I was introduced to Chef Tony Ounpamornchal when I joined one of his cooking classes at Sur La Table. He was demonstrating how to make his famous Chicken Galangal soup for us in an interactive cooking event. I was hooked.
His chicken galangal soup in coconut milk broth with clamshell mushrooms, cherry tomato and shallots is simple but oh so delicious. His techniques and timing on adding various spices made the soup really stand out. As his website states… “Thai cooking is a very unique process. It requires the cook’s attention, time and effort along with honed skills…”
Sea Thai Bistro received rave reviews on the Michelin Guide, which is not a simple feat. His artistically crafted dishes have earned numerous accolades and awards from some of Sonoma county’s most renowned critics, including Petaluma Magazine’s people choice award for Best Seafood at local restaurant and Best Asian food. The Bohemian Magazine voted Tony’s restaurants as the Best Thai restaurant in Sonoma county.
I live only 10 minutes from Sea Thai Bistro in Santa Rosa.
Rough life, indeed. I often visit for lunch and dinner and it is my go-to take out lunch when I am working from home. The service, staff and atmosphere are top notch. Keeping any restaurant busy during lunch is a challenge for a location not in the center of downtown. Sea Thai is in the Montgomery Village Shopping Center and it is a packed house for dinner and most lunches. And what an eclectic crowd it draws.
One of the things that keeps me recommending the spot is the decor and atmosphere. It is relaxing, engages your mind and also stimulates your senses. Dishes that are displayed as beautifully as these deserve to be served in an equally beautiful setting.
From the shadow boxes and Koi photography as you walk in, to the candlelight and simplistic yet elegant table settings, each aspect of the diners experience has been thought out. Even down to the handsome young man who greets you…
Shout outs to Matt…who has a terrific manner with the guests, every moment at the restaurant is a pleasure.
Now on to the important part…the food of course. I have visited many times so I will simply review some of my favorites and mention that they have a large selection and menu. So…something for everybody, from sweet to spicy to savory.
The Little Basket crispy egg noodle, shallot, cilantro, carrot, tomato, cashew wrapped in lettuce
I always start with these…
Seared Ahi Tuna mint, carrot, cilantro, spicy Asian soy glaze, sriracha sauce, Asian pesto sauce
Chicken Galangal Soup in coconut milk broth, clamshell mushroom, cherry tomato, shallot
Grilled Tri Tip Salad organic greens, shallot, tomato, cucumber, carrot, cilantro, mint, lemon-lime vinaigrette
Spicy Baby Squids Jalapeño, wild ginger, young pepper corn, onions, red peppers, green onion, mushrooms & Thai basil in a spicy garlic-Thai chili sauce
Peanut Noodle with chicken, rice noodle in peanut curry sauce, broccoli, carrot, edamame
Oven Baked Duck Breast Baby Bok Choy, tomato, ginger, pineapple, dried cherry in a spicy sweet & sour sauce
Northern Thai Style Curry Noodle Soup with egg noodle, chicken & prawn, Chinese kale, bean sprout, edamame & shallot
Sea Thai Bistro, located in the heart of Wine Country also features a nice Wine List featuring some of my local faves by the bottle like Macphail Family Wines, Russian River Twomey, Emeritus, Dutton-Goldfield, J Vineyards and Darcie Kent. Always nice to see a list of wines at a restaurant in Wine Country feature local wines almost exclusively. Cheers to going local.
The atmosphere is relaxing, the wine list is wonderful and the service is top notch. Oh…and don’t forget the amazing food. Cheers to Tony and his crew until the next visit…
*Clink *Clink