Emporium Thai -- Westwood Jitlada Connection
Just discovered this place. I was surprised to learn that this is where Jaz and the rest of Jitlada's staff began in 2000. The moved to their Sunset location in 2006 but the brother remained at Emporium. So, if your craving some Crying Tiger, you can get it in Westwood. 1275 Westwood Blvd.
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liu
Mar 10, 2013 01:35 PM
We enjoyed another VERY delicious dinner last night. When we arrived with reservations at 6:00pm, the restaurant was empty except for one other diner. By about 7:30pm, every table was filled and the restaurant felt very happy and alive.
We were four for dinner last night, so we were able to try more dishes than our previous dinner when we were two. We were graciously and warmly greeted by John, the owner, and he assisted with our order. He remembered us from our previous visit, and he was extremely appreciative that we returned. How nice to be appreciated as a customer!
We had my favorite crispy morning glory salad; it was as good as I had remembered. We also ordered the honey duck, crying tiger beef, Thai honey ribs, a curried chicken dish, sticky rice, a special lamb dish that the owner recommended, and a couple of other dishes that I can not remember. Additionally, they began our dinner with a complimentary shrimp plate...oh, yum on this one!
The heat level on the spiciest dish was not excessive. They will adjust their spices to the customer's request.
For dessert, we had one of each of what they offered: sweet, sticky rice with mango and fried bananas with coconut ice cream. They also offer a pudding, but they ran out of that.
Service was warm and attentive. This was an extremely pleasant and tasty dinner and once again, I look forward to our next dinner there!
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Emporium is decent as a delivery-centric local Thai restaurant, nothing more (which does mean something, as there are so many in the area). I used to order it when I was in college.
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re: chrishei
Apparently they're not quite the same place they used to be. I've never been to Emporium Thai before, but I did give it a try today. Specifically their Crying Tiger Beef and the Mussel Soup. (both off the Jitlada menu - both things I remember liking a lot at Jitlada). Both were quite good.
The guy told me something about a remodel and a new direction 8 months ago. (I was in a hurry and I'm retarded when it comes to accents - literally last night I had a friend interpreting for me at Mori's).
I have to say the place looks very charming.
Looking at their menu online - and comparing it with Jitlada (which is far more extensive, varied with atypical dishes) . But I think they deserve a test-run. Looking forward to it.
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re: foodiemahoodie
westsidegal
Mar 8, 2013 11:25 PM
ok,
so now,
when i'm in westwood, i will need to eek out some time from 800 degrees and from TLT to try this.
you've convinced me.
what is their parking situation?-
re: westsidegal
J.L.
Mar 9, 2013 12:14 AM
Parking for Emporium: Basically street (meter) parking, mainly on Westwood Blvd. Adjacent streets Ashton & Wellworth both have some meter-free spots. It's only a 1-2 minute shlep to the restaurant on foot from those spots.
The location is practically across the street from Yamadaya Westwood.
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re: foodiemahoodie
westsidegal
Mar 9, 2013 11:29 AM
the last time i did that in westwood, the total tab for parking ended up well over $100.
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re: kevin
westsidegal
Mar 9, 2013 11:26 AM
i haven't tried "that crap" yet, so i have to add that to the mix if there is anything on the menu that isn't made up of meat nor poultry.
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re: kevin
westsidegal
Mar 9, 2013 07:41 PM
imho, good veggie burger can be found at houston's, at cafe gratitude, and at the counter in el segundo plaza.
for those folks who prefer the "phoney meat" type of veggie burger, go to veggie grill.
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re: kevin
westsidegal
Mar 9, 2013 07:47 PM
most thai restaurants have a good number of menu items that work for me. probably this one would too.
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re: kevin
westsidegal
Mar 9, 2013 07:44 PM
TLT is the bricks and morter version of THE LIME TRUCK.
they are located on westwood blvd right next to noodle planet.they don't have many items that are non-meat and non-poultry, but the ones they have are very very good.
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J.L.
Mar 7, 2013 04:58 PM
Yup, run by the same group as Jitlada.
Some hounds (myself included) have been recommending this place on the Chowboard for quite some time. Glad you found it sooner than later! Try their morning glory salad as well.
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re: J.L.
TonyC
Mar 7, 2013 08:52 PM
No, not the same "group". Related by blood, but definitely no monetary involvement. If you ask "one" of the parties, they'll distant themselves from the other.
Erik M clarified the relations over 4 years ago: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/4833... . You fell for the "trap".
Emp Thai carried zilch Southern Thai dish until Jazz/Tui garnered national press.
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re: TonyC
J.L.
Mar 7, 2013 09:13 PM
Alrighty then, started by different relatives in the same family. How's that?
It's just a point of conversation, from where I stand - not even sure if it affects the food. Heck, even if the Kardashians took over the joint, as long as the food remains legit, I'm there.
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re: J.L.
TonyC
Mar 7, 2013 11:28 PM
Of course it affects the food. Jazz/p'Tui "took the food". And that's all anyone (on CHOW) really needs to know.
As far as "branding" goes, as it stands, Jitlada will dispute any notion the 2 restaurant are culinarily related. Family doesn't mean business partnership, doesn't take an Asian to understand the difference between the two.
If West LAers need to save the gas money (after all, it's $4.50/gal these days), then sure, order from Emporium Thai. Otherwise, do not mention the two in the same sentence.
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re: TonyC
J.L.
Mar 8, 2013 12:43 AM
All's I'm saying is that as a stand-alone (i.e. not comparing it against any restaurant, Jitlada or otherwise), Emporium Thai holds its own as a decent joint. I'm not sure knowing its lineage really affects how I feel about the place.
Realizing that the OP did hint at a connection on the thread title, so I totally understand your clarification on the matter...
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re: TonyC
From Emporium's menu.
Mussel Soup (Jitlada’s Style)
The New Zealand green lip mussels in a fragrant broth of lemongrass, dried chili, and basil which made our brother’s restaurant, Jitlada, well known in Thai Town, Hollywood. This dish featured in “ Where to Eat This Weekend in Los Angeles: Jitlada | Good Food ”.Crying Tiger Beef (Thai-style chargrilled beef)
Marinated steak, grilled and served with our homemade chili sauce. This dish featured in “best thing you never eat@ food network. Made famous at our sister’s company, Jitlada“. Add Rice $1.5.
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re: TonyC
Moomin
Mar 8, 2013 05:56 AM
Okay, as the originator of that previous thread I'm going wade into this morass yet again.
Emporium Thai and Jitlada share quite a few menu items. In most case those items are either identical, or so similar that they could pass as identical for most diners.
Jitlada has a MUCH longer menu. Jitlada sources/grows more obscure ingredients. Jitlada will more readily honor a request to make things spicier.
Also, the lunch specials at Emporium generally suck. Massively.
But, if you want Mango salad, or morning glory, or a southern curry... they're pretty close.
Jitlada partisans and "there is no good Thai west of Highland" truthists can take up the issue of how much better Jitlada is than Emporium... I generally agree... but it is POSSIBLE to have an almost identical meal at the two restaurants.
That is what I was trying to get at 4 years ago, when I so thoroughly irritated Erik M, but a still think it's true today.
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