beer, with spaetzle and green beans and carrots. Half went home for the next day's lunch. Ken and Terry couldn't get over how good pork belly was, which Jay knew all along...

Ken had the cannelloni, which he has been craving for months. He kept mentioning how fresh the seafood was!

Dessert

Mary and Terry shared the rhubarb bread pudding with vanilla sauce special.

Jay had the lemon torte, and even Ken, who normally doesn't like dessert, couldn't stop tasting it. It was yummy and had a wonderful lemon flavor.

Wines enjoyed:

Everyone will return. We couldn't stop talking about how good the meal was.

Mirko even stopped by the table a few times. Such a nice person. We wish him well!

This is becoming one of our top 5 restaurants. If it were closer, we would visit more often!

Bhan Thai (Thai French)

Ken treated Jay to Bhan Thai on Thursday, March 14, 2013, so it always smells so good when we leave the gym.

No reservation, and we had to make a stop first so we didn't get there until 8:10 PM, but they didn't kick us out past closing at 9 PM (especially since another group arrived 15 minutes before closing), so that was nice.

Everything was delicious, as usual.

Appetizers:

Ken - Martini Shrimp, of course! 2 orders this time!

Jay - Crabmeat pancake

Entrees:

Ken - Pla Rad Prik - basa fillet

Jay - Shrimp and Cashewnut (3 chilis hot - perfect!)

Wines enjoyed:

2010 Luzon Jamilla Spain

2010 Estancia Chardonnay (forgot to take a picture)

Jade Spice (Chinese)

Had to use a Living Social coupon before it expired, so we visited Jade Spice at 1132 Route 73 South in Mount Laurel, in February. The food and service were good.

Our server, Sid, promptly introduced himself and gave us time to peruse the extensive menu.

Appetizers enjoyed:
Crab Rangoon

Beef Sticks

Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Entrees:
Ken enjoyed the beef and scallops, although the scallops didn't have much flavor, like they were previously frozen.


Jay struggled through the Sizzling Tofu, since she ate most of the Rangoon and all of the wraps.

Ken wasn't too impressed, calling it "just a Chinese restaurant," but Jay would give it another try. The tableside presentation for the Sizzling Tofu makes it worth another visit.

Wines enjoyed:

2011 Pinot Grigio (Italy)

2009 Malbec (Argentina)

IndeBlue (Indian)

LOVE THIS PLACE!

We enjoyed a leisurely 3-hour lunch with our friends, Karin and George, on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at IndeBlue, 619 Collings Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08107, 856-854-4633.

We shared a couple orders of garlic naan, which is the best!

Karin and George enjoyed the mushroom soup, which was very tasty:

We shared appetizers:

Shrimp Koliwada, which Ken loves!

Half a dozen chickpea battered shrimp served with sweet & spicy chili aioli & greens.

Sweet Potato Pakora - Chickpea battered sweet potato fritters served with sweet & spicy sauce.

Even Ken liked them...

Drums of Heaven - Indian style spiced chicken wings served with sweet and tangy sauce.

Basil Crusted Talapia with risotto

We also shared entrees, which were the specials for March:

Crab & Shrimp Malai -

poppy seed / peas / coconut / tomato / leeks / garlic / saffron basmati rice

Salli Boti -

boneless tender lamb / apricot / white vinegar / jaggery / crispy masala spiced straw potatoes

 

Stuffed Okra Masala -

spiced potatoes / peas / aamchur / onions / tomato / bell peppers / saffron basmati rice

Dessert:

We always love the peanut butter ice cream:

The pomegranate sorbet was wonderful as well:

Wines enjoyed: