nsxtasy wrote:

Clarence Beeks wrote:it feels like you already know that your visit was representative of nothing significant

Not true. It was representative of a restaurant that I had not tried, that I found out does not do a very good job with those dishes. It's extremely significant for anyone who likes those dishes when they're well prepared, or find themselves dining with those who do. Maybe not significant for you, but isn't that what LTH is for, to share all opinions so that each of us can decide what is and isn't relevant to our own tastes and preferences? The two snarky replies only diminish and debase the level of discourse, and add nothing to the knowledge base about this restaurant.

not snarking, serious. i read your post and took it that you don't really like thai food or understand it much especially since u ordered stuff that was known 2 be outside of the places strengths. that's why i didn't think your post signified much. sorry.

Clarence Beeks wrote:not snarking, serious. i read your post and took it that you don't really like thai food or understand it much especially since u ordered stuff that was known 2 be outside of the places strengths. that's why i didn't think your post signified much. sorry.

I like the more "adventurous" things at ATK and have found the less adventurous things to be not worth having. So we agree there. (And so does nsxtasy, on that last part.)

But if a Thai restaurant believes certain items are not "real" Thai food, it ought not have them on the menu. Conversely, if it has dishes on the menu, it ought to try to do them well.

riddlemay wrote:But if a Thai restaurant believes certain items are not "real" Thai food, it ought not have them on the menu. Conversely, if it has dishes on the menu, it ought to try to do them well.

Who is to say that ATK does not feel they do aforementioned dishes well? While I'm not familiar with ATK's take on the menu items NSX specifically mentioned its entirely possible it's the owner or chef's regional interpretation/style and simply not to NSX's taste expectation.

As you probably know at the most basic level there are 4 regional regional cuisines in Thailand with many sub genre.

The last time I had pad thai prepared by Andy Aroonrasameruang of ATK he was chef/owner at TAC and was a tasty deconstructed take.

A good friend of mine was celebrating a milestone birthday yesterday and chose ATK in Lakeview for a quiet celebration with just a couple of friends. I didn't get much of a say in ordering but managed to get a couple of my favorite items, naem khao tod and Isaan sausage. The naem khao tod was a little lighter on rice than usual, but particularly herby, fiery with hot peppers and delicious despite too light a ratio of rice to other ingredients. The sausage was delicious too, with a great sour flavor, though I prefer the sausages at Rainbow and Paula's which both have some nice snap. Moo ping is one of the better versions around.

Interestingly, I also had the Penang curry, and this is something I would rarely order myself because too many restaurants make it too sweet. Not the case at ATK - one of the best versions I've had.

BR wrote:Interestingly, I also had the Penang curry, and this is something I would rarely order myself because too many restaurants make it too sweet. Not the case at ATK - one of the best versions I've had.

I updated my previous post the following day (while consuming the leftovers), to note that the panang was actually indeed quite good - the best of the dishes I ordered.

After a stop at Alamo Shoe's in Andersonville yesterday, the plan was for dinner at Aroy Thai. Found them closed on a Tuesday , but it all worked out with a great dinner at ATK, Edgewater.

Everything was clean and bright and Som Tum didn't not disappoint with any lack of heat. Our waiter was awesome, extremely helpful and friendly.

We are fans of the Lakeview location, and we loved the Edgewater branch. A great Thai option when we are around Edgewater.

Al Ehrhardt wrote:. . . the plan was for dinner at Aroy Thai. Found them closed on a Tuesday

One of the great frustrations in life, especially since I always seem to forget it. Glad it worked out for you at ATK.

=R=

I'm sorry to report that ATK Edgewater has closed. From their website:

Dear Valued Edgewater Customers:
​ATK's Edgewater location will officially CLOSE its doors on Saturday December 15th. It has been a pleasure serving the Edgewater neighborhood and we look forward to serving all customers at our Lakeview location!

Wishing Everyone a Very Magical Holiday Season!