Small Bites: Thai X-ing Panang Curry

Now, I know I haven't written in a while. My new cheese job has been taking up all of my time. But that is to our advantage, dear readers! Because I am about to tell you the best food secret that DC's been keeping from you... and I want you to keep it on the down low...

I used to be a stone cold player. You couldn't tie this baller down - I'd bounce from one Thai place to the next: Thai Tanic, Regent Thai, Thaiphoon, Thai Kingdom, Rice, Thai Kitchen, Simply Home, Sala Thai.
I had all of their numbers in my little black take-out book.

But then a couple years ago, I fell in love. No, not love - hot, steamy, sweet, sizzling lust. I couldn't keep focus. My mind would wander off in daydreams about our nights together. I craved this new paramour. I hungered, dammit.

And you have to believe me, none of the times that I've cheated on Thai X-ing have been my fault!

It's all because of owner and chef Taw Vigsittaboot's Panang Curry. I crave that curry several times a week. Other reviewers may love the Salmon in Red Curry (it is good) or the Beef Drunken Noodles (B's favorite), but I have regular fantasies about the Panang Curry.
It is simultaneously spicy and creamy, sweet and salty, simple and elegant, comforting and exotic. Unlike many area Thai restaurants, Taw uses the traditional recipe for the dish (which means no peanuts.) It also means he slow-cooks the tofu, beef, or chicken with the curry sauce, so the ingredients have time to harmonize - giving the dish a rich, deep, soul-stirring flavor. Combined with the unusual addition of cauliflower and topped with the customary kaffir lime leaf strips, this dish will turn you into one of the faithful.

If you want to make a meal of it, add an order of the perfectly flaky, crispy spring rolls (just be sure to take the lettuce leaf out of the box to keep the spring rolls from getting soggy on the drive home) and the sticky rice with mango for dessert.

So yes, sometimes you will have wait upwards of an hour. Yes, at some point there will be a mistake made with your order and you'll have to go back to exchange it. And yes, Taw will often be out of thai iced tea.

But the man remembers his regulars and treats them well, is always in the mood for a quiet conversation, works like a tireless monk in the kitchen, and makes that damn delicious curry.

I hereby pledge my undying loyalty and fidelity to Thai X-ing. For reals this time.

Thai X-ing
515 Florida Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20001
Tel: 202-332-4322
Fax: 202-332-4401

Open Tues-Sun 4-10 pm
Delivery some Friday and Saturday nights
Thai X-ing menu

Comments

[Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat)]

This sounds amazing! I've tried a bunch of Thai places and used to love one in Adams Morgan near the zoo, but that's closed now unfortunately.

[VINCENT]

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[jennifer]

i'm gonna have to try this place. i've been looking for good thai in the city!

[waitress]

This blog is so refreshing. I love the colors.

[Panache Nosh]

Sounds yummy, can't wait to try their Nam Tok.

[Tom]

I love Thai-Xing as well. The Penang is delicious.
http://personalwinebuyer.wordpress.com/2008/03/13/thai-x-ing-washington-dc/

[Tom]

I too love Thai Xing -- and also a new fan of your blog.

[Aaron]

Another thing about Thai Xing is its physical plant. It's so easy to miss driving down Florida. It's in the basement of a row house. And the decor could possibly be described as "flea market". I get a kick out of sitting in a recliner reading about mideval armor while waiting a long time for my food and catching up with Taw. There's no place like it. Anywhere.

[WhereInDC]

Wow, this sounds great! I haven't been but I can't wait to try your Thai recommendation. I've also been bouncing around trying to find "the best" (or at least a really good) Thai place in DC.

Thanks!

[emily]

We just moved to D.C. a couple of months ago, and last night I had one of those "hell if I'm going to cook" nights. This is my new (only) takeout standby. I had the first pad thai in a looong time last night that didn't taste like it had gone swimming in peanut butter. Great, layered flavor. Bf's penang curry was also great. Only complaint is that the vegetables end up way overcooked wallowing in the steam. Otherwise totally worth the 45-minute wait.