Bangkok Villa's Asian Rice Crackers

[Melanie Wong]

A few weeks ago I picked up a package (3 per pack) of Asian rice crackers (maybe they call 'em rice cakes) made by Santa Rosa's Bangkok Villa restaurant at a Thai market. My friends (and I as well) have gone nutty over them. Not your styrofoam, tasteless, negative calorie rice cakes, instead these have the empty calories of deep-frying and sugar that make them addictive. Ingredients are sticky rice, cane sugar, corn oil, and salt, so maybe not that bad for you. They're shaped like a thick wafer, crackly crisp and just slightly sweet. I've put them on the table after a meal with fruit for dessert, and if I'm lucky, there are some leftover for breakfast.

The first time I bought them at Asian Market on Petaluma Hill Road for $1.25 per package. At Asia Mart on Guerneville and Fulton roads, they're $1.39 per package.

[kare_raisu]

I just finished lunch from Bangkok Villa and I have to say that I really enjoyed my meal.

I got the red curry to go - and its perhaps the best I have had. The most striking thing for me regarding the curry was -put simply- Balance. Every flavor element seemed to be in perfect proportion: addictive spiciness, slight sweetness and fullness from the rich coconut milk, almost unnoticible undercurrent of fish sauce, and even a slight nutiness (pehaps from peanut).

My favorite part was when ever so often I encountered the haunting flavor of thai basil. This provided such a wonderful herbal jolt - to provide contrast and make the delicious curry interesting and alive.

I asked about the rice crackers- all out this week - I will have to try again next week. She (Jai) mentioned how she sets them out to dry, wow.

I may be even able to get thai pork leg stew (Koa kah moo?) - may favorite thai dish I have only had a thai fest. Any sightings for this?

[Dave MP]

Is Koa Kah moo the same as the Thai pork leg dish at Thai House Express in SF?

Dave MP

[kare_raisu]

I think so?