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| - *sniffle* That's not a runny nose due to spiciness, it's a sad sniffle. I really wanted to like this place...
I heard great reviews of Apsara and as a huge Thai food fan, I couldn't wait to give it a try! On a Friday night, a friend and I decided to order takeout. Since this restaurant is Cambodian/Thai fusion, their menu is extensive. When trying a new Thai place, I tend to order some of the same dishes that I get at every Thai restaurant. In my book, it's the easiest way to compare and rank the food. I liked the options on Apsara's menu but I stuck to my usual...to start, I had fresh spring rolls (cold, non-fried) and the Apsara healthy soup. For my entree, I ordered the veggie drunken noodles, medium spice level. My friend ordered the fresh spring rolls and spicy mixed veggies with rice.
I realize ordering takeout is a poor way to judge the service but I have to say that the waiter who processed my order was incredibly dry. He didn't know the menu when I asked for clarification and his lack of enthusiasm did not entice me to come in for a sit down meal.
After the lackluster interaction with the waiter, I was pleased to find that our spring rolls were bagged separate. This made me very happy since I've ordered Thai takeout too many times where the cold and hot food was bagged together. The spring rolls were cold & fresh but lacked a punch to the palate. Minimal basil with a lot of cheap chopped iceberg didn't sit well with me. I used a lot of the peanut sauce to add flavor to every bite. Next up, the Apsara healthy soup. This was tasty & I would order it again. The flavors pulled through and the vegetables were slightly crunchy & not overcooked. It was a light, nice portion size for an appetizer. After the soup, I had high hopes for the drunken noodles. Wow, was I wrong. I hate to say it but it tasted like the dish was cooked in water. It had the right coloring but the only flavor I got was biting into the vegetables. I tried mixing up the sauce from the bottom of the container and no luck. No spice, no spark of flavor in the sauce and the vegetables couldn't save it. My friend didn't have a variety of spices so I added salt & pepper to salvage it. The veggies and noodles were not overcooked but I was looking for a distinct flavor. My friend wasn't thrilled with her dish for the same reasons but was pleased by the spice level. They at least added a punch of chili pepper to hers.
I'm not sure if I will give Apsara another shot. Thai me up is a few blocks away and while they are not my #1 for Thai (Nicky's or Pusadee's are my favorite) I have never had a flavorless dish from Thai me up. I see so many good reviews for Apsara so I hope this was just an off night for the staff.
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