I ate dinner at Thai Paradise with my wife on 7/21/15. In this review I will describe my experience with the ambiance, service, and food at the restaurant.
Ambiance: The decor is pleasant in this cozy establishment. There is both outdoor and indoor seating, but few tables. I personally appreciated small touches like the silverware rolled up in bamboo place mats instead of napkins, and small seashells for hashioki (chopstick holders). The restaurant was clean, but there was one large problem. The whole interior dining room had a faint odor that smelled like a combination of dried alfalfa and kibble. I don't know if that is a result of using peanuts, peanut sauce, and peanut oil in the food, but it distracted my wife and I all night from an otherwise pleasant dining atmosphere.
Service: The staff was pleasant, but we didn't see much of them. It seems that many of the restaurants in town are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which might have contributed to Thai Paradise being overwhelmed when we visited. While we were seated right away, many would-be diners who followed us were not so lucky. This is not unusual for popular eateries, however, and i don't view it as a strike against Thai Paradise.
Our table gave us a view of the kitchen, and we only counted 4 total staff members working in 2 person shifts alternating between cooking and serving. That explains why it took 15 minutes to give us drinks and menus. After we placed our orders we received our food after a long wait, but it was not so unreasonable as to cause real irritation. One complaint that I feel to be valid, however, is that our drinks were only refilled once the entire night (we drank water).
We received our check and were processed in short order, but one table had to track down the wait staff to process their check.
Food: This is the area in which my wife and I were most disappointed. We ordered the following items: thai rolls, pad thai, and massaman curry.
The thai rolls were delicious, if not memorable. The presentation was well executed, and we were glad we ordered them. The vegetable filling was fresh and provided a pleasant texture that was nicely complimented by the sweet peanut oil dip that accompanied the appetizer.
The pad thai was only acceptable. While the noodles were pleasantly chewy, the sauce lacked bold seasoning and flavor. It was pad thai, but I couldn't help but think that I have had better thai noodles from microwave boxes. I should add that I asked for my pad thai to be served very spicy, but it was not even remotely hot. The best i can say for this dish is that the presentation was good and the portion was ample.
The massaman curry suffered from the same issue as the pad thai. The vegetables were cooked perfectly, but the flavor was not there. My wife even commented that the curry sauce and pad thai sauce looked and tasted exactly the same. The texture of the beef was on par with canned beef stew meat. Couple that with the overcooked, puffy brown rice and you have a recipe for mediocrity.
For 2 waters, an appetizer, and 2 entrees we spent $50 with tip. This is twice as much as I would have paid for better Thai food in Houston, where we live. Not a good value at all.
In short, the restaurant is charming, but smells like pet food inside. The service was kind, but overwhelmed, and the food was bland. I gave it 3 stars but my wife gave it 2. I rounded up to give them the benefit...
Read moreThai Paradise in Ridgway, CO, is an excellent Asian restaurant that offers a burst of delightful flavors, serving incredibly delicious Thai dishes. It is an excellent choice for a special date night, family dinner, or a friendly get-together.
For the rural location, the menu is extensive and features many outstanding dishes, offering an array of dishes that's perfect for any occasion or dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a delicious meat or a vegetarian option, Thai Paradise has got you covered. The menu blends tangy, sweet, spicy, and sour nicely to create a good balance of flavors that will leave you to crave more.
This restaurant has an inviting and cozy atmosphere with friendly and accommodating staff that enhances the restaurant experience. The cozy, well-decorated setting is delightful, and the staff is always happy and quick to help. And, with both indoor and outdoor dining options, the beautiful environment offers an added bonus.
The drink menu at Thai Paradise is adequate with beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. Whether you're looking for a refreshing adult beverage after hiking in the mountains or a sweet dessert drink to end the night, Thai Paradise has everything you could want.
Overall, Thai Paradise in Ridgway, CO, is a top-notch restaurant. The outstanding food and cozy ambiance make it a perfect choice for a night out. The service is fast and attentive, and the pricing is reasonable. Don't hesitate to dine in; you surely won't be...
Read moreThis has become one of my favorite places to eat in Ridgway. I've been exploring their menu by ordering something different almost every time I go. Every meal has tasted fresh and delicious. Service is always friendly. Prices are reasonable -- especially for lunch. Sometimes the dishes have been a bit less spicy than I prefer even when ordered "Thai hot," but they always offer hot peppers and sauces at the table to allow me to bring it up a notch. My wife is at the other end of the spectrum and orders her dishes "not spicy" and loves it every time. The coconut milk-based soups are particularly delicious. My go-to dishes are the chicken curries and the pad Thai. If you haven't tried curry puffs, they are a delicious appetizer! They taste just as I remember having...
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