I appreciate that Let's Take a Seat is the only restaurant I know in the Champaign-area (thus far) that dares
1) to be bold
2) twist the ingredients of traditional dishes to create "signature" dishes
3) caters to vegetarians with meat substitutes like seitan (which I enjoy even if I'm not vegetarian).
Location:
Let's Take a Seat is located by Jupiter's Too. Unfortunately, it is quite far from where I live so I've only been there once. Free lot parking.
Ambiance:
You can tell post-docs and professors go here based on the caliber of conversation (that may include criticizing students for being whiny). I find it pleasant, and generally pretty quiet. When I went in late August, there were ample tables, black chairs and gray carpet. Overall, it was a bit drab and dim for a Thai place. They also seem to have a mini stage which makes me wonder if this place offers, or its prior owners, offered karaoke. The lighting was a little dim for my taste too, but it is okay. It's decent for a romantic date.
Food:
- It's rare to screw up thai iced tea so well-done.
- I ordered the peanut egg foo young because it was such a unique concept. It is not the most favorite thing I have had in my life because I overdosed on the Thai peanut sauce. Think about it: two thick, juicy omelettes, soaked in super sweet thai peanut sauce. It was hard to get through one because it was so rich. However, it was worth trying and I do like this restaurant's boldness in trying new things.
- Wait, they had dessert? And it looks as good as what the pictures show?! I have to go back...
Price:
Expensive for the region but comparable to Chicago. The price reflects that this restaurant uses more ingredients in their dishes than other places you go to.