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Rainbow Cuisine Thai - A new contender

Rainbow Cuisine Thai - A new contender
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  • Post #241 - August 16th, 2018, 8:54 am
    Post #241 - August 16th, 2018, 8:54 am Post #241 - August 16th, 2018, 8:54 am
    I don't go out to eat that often, but when I do, Rainbow Thai has been a favorite for some time. Despite the torrential downpour, four of us made the trip to Rainbow last night. We ordered fried chicken, hor mok (catfish custard), NKT, kanom buang (crispy pancake), yum hed (mushroom salad), ground chicken basil Thai style, pad ped pla (fish in red curry) and pad see ew extra crispy (wide rice noodles) with beef. I find that two dishes per person works best at Rainbow, even if there are a few things left on the table at the end of the evening. I'm happy to report that there wasn't a clunker in the bunch. None of the dishes individually were the best that I have had at Rainbow. Sure, I'd like the hor mok in the banana leaf instead of the tiny aluminum pie tin. I'm still going to order it every time I go to Rainbow. None of the dishes were blazing hot but, when called for, were well seasoned.

    The food, coupled with the warmth and hospitality of the owners will keep me coming back for more. Yes, there are other excellent Thai restaurants in Chicago but I am hard pressed to think of one that does so many things so well.
  • Post #242 - February 10th, 2019, 11:18 am
    Post #242 - February 10th, 2019, 11:18 am Post #242 - February 10th, 2019, 11:18 am
    Had a very good dinner last night, except the Som Tum was a bit weak and tired. They also need to lose the large, pale pink, out of season tomatoes. How about Mighty Vine cherry tomatoes? After having Som Tum at several spots recently, I think the version at Silom 12 in Bucktown may be my current favorite. Extremely fresh ingredients and awesome heat.

    We were sad to see so few people on a Saturday night. When we left at 7:45 there was only one other couple. Hope they get some LTH love.
  • Post #243 - February 10th, 2019, 12:01 pm
    Post #243 - February 10th, 2019, 12:01 pm Post #243 - February 10th, 2019, 12:01 pm
    Al Ehrhardt wrote:After having Som Tum at several spots recently, I think the version at Silom 12 in Bucktown may be my current favorite. Extremely fresh ingredients and awesome heat.

    Hmm, interesting. I’ve long been of the opinion that the best in town is at Andy’s. Must investigate further.

    Sorry to hear that Rainbow’s business continues to struggle. I’ll stop by soon, but I think they really need some exposure again.
  • Post #244 - February 10th, 2019, 12:16 pm
    Post #244 - February 10th, 2019, 12:16 pm Post #244 - February 10th, 2019, 12:16 pm
    Al Ehrhardt wrote:We were sad to see so few people on a Saturday night. When we left at 7:45 there was only one other couple. Hope they get some LTH love.

    We've also been there when the dining room was fairly empty, during which time there was a steady stream of orders going out via delivery services and customer pick-ups. So it may not be exactly as it initially appears.

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #245 - February 10th, 2019, 1:07 pm
    Post #245 - February 10th, 2019, 1:07 pm Post #245 - February 10th, 2019, 1:07 pm
    ronnie_suburban wrote:
    Al Ehrhardt wrote:We were sad to see so few people on a Saturday night. When we left at 7:45 there was only one other couple. Hope they get some LTH love.

    We've also been there when the dining room was fairly empty, during which time there was a steady stream of orders going out via delivery services and customer pick-ups. So it may not be exactly as it initially appears.

    =R=


    Good call out. We were deep into the dining room side and didn't notice the pick up traffic.
  • Post #246 - February 10th, 2019, 1:10 pm
    Post #246 - February 10th, 2019, 1:10 pm Post #246 - February 10th, 2019, 1:10 pm
    I've seen Mote a couple of times delivering to my building over the last few months. Not that that will pay the rent, and wonder of the wisdom of his expanding if the seats are often empty.
    "In pursuit of joys untasted"
    from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata
  • Post #247 - February 10th, 2019, 1:14 pm
    Post #247 - February 10th, 2019, 1:14 pm Post #247 - February 10th, 2019, 1:14 pm
    cilantro wrote:
    Al Ehrhardt wrote:After having Som Tum at several spots recently, I think the version at Silom 12 in Bucktown may be my current favorite. Extremely fresh ingredients and awesome heat.

    Hmm, interesting. I’ve long been of the opinion that the best in town is at Andy’s. Must investigate further.

    Sorry to hear that Rainbow’s business continues to struggle. I’ll stop by soon, but I think they really need some exposure again.


    For perspective, we do really enjoy Andy's Som Tom also. It is also right up there with our favorite versions.
  • Post #248 - February 10th, 2019, 1:28 pm
    Post #248 - February 10th, 2019, 1:28 pm Post #248 - February 10th, 2019, 1:28 pm
    Rainbow does a brisk delivery and pickup biz, the dining room not so much and I agree they could use some LTH love. Far as Thai goes Rainbow is as good as always and, along with, TAC and Aroy are my top three. I also like Elephant Thai but they know me and they tend to amp up my food, either delivery or in-house, beyond the ameri/thai the general neighborhood loves them for.
    Hold my beer . . .

    Low & Slow
  • Post #249 - February 10th, 2019, 1:54 pm
    Post #249 - February 10th, 2019, 1:54 pm Post #249 - February 10th, 2019, 1:54 pm
    I got carry-out last Sunday night and the Basil Chicken and Pad Ped Pla were both better than anything I've had in the 7 days since.

    If the Som Tum is off, that's practically a third strike when it comes to their salad offerings. I tried ordering their Banana Blossom Salad to be told it was unavailable. I now see that both that, and their Bamboo Salad are off the online menu. I'm not going to hold the pathetic Tod Mun against them. I only got it because I try it at every Thai place and was trying to replace the Banana Blossom on the fly.
    G Wiv wrote:Far as Thai goes Rainbow is as good as always and, along with, TAC and Aroy are my top three.
    I agree with this near-exactly. If you order right at Tom Yum Cafe though, it's just as good as the other three. All are a pain in the ass trek from north Evanston, a reality to the benefit of Thai Inbox (very good Tod Mun, solid Tom Yum noodle soup).
  • Post #250 - February 10th, 2019, 2:57 pm
    Post #250 - February 10th, 2019, 2:57 pm Post #250 - February 10th, 2019, 2:57 pm
    bweiny wrote:I got carry-out last Sunday night and the Basil Chicken and Pad Ped Pla were both better than anything I've had in the 7 days since.
    You are talking about Rainbow, right?
    Hold my beer . . .

    Low & Slow
  • Post #251 - February 10th, 2019, 3:14 pm
    Post #251 - February 10th, 2019, 3:14 pm Post #251 - February 10th, 2019, 3:14 pm
    G Wiv wrote:
    bweiny wrote:I got carry-out last Sunday night and the Basil Chicken and Pad Ped Pla were both better than anything I've had in the 7 days since.
    You are talking about Rainbow, right?
    Yes.
    - Ground Basil Chicken Thai Style (w/ egg). I just noticed there's another basil chicken entree on their menu.
  • Post #252 - May 17th, 2019, 6:47 pm
    Post #252 - May 17th, 2019, 6:47 pm Post #252 - May 17th, 2019, 6:47 pm
    Per a note on my delivery bag tonight, Rainbow will be closed for an emergency trip to Thailand from May 20-June 27.
  • Post #253 - October 9th, 2019, 12:29 pm
    Post #253 - October 9th, 2019, 12:29 pm Post #253 - October 9th, 2019, 12:29 pm
    Has anyone been recently?

    Haven't been since winter (whoops) and wondering if there are any new menu additions I should potentially be on the lookout for. Always enjoy seeing the new dishes recommended at Rainbow from this thread.
  • Post #254 - October 9th, 2019, 2:59 pm
    Post #254 - October 9th, 2019, 2:59 pm Post #254 - October 9th, 2019, 2:59 pm
    Behavioral wrote:Has anyone been recently?

    Haven't been since winter (whoops) and wondering if there are any new menu additions I should potentially be on the lookout for. Always enjoy seeing the new dishes recommended at Rainbow from this thread.


    We were in for a birthday dinner a few weeks ago—all the greatest hits for a party of 15 and they knocked it out of the park. I don’t think Rainbow usually does much in the way of specials and they’ve actually pared the menu back a bit, to eliminate slower selling items. But the great dishes are still great, and that’s why they’re still one of my top destinations for Thai food.

    Our menu included: Apps—Thai beef jerky, fried chicken, Issan Sausage, vegetable egg rolls. Salads—Naem Khao Tod, Yum Woon Sen, Som Tom & Cucumber Salad. Mains—Red Curry with Duck, Catfish with Green Beans, Chinese Broccoli with Crispy Pork, Penang Beef & Veggie Fried Rice.
    "Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad." Miles Kington
  • Post #255 - January 20th, 2020, 8:56 pm
    Post #255 - January 20th, 2020, 8:56 pm Post #255 - January 20th, 2020, 8:56 pm
    Did a dine in visit to Rainbow over the weekend.
    We got there, my 4yo (and I) were concerned about the low guest count. By the time we left I think every table was full.
    Standouts were all the hits, and I was glad for it.

    My pics didnt turn out, but all was beautiful and delicious.
  • Post #256 - May 12th, 2021, 7:00 pm
    Post #256 - May 12th, 2021, 7:00 pm Post #256 - May 12th, 2021, 7:00 pm
    The pandemic has not been kind to Rainbow. Pramote told me today that he's lost money most months during the pandemic. Their lease is up in July, and he said that they need to make money this month to justify staying open.

    Happy to say that the food is still great. Their menu online is abbreviated, but they will make anything you ask for if they have the time and ingredients. We ordered naem khao tod, panang curry chicken, and kanar moo krob for takeout (they are not doing dine in right now), and everything was fresh and tasty. Hope people can get out and get them some business so they can stay open.

    Image
    Naem Khao Tod (Crispy Rice Salad)

    Image
    Panang Curry with Chicken

    Image
    Kanar Moo Krob (Chinese Broccoli with Crispy Pork Belly)
  • Post #257 - May 12th, 2021, 9:38 pm
    Post #257 - May 12th, 2021, 9:38 pm Post #257 - May 12th, 2021, 9:38 pm
    I've been having a serious craving for Rainbow Thai lately & this gives me that last little nudge to make the worthwhile trek into the city.
  • Post #258 - May 13th, 2021, 1:12 pm
    Post #258 - May 13th, 2021, 1:12 pm Post #258 - May 13th, 2021, 1:12 pm
    Are they open for dine-in now? I've been in the neighborhood a few times but they were takeout only. Alternatively, is there a decent place nearby to eat takeout? A BYOF bar, or park?
  • Post #259 - May 13th, 2021, 1:43 pm
    Post #259 - May 13th, 2021, 1:43 pm Post #259 - May 13th, 2021, 1:43 pm
    tazerowe wrote:Are they open for dine-in now? I've been in the neighborhood a few times but they were takeout only. Alternatively, is there a decent place nearby to eat takeout? A BYOF bar, or park?

    There is a new-ish seating area across the street, just south of the McDonald's there. You're also not far from Welles Park.
    -Mary
  • Post #260 - May 13th, 2021, 5:54 pm
    Post #260 - May 13th, 2021, 5:54 pm Post #260 - May 13th, 2021, 5:54 pm
    Just got back from there as they won't deliver for me and I hadn't seen this, so I forgot to ask. Food's great though and sadly didn't seem busy.
  • Post #261 - May 14th, 2021, 8:24 am
    Post #261 - May 14th, 2021, 8:24 am Post #261 - May 14th, 2021, 8:24 am
    Crap! I Am on it! Moving back to LS at the end of this month, and rainbow was very much going to get back into the regular rotation.
  • Post #262 - May 16th, 2021, 3:02 pm
    Post #262 - May 16th, 2021, 3:02 pm Post #262 - May 16th, 2021, 3:02 pm
    Remembering this post as my family was coming over and I had to work, I ordered takeout. They can't stop thanking me for dinner. Had 2 calls this am regarding the meal. Go now and support the epitome of LTH.
    "In pursuit of joys untasted"
    from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata
  • Post #263 - May 21st, 2021, 7:36 am
    Post #263 - May 21st, 2021, 7:36 am Post #263 - May 21st, 2021, 7:36 am
    eieileen wrote:Their menu online is abbreviated, but they will make anything you ask for if they have the time and ingredients.
    Thank you for including this. I knew I had to give Rainbow a couple more orders in the next month, whatever the future may hold. When I asked if they could make Pad Ped Pla (extra spicy), they were happy to. That, basil chicken and udon Pad Thai were all great. I'll order again in a couple weeks, hope for the best, and just be grateful for the meals I've enjoyed over the last 8 years from Rainbow.
  • Post #264 - May 24th, 2021, 8:32 am
    Post #264 - May 24th, 2021, 8:32 am Post #264 - May 24th, 2021, 8:32 am
    Did a large order Friday, everything was firing at 100%.
    NKT
    Crispy PSE
    all the favorites
    They made me a larb that wasnt showing on the online menu as well, just fantastic stuff.
  • Post #265 - October 9th, 2021, 1:23 pm
    Post #265 - October 9th, 2021, 1:23 pm Post #265 - October 9th, 2021, 1:23 pm
    Ordered delivery last night and it was just so damn good. Mote delivered it so I invited him in. They're hanging by a thread and need more biz. Since they're the epitome of LTHness suggest some love before it's too late.

    Image
    "In pursuit of joys untasted"
    from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata
  • Post #266 - October 9th, 2021, 7:27 pm
    Post #266 - October 9th, 2021, 7:27 pm Post #266 - October 9th, 2021, 7:27 pm
    Do you have to call in an order to get the traditional Thai favorites? Or does the online menu include these when they are available?
  • Post #267 - October 9th, 2021, 7:33 pm
    Post #267 - October 9th, 2021, 7:33 pm Post #267 - October 9th, 2021, 7:33 pm
    Menu has been shortened. Not everything is available but plenty of great items to choose from. Plus, they need our support.
    "In pursuit of joys untasted"
    from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata
  • Post #268 - October 10th, 2021, 9:50 am
    Post #268 - October 10th, 2021, 9:50 am Post #268 - October 10th, 2021, 9:50 am
    You should definitely call for the good stuff. He explained that the online menu is limited to items that are quick/easy to make because of the hefty fees (30%) charged by the online services. Items that take more time and effort to prepare, like the nam kao tod, can only be ordered over the phone. It's just not worth the effort to make these for the meager profit that's left after the fees. Sadly, some items, like the khao kluk kapi, are no longer available even over the phone or at least they haven't been the last several times I've ordered.
  • Post #269 - October 10th, 2021, 10:10 am
    Post #269 - October 10th, 2021, 10:10 am Post #269 - October 10th, 2021, 10:10 am
    Give them a break. Now is not the time to ask them to do something they've decided against. Order what they have and don't make them jump through hoops to scratch your itch as they lose when you do that.
    "In pursuit of joys untasted"
    from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata
  • Post #270 - October 10th, 2021, 10:22 am
    Post #270 - October 10th, 2021, 10:22 am Post #270 - October 10th, 2021, 10:22 am
    Jazzfood wrote:Give them a break. Now is not the time to ask them to do something they've decided against. Order what they have and don't make them jump through hoops to scratch your itch as they lose when you do that.
    Isn't that nam kao tod in the upper left of your order though? I don't think it's right to tell people they shouldn't call in their orders and avail themselves of the same items you enjoyed. For me, pad ped pla was nixed online but they had it via phone. The lesson is to order by phone. It's mutually beneficial with the larger menu and no finder's fee.

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