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Sala Thai Jacksonville July 26, 2008

Posted by josephkam in Thai.
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I’m a sucker for an authentic Thai Fried rice.  As I’ve moved across the United States, I’ve always scouted around for Thai restaurants that can rustle up this favorite comfort food of mine.

Having lived in Jacksonville for 3 months now and after visiting several places, my vote goes for Sala Thai, a small restaurant on Beach Boulevard between Southside and 9A.  I will declare outright that I’ve had all of three different entrees here.  But I think that this is more than enough for me to pass a verdict.  You see, my belief is that the Fried Rice or the Pad See Eew in a Thai restarant is a dead give-away about the quality and authenticity of the food served in it.  And in this case too, I don’t believe it’s any different.  The Fried Rice hit home extremely well and my subsequent choices such as the Chicken with Basil and Vegetables or the Pad See Eew were extremely good too.  And do you know what the best part of this restaurant is?  It’s very reasonably priced.  I’ve been rather sticker shocked in Jacksonville, much to my surprise.  But this little joint has won my heart and stomach, not to mention being easy on the wallet.

Bravo…

Sala Thai’s website is http://www.salathaidc.com/.  Their address is

10769 Beach Blvd # 10
Jacksonville, FL 32246
(904) 641-8384

Flavors Indian Restaurant in Jacksonville July 26, 2008

Posted by josephkam in Dining, Indian.
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The buffet at Flavors in Jacksonville’s Southside area ranks as one of the best Indian buffets I have eaten in the country.  Considering I have eaten Indian food in Ohio, Massachussetts, California, New York, North Carolina, Missouri and Georgia (And I am Indian), this is not an idle observation.

Rather than writing a full culinary review (which I’m probably not adept at), I’m just going to write a few points about the buffet:

  • Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian spread, in which you’ll find South Indian tiffin specialties such as Idli or Pongal, Indian-Chinese items such as Chilli Chicken or Gopi Manchurian and some of the more standard Indian restaurant fare such as Tandoori Chicken, Butter Chicken or Paneer based dishes.
  • There are about 6 appetizers type/tiffin type dishes, 4-6 vegeratian entrees and 4-6 non-vegetarian entrees.  In addition, you’ll also find naan, salad vegetables, papadam, pickles, fruit and 2 dessert items. (Disclaimer: Don’t quote me on the number of dishes…I’m trying to recall this from memory since I certainly didn’t take any detailed notes while I was there.  I was busy enjoying the food).
  • It should be clear that this is a wide buffet in terms of variety.  But the name of the restaurant is very appropriate.  The food here is simply quite tasty.
  • Authenticity of dishes is stronger for the South Indian dishes, but the Indo-Chinese and some North Indian entrees are also very well made.
  • The buffet is priced at around $14 on the weekend for lunch and around $11 on a weekday.  I do not know if they have a dinner buffet.  But based on the quality of the buffet, I will venture to say that an a la carte dinner spread will be good too.
  • Here’s the restaurant website: http://jaxflavors.com/restaurant.html

The address is

9550 Baymeadows Rd
Jacksonville, FL – 32256

Phone: (904) 733-1525 or (904) 733-1523

Bon Appetit