LOS suggestions

[saeyedoc]

I've searched all of the posts here, but would like some fresh answers as well.

I'm taking a group of about 6-8 people to LOS and I plan on ordering for everyone, whether they like it or not (I've already warned people that I'm very bossy at Thai restaurants).

Most people are novices to thai food, I've been to Thailand myself and am very familiar with most everything, including Northern cuisine. I love Khao Soi, so that's a must.

Any suggestions on a menu for us to share? How spicy should I order things? I usually order pet mak mak ging ging (very spicy, I'm not kidding) and rarely is it too spicy for me, but some in the group may not care for that level.

I was thinking of ordering a few things that should be very spicy (papaya salad comes to mind) that way and a few less so. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[saeyedoc]

Thanks, what I'm really looking for is a reference point for their heat index. Around here (San Antonio), if they have a 1-5 scale, I order a 6 and I'm happy and my kids can still eat it, although they complain a little.

I recently went to Khao Homm, a very authentic Thai restaurant in Queens, near Sripraphai and ordered everything "Thai spicy". I found that the things that were supposed to be really hot (papaya salad, etc. ) were appropriately spiced and things that weren't supposed to be very spicy (catfish salad) weren't just spiced up because I ordered it 10/10 or something equivalent.

Has anyone found a good ordering scheme at LOS to accomplish this? If I ask for it very spicy in Thai, will it be too hot?

I'm looking more for authentic, appropriate levels of heat than just making everything unbearable hot.

[Dave Feldman]

I've never seen a kid who could handle a 9 or 10 at LOS. Not many adults, either. If I'm by myself, I usually order a 9, but never if I'm not with a very small group that I know likes hot food. I guarantee you that if you go with a large group, there will be some folks who can't handle a 5 or 6, let alone a 9 or 10.

Needless to say, they are not going to make something inappropriately spicy unless it is demanded by the customer.

[Dave Feldman]

If you've read all the posts about LOS, then you've read too many of mine, so I won't recommend any dishes.

Six is a tough number if you vary in heat preferences. When I'm hosting a dinner for eight, I sometimes order two of most dishes, and LOS is kind enough to vary the heat on each. But with six, I usually order one of each dish. I know that quite a few people, even those quite familiar with Thai food, often can't tolerate even a 5 (out of 10) here. Bill, the owner, says he usually orders a six for himself (his wife, the chef, likes her food much hotter).

One tactic I use is to make sure there are some barbecued dishes. The whole catfish can be accompanied by two sauces (one of which adds some heat) but it is great plain. Although the barbecued beef's sauce is described as "spicy," I've never found anyone to find it to be too spicy.

I've eaten food there from one to ten, and am usually happy, but I think it's your job as host to make sure that the food is palatable for your friends. If your friends are heat weenies, and you are forced to order then definitely order one or two dishes that are very spicy. It's not good to feel like a martyr. It's worked for me, and maybe some of your friends will find out they actually like food hotter than they thought.

[saeyedoc]

Nov 11-14. Most like spicy, but there's spicy and then there's thai spicy.

[Michelle]

Hello,

I would ask the people you are taking to LOS whether or not they like spicy food and order accordingly, to take their preferences into consideration. I can not tolerate spicy food, but I love LOS and my favorite dish there is the beef salad. There are lots of non-spicy dishes to be had there.

[SAnativegirl]

Hey SAeyedoc, you Are everywhere! When are you going to Vegas? We are leaving this Friday for 4 nights.