Bai Yok
330 Pacific Highway
Crows Nest NSW 2065
$$$–

Despite being mere minutes from where I live, I’d never ventured to Bai Yok. We got there early last night and the restaurant was pretty empty, and looked pretty up-class, with wine glasses and such. That sent out warning signals to us, since that probably meant it wasn’t very authentic.. so we we looked around for another restaurant to go to. But then I remembered that I had a 25% off coupon to use at Bai Yok, so I insisted we go in anyway 😛

A good thing we did, as we were pretty, no, REALLY, blown away with the quality of the food and the service. It really was all 100% spot-on and spectacular. Our 2 waiters were lovely beyond belief, so attentive and friendly 🙂 Good service really makes the restaurant, and these guys gave one of the best service I’ve experienced.

Food-wise, it came quickly and we were totally bowled over with just how FANTASTIC it was! As Dad noted, “It’s better than any Thai food you’ll find in Singapore” I agree! We had the Yum Nua (sliced beef sirloin mixed with lemon juice, chilli, onion, lemon grass, fish sauce and mint, served with fresh cucumber and tomato) and were delighted that the sliced beef sirloin was utterly tender and full of flavour. Usually beef has bits of tendon and stringy bits in it and is a bit tough, but this was 100% perfect. The sauce was potent and packed a delicious punch, and it was healthy too!

The Gang Musman (sweet mild curry, slowly cooked lamb, potato pieces with peanuts) was my choice, because I can never resist a good Mussamun curry. It wasn’t as sweet as the Indian version, but the lamb – ooooooh!! It was meltingly soft and chunky and rich and the potato was perfectly cooked. I’m sad I’m moving away from the area as I want to have this again 😉

Also had the Gai Yang (barbequed chicken marinated with Bai Yok spices and served with sweet chilli sauce) that I initially wasn’t too interested in, as normally chicken dishes aren’t that exciting. But when it appeared, the scent of the marinated chicken totally won me over. It’s the best chicken I’ve ever had, I’m pretty sure. It was so full of flavour, right through the chicken. And the sweet chilli sauce drizzled on top gave a perfect contrast to the slight saltiness and grilled flavour of the chicken. OMG this was good.

We tried to pick our favourite dish but it was hard. And for me? ALL THREE!! I can’t pick a favourite. Considering the mains are between $15-$20 each, it’s fairly reasonable since portions are sizable, not to mention the food is bloody fantastic! If you live in Sydney, YOU HAVE TO GO. Best. Thai. Ever.

Bai Yok

Cool lamp

Yum Nua (sliced beef sirloin mixed with lemon juice, chilli, onion, lemon grass, fish sauce and mint, served with fresh cucumber and tomato)

Gang Musman (sweet mild curry, slowly cooked lamb, potato pieces with peanuts)

Gai Yang (barbequed chicken marinated with Bai Yok spices and served with sweet chilli sauce)

Their business card

Bravo Trattoria
6-8 Falcon St
Crows Nest, NSW 2065
$$$–

I last blogged about Bravo Trattoria last year in September. Has it really been that long? In that review, I said I wasn’t keen on their pastas anymore, and declared them a “dessert and coffee” place. We dropped in after our dinner at Bai Yok, for exactly that 😉

Got the Tiramisu, which is simply not-to-be-missed. It’s one of my favourite tiramisus – all moist with a great kick of flavour and rich-but-not-overpowering cream. We also got a scoop of homemade Baccio gelato on the side for an additional $1.50. Bargain! All washed down with a Flat White Coffee and my Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows. Mmmmmm….

Bravo Trattoria

The extensive menu painted on the wall

Tiramisu with Baccio gelato

Flat White and Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows