New Thai places in Thousand Oaks
We moved to TO about 2 1/2 years ago and I always lamented on the lack of Thai (especially GOOD Thai) restaurants in the area.
We tried Exotic Thai on TO nr Skyline, YUCH! Enough said.
Exotic Thai on Lindero Canyon in Oak Park is okay, not great but if in need of a Thai fix, okay. I found the portions kinda small (especially on the lunch specials, which I usually get since I eat lunch alone often). If I order an entree, rice and a coke, it get's kind of expensive ($11 + tax & tip = $14).
There's an Exotic Thai in Agoura and it's better, but farther.
Up until now the best Thai food in the area has been Westlake Thai (AKA Pookie's Thai). I didn't care for it at first, but I found out it's all about what you order. Now that they've moved into a larger area with a patio I like it even more. I tend to go there in the evenings more than lunch (and with my wife) and bring a bottle of wine and sit on the patio. It runs around $50 but it's much more of a dining experience than any other Thai around. Very enjoyable and Pookie is such a charmer! Always remembers my diet Coke!
Now, a new place opened up where Red Sky used to be (next to Stan's donuts): White Elephant. We tried it once, and I wasn't impressed. We came in for lunch on a Sat. about 3 weeks after they opened. We were alone in the place and we still had to wait (a while, not a long time, but longer than should have been since we were the only customers) while we heard the waitress talking about her last night's evening with the cook. The food was okay, nothing exceptional and I found the prices much to high for the quality. I doubt we'll be going back.
Just opened down the street on Moorpark (where Olga's used to be) is Fit2be Thai. This is a branch of the Moorpark location which we went to a couple of times. It's a healty take on Thai food. Low oil, low carb noodles available, not too heavy on the sauces and the food is clearly fresh and cooked more healthy. It wasn't good enough to make the trek to Moorpark, but this location (around 2 miles from us) is much better. While I don't consider this a 'true' Thai' fix, it is good, not overly expensive, and an alternative in the area. Their best item is the purple rice, which I love and very few places (outside of Thai Town or NoHo) have. We will be going back.
Lastly, a new place is opening next week, on TO just east of Lindero Canyon (about 5 blocks from where i work!!). It's called Thai Brasseri. I have the menu and it looks like standard Thai fare, quality is yet to be determined.
The web site (www.thaibrasserie.com) states they'll open on Sept. 3rd. I'll be there on Sept. 4th to give it a try. I'll report back.
Final note, off subject, Cisco's on Lindero/Kannan is now open. I'll try that next week also.
It's sooooo great that all these Thai places are now coming to TO. It's been a long wait!
By LesThePress
on Aug 30, 2007 08:13 AM
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Can never get enough good Thai food. Also glad to see Thai is improving in the Thousand Oaks area. If you don't mind driving a short distance, Rachada Thai Cuisine in Moorpark serves up pretty authentic Thai food.
In fact, Rachada Thai Cuisines in Moorpark is at the old Fit2be Thai store you mentioned. I think Rachada Thai is better, more authentic Thai food. Maybe if you give Rachada a try, you might change your mind on whether its worth the trek to Moorpark ;-)
The food is always cooked up fresh and they kick up the heat if you want. Especially like the noodle soups - a great Thai Boat Noodles. See http://rachadathaicuisines.com
525 New Los Angeles Ave A, Moorpark, CA
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Yes, we have gone (and will continue to go) to Rachada. We like it. I thought the prices were a little high for the location but when the food came I was pleased at the portion sizes, not so pricey anymore! We're regulars at Rachada!!!
A couple of months ago Cholada opened in TO, across from AM/PM on TO (nr Erbes).
We went to Cholada (the 1st one) on PCH in Malibu and we liked it. We went to the next one in Ventura, and it was okay. I was glad to see them open up in Newburry Park, but was disappointed in it. We tried the new on on TO Blvd, and no way will we be going back. Most of the items were tastless, Phad Thai had no fish sauce (that I could taste) and the eggplant had no spices at all. Pookie's is much better and actually a little cheaper and much much nicer place. The waitress at Cholada was a sour puss who seemed to be annoyed at our being there and had the nerve to order dishes to our specifications. Pookie always remembers how we like things and is always all smiles.
So while TO is getting more Thai restaurants, unfortunately we have to stick with the few good ones (Exotic Thai on Lindero/Kannan and Pookies) or the ones a short drive away (Rahada and a few places in Simi Valley).
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Hey, glad to hear you've been out to Rachada and you like it.
Going to give Exotic Thai on Lindero and Pookies a try.
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Hey Guys, I was looking for you on this post. Can you read it and let me know what you think. Gee I wish I had e-mail addresses. Thanks
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/635872
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