Of all the eateries in Vista, it wins our prize for the best name: Thai One On, located at 485 S. Melrose Drive (in the Breeze Hill complex by Oggi’s).
Owner-businessman Bill Abii bought the place about a year and a half ago and kept the restaurant going as he extensively tricked it up. New features include a wall-sized marine canvas, a fountain, swags of gold bunting on the ceiling and purple paint along with the original red. Fixtures of quasi-bamboo light the establishment. Thai tablecloths and faux fishes adorn the tables, temple bells decorate the kitchen oriental gate, and there is greenery everywhere, including formidable trees. John loved it. I got a little dizzy.
When we split a lunch special ($6.95) the place wasn’t busy, so chef Sam confided he learned to cook at his Thai mama’s knee, and that he loved to watch patrons enjoy his cuisine.
Our pleasant waitress asked us what spicy level we wanted from 1 to 10, and we said 3. We certainly tasted the burn. But our beef green curry was super. It came with a diminutive egg roll dunked into a sweet sour sauce, a peanut flavored salad of lettuce and carrots, and a fine soup with tofu squares and straw mushroom in a strong broth.
The rice and curry entrée was fashioned of bamboo shoots, bell peppers, eggplant, and coconut milk as well as the curry. It was a little skimpy for two to split, but it would have been way too much for each of us to order one. We ordered America Iced Tea and tip and tax took the tab to $12 for the two of us. Next time, we’ll skip the tea and make our budget of $10.
Other Thai dishes we had tried elsewhere such as Panang Curry, Pad Thai and Spicy Noodle were also featured for $6.95. Very good prices for delicacies lovingly cooked, we decided.
Listed on the Take Out menu but not priced were Bill’s Favorite Sole Fish Dishes; also Thai One On also has desserts from Fried Ice Cream to Fried Banana Thai Style. We were tempted by Fresh Ripe Mango with Sweet Sticky Rice. Another day, we decided. If the diners really want to Thai One On, beer and wine are available.
See the restaurant’s whole story at www.thaioneoncuisine.com.
Thai One On is open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday noon to 9 p.m. Visa and Master Card are accepted with a $10 minimum. Delivery is available. Call (760) 643-1688 for details.
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