SoWal Lunchtime at Thai Elephant

“I remember the moment I first realized I've been living my whole life in black and white. It was like discovering a color I never knew existed before. A whole new crayon box full of colors…” ~ Anthony Bourdain talking about Thailand.

And when we eat at Thai Elephant, we know what Boudain meant. The SoWal Crew lunched  there Tuesday and the food was colorful, delicious and served with happiness. We started with tempura shrimp, chicken satay and tempura calamari. We could’ve stopped there  - the portions are big and the sauce options were plenty.

You can’t beat the $8.95 lunch specials. Chicken Pad Pak, Tofu fried rice and beef Pad Thai to name a few. I always have the Thai Basil with chicken but this time I opted for shrimp. Yummy stir fried veggies in brown sauce with Thai basil to sweeten it up. Each dish comes with steamed rice and a spring roll, and ask for just the right amount of heat to your plate. Add a Thai Iced tea and you’ve got a traditional Thai lunch.

Midway though our lunch chef/owner Pok delivered a hot-out-of-the-fryer plate of crab rangoon. So crispy, so rich. The perfect end to a delicious lunch.

Thai Elephant for dinner is a real treat. Larger portions of your favorite lunch dishes plus curries, noodles and eight Chef’s specials to choose from.

Thai Elephant is located in Santa Rosa Beach in Plaza 98 near the Post Office. The restaurant is open daily and has one of the best lunch specials in SoWal ($8.95!), dinner and take-out. Enjoy old time home cooking in the dining room or call ahead for take-out at 850-660-6711. See the menu online at www.thaielephantsrb.com, and read reviews and more on Facebook.