Deleted
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Oct 11, 2024 2:16:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2014 17:59:21 GMT
Confession: I have never tried a curry. Never eaten Indian or Thai food. I tend to stick with things I know. Mexican is about as far out there as I've gone..and even then, I usually stick with a quesadilla. I eat Chinese food every once in a while and I order an egg roll and sesame chicken. I know. I KNOW.
I'm okay with a little bit of heat, but I'm not one who enjoys having their mouth burn for the duration of the meal. I wouldn't have the faintest clue as to what to order. I have to admit, lemongrass and coconut all sounds so good, but I'm too scared to order something and hate it. Most places don't give a description so I have no clue what Tom Gook whatever is.
What are your hands-down favorite international foods? I'm thinking I need to start off slow and work my way into this.
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Post by disneypal on Aug 25, 2014 18:03:29 GMT
Do you like noodles? If you do not have a nut allergy, try Pad Thai. It is a good way to introduce yourself to Thai food. For Chinese, try Mongolian Beef.
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Deleted
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Oct 11, 2024 2:16:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2014 18:08:18 GMT
I do like noodles. Adding these two to the list to try.
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Post by compwalla on Aug 25, 2014 18:09:09 GMT
Every Indian place I've ever been to will ask you how spicy you want it and the spicy dishes are so marked on the menu. Ask for very mild. They will accommodate. Chicken Tikka Masala is a good beginner dish. It's chicken in sauce served over rice.
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Post by gar on Aug 25, 2014 18:09:13 GMT
Where to start??? I'm not a fan of food that's too hot either but a curry doesn't have to be that. Thai food is lighter and more fragrant than Chinese. IMO - the best place to start is a *good* restaurant run by people from the country of origin of that food. Go with other people so you get a chance to try more than just what you order. Ask advice from the staff - you won't be the first! I love Thai, a well made light curry and decent Italian
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Post by marysue63 on Aug 25, 2014 18:09:52 GMT
For me it's not that I don't want to try it, it's that I don't want to have to pay for a taste. I'm afraid that I'll order something and it will taste bad, then what do you do? I find that if I go out to dinner with friends they aren't going to steer my wrong with their suggestions.
I would also recommend the Pad Thai. And most restaurants who use heat in their food can adjust it to your liking if you ask.
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eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
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Post by eastcoastpea on Aug 25, 2014 18:13:02 GMT
Good for you for wanting to expand your menu options. With food as expensive as it is, I'm cautious with trying new things. I hate to waste as well. Buffets are way to try new flavors. You can just try some bites to get an idea on how something tastes. Think about what food aromas appeal to you as well as textures and use those as a jumping off point. Please be sure to keep updating us as you try new things. Good luck.
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Post by Sam on Aug 25, 2014 18:15:26 GMT
Chicken Korma is really mild (sometimes so mild, to me it's like a stew or something!) so that would be a great one to start with..Naan bread could be plain, peshwari (which is sweeter and has things like sultanas, cinnamon, apple etc) or garlic..I promise, in most places something like that would really not be too hot for you!
I like Indian and Chinese, although I have a limited amount of dishes I like within those. Sometimes I like Thai, but I am not a great fan of it.
ETA - most Indian restaurants will have a yogurt which you can add if the dish is too hot for you.
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LeaP
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,939
Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
Jun 26, 2014 23:17:22 GMT
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Post by LeaP on Aug 25, 2014 18:19:57 GMT
Start at someplace like Panda Express. Try a few things, if you like one dish in particular order it the next time you go to an actual Chinese restaurant.
Now for some of my beginner favorites, with a star next to the ones good for beginners: Thai: * Pad Thai - noodles with a red sauce (usually contains ketchup), chicken, tofu, peanuts & bean sprouts * Pad See Ew - thicker noodles with beef, a green (usually Chinese broccoli) Chicken with basil - very spicy Green curry
Vietnamese * Pho - get the lean beef, put hoisin sauce and basil leaves. It is beef broth with noodles and beef.
Japanese Sushi - try a California roll, it is fake crabmeat with avocado, it is not raw Teriyaki - just grilled beef or chicken with a sweet and sour sauce
Chinese (many, many regions of China so there is a large variety) Cantonese is the least spicy Dim sum is a breakfasty variety of small servings Potstickers - dumpling w/ pork inside Steamed BBQ pork bun
Szechuan - spicier Xiao long bao - soup dumpling - pork & soup filled dumpling Kung pao chicken - spicy chicken with peanuts (usually)
Misc Chinese: Beef with broccoli Moo shu pork - pork and cabbage on pancakes with hoisin sauce
Indian Chicken Tikka Masala - chicken in a creamy tomato sauce Nan - bread cooked in a Tandoori oven
I will edit if I think of something new.
ETA - forgot all about Korea: try BiBimBap w/o the egg - rice with meat and vegetables on top Bulgogi - grilled marinate beef
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Post by Katiepotatie on Aug 25, 2014 18:27:56 GMT
I like the idea of going with friends to Chinese or Thai and eating family style...sharing dishes. It's a great way to try a little bit of several dishes.
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mlana
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,523
Jun 27, 2014 19:58:15 GMT
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Post by mlana on Aug 25, 2014 18:31:40 GMT
I never cared for Indian food until I ate in a really good Indian restaurant. That said, I've learned to cook a number of international dishes from the blog Use Real Butter. The recipes are well explained and the ingredients weren't quite as exotic, or as expensive, as I thought. Chicken Tikka Masala and Naan have become my DD's favorite food. I make it in big batches and freeze it for her. Marcy
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akathy
What's For Dinner?
Still peaing from Podunk!
Posts: 4,546
Location: North Dakota
Jun 25, 2014 22:56:55 GMT
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Post by akathy on Aug 25, 2014 18:36:39 GMT
Start at someplace like Panda Express. Try a few things, if you like one dish in particular order it the next time you go to an actual Chinese restaurant. Now for some of my beginner favorites, with a star next to the ones good for beginners: Thai: * Pad Thai - noodles with a red sauce (usually contains ketchup), chicken, tofu, peanuts & bean sprouts * Pad See Ew - thicker noodles with beef, a green (usually Chinese broccoli) Chicken with basil - very spicy Green curry Vietnamese * Pho - get the lean beef, put hoisin sauce and basil leaves. It is beef broth with noodles and beef. Japanese Sushi - try a California roll, it is fake crabmeat with avocado, it is not raw Teriyaki - just grilled beef or chicken with a sweet and sour sauce Chinese (many, many regions of China so there is a large variety) Cantonese is the least spicy Dim sum is a breakfasty variety of small servings Potstickers - dumpling w/ pork insideSteamed BBQ pork bun Szechuan - spicierXiao long bao - soup dumpling - pork & soup filled dumpling Kung pao chicken - spicy chicken with peanuts (usually) Misc Chinese: Beef with broccoli Moo shu pork - pork and cabbage on pancakes with hoisin sauce Indian Chicken Tikka Masala - chicken in a creamy tomato sauce Nan - bread cooked in a Tandoori oven I will edit if I think of something new. I have taken Thai cooking classes and have never heard of putting ketchup in Pad Thai. It's a great "starter" for someone trying Thai for the first time however. I'd also recommend going to a good restaurant for your first try and Panda Express doesn't really cut it for me. I'll eat there sure but I wouldn't rate it very high. Just my opinion, sorry.
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Post by gmcwife1 on Aug 25, 2014 18:38:00 GMT
I don't like heat or spice either, but I love trying different foods. My big worry is eating a meat I consider a pet. So for ME no duck, goat, dog, cat or horse meat.
Dh and I go to our neighborhood Thai restaurant and get yellow chicken curry. We started with zero stars (spice) and now order with one star and ready to move up. We also get Pad Thai and Thai fried rice.
For Indian food I like Tandori chicken, nan (fried bread) and butter chicken.
Chinese we get house fried rice, sweet and sour chicken or pork, well just about anything that isn't labeled spicey or with a meat I don't like.
Greek we get Gyros. Mexican is like Chinese, I order many things. I am the most adventurous eater in my family.
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Post by bc2ca on Aug 25, 2014 18:38:53 GMT
Do you like noodles? If you do not have a nut allergy, try Pad Thai. It is a good way to introduce yourself to Thai food. For Chinese, try Mongolian Beef. Pad Thai is a great introduction to Thai food and would also add chicken satay with peanut sauce. These were the first Thai dishes my kids tried and they still want them every time. As others have said, the restaurant will adjust the heat level of the dish. I'm also a big fan of Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad) similar taste/texture to a slaw in a lime vinegrette. We always eat Thai food family style, so you can get a taste of a number of dishes. TBH, I've loved every Thai dish I've tried.
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grinningcat
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,663
Jun 26, 2014 13:06:35 GMT
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Post by grinningcat on Aug 25, 2014 18:40:43 GMT
I think the easiest way to do this is to call up your friends and get them to take you out to their favourite place and order family style. Then you can try things without being tied to one thing. Indian buffets are also a great plan because you can try spoonfuls of each thing without a big commitment.
Chana Masala (chickpea curry) and Aloo Goobi (curried potatoes and cauliflower) are two of my favourite Indian Dishes. Most places will be more than willing to adjust spice levels for you. Butter Chicken is also a good introduction.
For Thai or Vietnamese try Salad Rolls or Summer Rolls. They are the fresh version of deep fried spring rolls. They have vegetables, basil, mint, noodles, and they could have shrimp, chicken or tofu. These are served cold, and are one of my favourite things to eat.
Vietnamese pho is good. It's essentially a big bowl of noodle soup with a variety of toppings. Some could be thin sliced beef, shredded chicken, shrimp, pork, and there will also be some vegetables (definitely bean sprouts and green onion) and herbs (basil, sometimes mint, sometimes lemon grass (though that more of a fragrant than a herb). Vietnamese noodle bowls are also good. It's vermicelli, meat (beef, chicken, pork, shrimp), shredded cucumber, pickled carrot and usually peanuts.
Korean BBQ beef or chicken is really tasty. I used to really enjoy it.
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Post by anonrefugee on Aug 25, 2014 18:41:32 GMT
Pad Thai can be a little sweet. Basil Thai Chicken won over our picky eater- I'm sorry I don't remember the Thai name. It''a often in Vietnamese restaurants too.
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Aug 25, 2014 18:43:22 GMT
... Buffets are way to try new flavors. You can just try some bites to get an idea on how something tastes. I like this idea. I just googled my area and found that a highly rated Indian restaurant in my area has a lunch buffet. I'm hoping I can talk one of my DDs into joining me.
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LeaP
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,939
Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
Jun 26, 2014 23:17:22 GMT
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Post by LeaP on Aug 25, 2014 18:59:29 GMT
Start at someplace like Panda Express. Try a few things, if you like one dish in particular order it the next time you go to an actual Chinese restaurant. Now for some of my beginner favorites, with a star next to the ones good for beginners: Thai: * Pad Thai - noodles with a red sauce (usually contains ketchup), chicken, tofu, peanuts & bean sprouts * Pad See Ew - thicker noodles with beef, a green (usually Chinese broccoli) Chicken with basil - very spicy Green curry Vietnamese * Pho - get the lean beef, put hoisin sauce and basil leaves. It is beef broth with noodles and beef. Japanese Sushi - try a California roll, it is fake crabmeat with avocado, it is not raw Teriyaki - just grilled beef or chicken with a sweet and sour sauce Chinese (many, many regions of China so there is a large variety) Cantonese is the least spicy Dim sum is a breakfasty variety of small servings Potstickers - dumpling w/ pork insideSteamed BBQ pork bun Szechuan - spicierXiao long bao - soup dumpling - pork & soup filled dumpling Kung pao chicken - spicy chicken with peanuts (usually) Misc Chinese: Beef with broccoli Moo shu pork - pork and cabbage on pancakes with hoisin sauce Indian Chicken Tikka Masala - chicken in a creamy tomato sauce Nan - bread cooked in a Tandoori oven I will edit if I think of something new. I have taken Thai cooking classes and have never heard of putting ketchup in Pad Thai. It's a great "starter" for someone trying Thai for the first time however. I'd also recommend going to a good restaurant for your first try and Panda Express doesn't really cut it for me. I'll eat there sure but I wouldn't rate it very high. Just my opinion, sorry. AKathy, pad thai is supposed to be made with tamarind, but if you are in an area where the availability is scarce ketchup is used, here is a recipe: From the Heinz site
I agree that while Panda Express is not the best, a four entrée combo costs about $10 and gives you and idea of the different dishes for relatively little risk. We live on the west coast and eat Asian food more often than not, my kids have even eaten chicken feet and fish maw. Most of the things we eat I would not recommend for beginners.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 11, 2024 2:16:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2014 19:03:40 GMT
I think the easiest way to do this is to call up your friends and get them to take you out to their favourite place and order family style. Then you can try things without being tied to one thing. Indian buffets are also a great plan because you can try spoonfuls of each thing without a big commitment. Chana Masala (chickpea curry) and Aloo Goobi (curried potatoes and cauliflower) are two of my favourite Indian Dishes. Most places will be more than willing to adjust spice levels for you. Butter Chicken is also a good introduction. For Thai or Vietnamese try Salad Rolls or Summer Rolls. They are the fresh version of deep fried spring rolls. They have vegetables, basil, mint, noodles, and they could have shrimp, chicken or tofu. These are served cold, and are one of my favourite things to eat. Vietnamese pho is good. It's essentially a big bowl of noodle soup with a variety of toppings. Some could be thin sliced beef, shredded chicken, shrimp, pork, and there will also be some vegetables (definitely bean sprouts and green onion) and herbs (basil, sometimes mint, sometimes lemon grass (though that more of a fragrant than a herb). Vietnamese noodle bowls are also good. It's vermicelli, meat (beef, chicken, pork, shrimp), shredded cucumber, pickled carrot and usually peanuts. Korean BBQ beef or chicken is really tasty. I used to really enjoy it. Trying a buffet is an AWESOME idea!!! I'm going to google them and see if I can find any near me. I'm loving all these suggestions (and explanations). Who would've thought Aloo Goobi is cauliflower?? LOL
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Post by chlerbie on Aug 25, 2014 19:05:56 GMT
For Chinese, I find that stuff like garlic chicken and chicken and broccoli are a good way to go. Sesame Chicken is a nice, sweet dish. Spring rolls and egg rolls are yummy.
We just ate family style at an Indian restaurant with some friends, and the consensus was that the Mango Chicken was to die for. Wasn't spicy.
I agree with Pad Thai. I'm also a huge fan of the orange chicken at my favorite Thai restaurant.
I LOVE foods of all type and many places have menus where they really describe the dishes. You can also pick up a take out menu for places and then look up the dishes online to learn more about what ingredients they have and what the might taste like.
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Post by bc2ca on Aug 25, 2014 19:09:20 GMT
Pad Thai made with ketchup in the sauce is not going to taste like Pad Thai should. Also teriyaki and sweet & sour are quite different IMO.
I'd also pick highly rated restaurants for a first try and don't hesitate to ask to try something. A good restaurant will give you a taste of the sauce so you have an idea of what the dish will taste like.
We tried a Peruvian restaurant recently and the staff was very generous giving us samples of their different sauces when we asked about a couple of items on the menu.
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Post by lucyg on Aug 25, 2014 19:09:42 GMT
I'm in California and have never seen a hint of ketchup in Pad Thai. OP, I agree with the others. I was really resistant to Thai food for many years, because my first experience with it was so awful, way too hot, I was pregnant and couldn't eat a single thing my dad and DH ordered (idiots!). My sister finally talked me into trying Pad Thai years later and I loved it and everything else I tried afterwards. Thai food is amazing, as long as you never let my dingdong dad and DH do the ordering. oops, they are both gone now, so I should be more respectful. A caution about buffets: I never think the dishes are as good as when you order individually with table service, even at the same restaurant. I would go with a group of friends, get regular table service, and share everything. Get input on what to order from experienced eaters or the restaurant staff. And really, you have GOT to try Thai food. It is worthy of the gods. I'm getting happy just thinking about it.
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raindancer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,095
Jun 26, 2014 20:10:29 GMT
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Post by raindancer on Aug 25, 2014 19:10:33 GMT
I agree for Thai food go with a group and share! My faves are green and yellow curries very mild (I hate spice too). Greek food is great without spice gyros are a good place to start. For Mexican food try crane asada (thin steak with mild seasonings) or fajitas. I get enchilada sauce on the side so I can try it at eCh place first since it's so varied.
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Post by gar on Aug 25, 2014 19:31:55 GMT
Ketchup in Pad Thai??? No!!
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Post by sisterbdsq on Aug 25, 2014 19:44:44 GMT
Start at someplace like Panda Express. Try a few things, if you like one dish in particular order it the next time you go to an actual Chinese restaurant. Now for some of my beginner favorites, with a star next to the ones good for beginners: Thai: * Pad Thai - noodles with a red sauce (usually contains ketchup), chicken, tofu, peanuts & bean sprouts * Pad See Ew - thicker noodles with beef, a green (usually Chinese broccoli) Chicken with basil - very spicy Green curry Vietnamese * Pho - get the lean beef, put hoisin sauce and basil leaves. It is beef broth with noodles and beef. Japanese Sushi - try a California roll, it is fake crabmeat with avocado, it is not raw Teriyaki - just grilled beef or chicken with a sweet and sour sauce Chinese (many, many regions of China so there is a large variety) Cantonese is the least spicy Dim sum is a breakfasty variety of small servings Potstickers - dumpling w/ pork insideSteamed BBQ pork bun Szechuan - spicierXiao long bao - soup dumpling - pork & soup filled dumpling Kung pao chicken - spicy chicken with peanuts (usually) Misc Chinese: Beef with broccoli Moo shu pork - pork and cabbage on pancakes with hoisin sauce Indian Chicken Tikka Masala - chicken in a creamy tomato sauce Nan - bread cooked in a Tandoori oven I will edit if I think of something new. I have taken Thai cooking classes and have never heard of putting ketchup in Pad Thai. It's a great "starter" for someone trying Thai for the first time however. I'd also recommend going to a good restaurant for your first try and Panda Express doesn't really cut it for me. I'll eat there sure but I wouldn't rate it very high. Just my opinion, sorry. WTF, Panda Express? and ketchup isn't in Pad Thai! I'm just backing out of this thread as it's making me go EWWWW!!!!
Most ethnic places have vegetarian sections that provide much more palatable dishes because you KNOW what a carrot/pepper/broccoli tastes like.
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Post by Ellie on Aug 25, 2014 19:45:38 GMT
Wow. You've gotten some great advice already--not sure how much I can add. Have fun! OK, I do want to say this. I'll never forget introducing a former co-worker to pad thai. It was a whole new world to her. Thai food, especially, is my absolute favorite. Have you ever seen the Pixar movie Ratatouille with the rats? There's a scene where the acerbic food critic Anton Ego tastes Remy's (the rat's) ratatouille for the first time and it's a revelation to him. That's how I felt the first time I had GOOD red curry, one with coconut milk. I've never been the same. That said, don't feel bad if you don't like a cuisine. For years, I felt uncool for not liking sushi (beyond California rolls, which are just meh to me). I went to restaurants highly praised by coworkers and friends, but just couldn't get into it. As I've matured (i.e. gotten old), I'm OK with that, but in my 20s I thought I was an uncultured swine (OK, "uncultured swine" in just a quote from Ham in Toy Story. I must have Pixar on the brain).
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Post by anonrefugee on Aug 25, 2014 20:01:10 GMT
I agree for Thai food go with a group and share! My faves are green and yellow curries very mild (I hate spice too). Greek food is great without spice gyros are a good place to start. For Mexican food try crane asada (thin steak with mild seasonings) or fajitas. I get enchilada sauce on the side so I can try it at eCh place first since it's so varied. LoL because I know it's a typo- couldn't CRANE Asada get you in trouble with Fish and Wildlife agencies?
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Post by kimpossible on Aug 25, 2014 20:34:32 GMT
Do you have a Trader Joes near you?
They have some inexpensive international foods that are pre-made/frozen and quick to cook. Their Orange Chicken (chinese) is very good. I'm not into Indian food, but many folks I know love some of their prepared food there too.
Check out the freezer section you will find Indian, Thai, Mexican, Italian and Chinese.
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Post by sisterbdsq on Aug 25, 2014 20:36:58 GMT
I agree for Thai food go with a group and share! My faves are green and yellow curries very mild (I hate spice too). Greek food is great without spice gyros are a good place to start. For Mexican food try crane asada (thin steak with mild seasonings) or fajitas. I get enchilada sauce on the side so I can try it at eCh place first since it's so varied. LoL because I know it's a typo- couldn't CRANE Asada get you in trouble with Fish and Wildlife agencies? and PETA.
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Post by cadoodlebug on Aug 25, 2014 20:39:11 GMT
I'm in California and have never seen a hint of ketchup in Pad Thai. OP, I agree with the others. I was really resistant to Thai food for many years, because my first experience with it was so awful, way too hot, I was pregnant and couldn't eat a single thing my dad and DH ordered (idiots!). My sister finally talked me into trying Pad Thai years later and I loved it and everything else I tried afterwards. Thai food is amazing, as long as you never let my dingdong dad and DH do the ordering. oops, they are both gone now, so I should be more respectful. A caution about buffets: I never think the dishes are as good as when you order individually with table service, even at the same restaurant. I would go with a group of friends, get regular table service, and share everything. Get input on what to order from experienced eaters or the restaurant staff. And really, you have GOT to try Thai food. It is worthy of the gods. I'm getting happy just thinking about it. Lucy you crack me up.
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