Review #36 - Thai Ivory Cuisine

Thai Ivory Cuisine
Variety: Thai
Address: 1067 Bedford Highway
Date Visited: Sunday, April 29, 2012
Orders: Spring Rolls, Cashew Chicken, Vegetarian Pineapple Fried Rice, Chicken Pad Thai

Taste: 10 + 9 = 19/20
Portion Size: 10 + 9 = 19/20
Presentation: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Value: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Service: 10 + 10 = 20/20
Bonus: 2
Minus: -
Final Grade: 96% (Excellent)

(Scoring: 100% to 140% = Exceptional, 85% to 99% = Excellent, 67% to 84% = Good, 60% to 66% = Satisfactory, 50% to 59% = Marginal, 0% to 49% = Poor, -40% to -1% = Abysmal)

Notes: Our anniversary plans were hindered by a nasty cold, so we delayed our soiree a couple of days. Instead of heading downtown, J suggested that we try this establishment on the Bedford Highway, as he'd heard good things about it. We braced ourselves, as we were aware that it was attached to the Stardust Motel - one of the many drive-in crash pads along the Bedford Highway. Entering the restaurant, however, we immediately felt as though we were somewhere far away. The decor and tranquil atmosphere was wonderful - from the beautiful water fountain topped with a stone Ganesha statue and filled with water and dry ice, the gorgeous ivory tusks and charming Indian Barbies adorning the walls, and hell, even the floor was impressive. This place deserved two bonus points right off the bat for silencing our initial skepticism. The menu was solid, and contained photos of many of the unfamiliar dishes. The spring rolls were very tasty, and the addition of corn seemed both unusual and delightful. Our three mains were delightful, particularly the Cashew Chicken. - the only thing we would have appreciated would have been some tofu in the Chicken Pad Thai, which is fairly common at every other Thai place we've visited. Still the fresh vegetables were a very nice addition - the crispness of the green beans went very well with the dish. If Chabaa Thai is the gold standard, Thai Ivory Cuisine is going to give them a run for their money. We'll be back!