Thai Fighters: Population Crisis

I'm slowly beginning to realize that, as Guelph continues to grow, my goal of finding the best Thai restaurant in the city is becoming more difficult and deliciously challenging. It stands to good reason that, as a population increases, so to does the number of dining establishments, and the Thai market proves as no exception to this. At every corner I turn there seems to be something new and inviting to try out; the main problem with this being my pocket book can't always handle it; the silver lining, however, is that my belly certainly can...

Episode 4: Thai Villa Cuisine

So, as the above paragraph surely illustrated, it will be hard for me to touch down in every dining room that opens up, but I will do my very best in reporting back on those in which I do; the most recent of experiences being with Thai Villa Cuisine. As with all recent Thai experiences and experiments, I have held true to my promise of selecting dishes easily comparable and recognizable within this competition; and so Pad Thai had to be ordered.

To keep things a little more interesting, we decided to go for one pork and one chicken variety, the dishes showing themselves within a very agreeable time frame and, even though we opted for the take out, they were presented as though we would be dining in. In addition to the entree choices, we also ordered up a couple of fresh spring rolls, a staple to any Thai meal in my opinion. Now, it is a very rare thing for you to hear me complain that a portion be too large, but when it comes to food, bigger is not always better. I mean this spring roll was the circumference of a pop can, stuffed to the brim with iceberg lettuce and a standard list of other fresh veggies. Perhaps this size offering is what most patrons want for their buck, but, truth be told, I would sacrifice size for flavour and proper proportion any day of the week.

Okay, spring rolls lost some points, it would seem that I'm not starting out on the best foot here; let's move on to the mains...

Dish one: Pork pad Thai

Appearance: looks like pad Thai = Great.

Aroma: smells like pad Thai = Also great.

Portion: lots of noodles, good serving of pork, lots of peanuts, but not many vegetables = Good.

Flavour: tastes a lot like pad Thai but extremely "zesty" for lack of a better word, and far too "North American" for the purposes of this experiment = Pretty good, but not quite great

Dish Two: Chicken Pad Thai*

*see Dish One: Pork Pad Thai, sub the word chicken for pork in the category of portion and you have your description

As I type this out and read back the words that flow, it seems I wasn't all that impressed with what I ordered. Well, truth be told and to give my final verdict: Thai Villa Cuisine gained an overall rating of "good" in my books. I would likely eat there again; there was nothing bad by any means and I would certainly rank it higher than Ben Thanh in the category of authenticity. Where it lost my vote as being great was in the portion control and overall flavour of the dishes; there just wasn't enough of the pad Thai goodness I was expecting, and there certainly wasn't any variation in the profiles of either dishes. Very safe, but, again, certainly not bad.

And so forth I will go, in search of that prefect palate cleansing pad Thai feast I so crave and yearn for. Perhaps one of the future establishments that Guelph surely promises to construct will satiate my craving and put this seemingly never ending battle to rest. Until then, enjoy the finer things, eat and drink the things that make you happy, and always remember to recommend those places you love so dear.

Cheers.

Phil

Thai Villa Cuisine
666 Woolwich Ave.
Guelph, ON N1H 7G5
(519) 822-5346

Bruce Peninsula

Just a quick posting to say that the band is playing at the Guelph university centre courtyard this Friday, October 29th at 12 noon.

For anyone who hasn't heard Bruce Peninsula before, I strongly encourage a click on the link below for some truly great music. I certainly know where I'll be spending my lunch break.

Cheers
Phil

http://www.myspace.com/brucepeninsula

Wintersleep

Yet another in tasty concerts arrives tomorrow (Thursday, October 21) at The Vinyl, where Wintersleep will take the stage with Saskatchewan friends Rah Rah.

While their newest album, New Inheritors, admittedly has yet to grow on me completely, I am certainly still a fan of previous works and look forward to the live translation.

The doors crack at 8:30, with a ticket price of $22, available at The Beat Goes On, as well as at The Vinyl.

Enjoy the show and I'll return soon to Thai one on.

Phil

Wintersleep:
www.myspace.com/wintersleep

Rah Rah:
www.myspace.com/rahrahband

Brace Yourself

Quite often you will see or hear me writing about places and events going on through the community; that is, after all, what the point of this project is. Every now and then, however, comes along an individual whose efforts and talents are promoting and catering to something community driven and worthy of our recognition, however it may come.

I listened to a radio program recently that sent reporters out into surrounding communities to discover members of the population who were both memorable and serving some greater good to our society. I thought this was a great inspiration and reminder to me that Guelph is full of like individuals who are doing just that; and so out I set in search of the first in a series I hope to continue, focusing not just on establishments within Guelph, but the people that make this city what it is, and better.

Amanda Wong:

So, being October, I'm sure you've all seen those highly recognizable pink ribbons appearing more and more, and every time I do, it makes me stop to think for a moment to what they mean personally. It seems that, no matter who we are, someone in our lives has had to face the trials, tribulations, fear, and sadness that comes with the onset of breast cancer. And while we can, and should, continue to support the research that goes into the cure by donating through those pink M&M's, the pink Kitchen Aid stand mixer, the pink Blackberry, and the pink packages of button mushrooms you can now find at the grocer, there are individuals out there who are utilizing their personal talents to do just the same.

I first met Amanda through the powers of the Guelph Ultimate Players Association, and after talking to her a few times, I learned of something great she was putting into her already jam-packed daily schedule. As a gifted hobbyist, artist and craftswoman, she and her talents have been featured and presented at the Guelph Farmer's Market, have caught the eye of Mercury reporters and her work has been made available through the fabulous world of Etsy. As a Guelph resident, she has certainly done well to involve and dedicate her efforts towards the community, be it with her skills as an artist or through her impressive athletic contributions. By her very definition, Amanda is exactly the style of individual that warrants attention from her community, particularly considering she is using her artistry for good.

Two years ago, after realizing that she had the ability utilize her skill set to raise awareness and money for the Breast Cancer foundation, Amanda started making bracelets for the cure. In addition to her regular collection of accessory pieces, through the month of October you can also purchase her awareness bracelets, from she will donate a portion of the proceeds towards breast cancer research; since last year, her cause is already set to double in monies raised.

It always makes me stop, smile and think when I hear of an individual who harnesses their talents not just for profit but to do something genuinely good for someone else. We all have this ability within us to lend a hand, use our skills and, even if just for a brief moment say "There are better ways for others to profit from this." And yet, so often we choose not to.

And so, I guess I wanted to take this opportunity to create a platform for Amanda Wong and to showcase her art alongside her selflessness to perhaps inspire others to do the same. A look at her art is an explanation of her talent, and so I suggest and recommend you check out the link below, or email her for more information and product availability. I know there are a limited run of bracelets at the moment, and looking at the growth in popularity, they may not be around much longer. That being said, Amanda's work extends beyond the bracelets, and certainly beyond October; a link below has been posted to view a gallery and more of what she offers.

http://picasaweb.google.com/ecotigress/BreastCancerBracelets?authkey=Gv1sRgCJGG2eCik8LC4gE&feat=directlink

http://www.etsy.com/shop/craveaccessories

Feel free to contact her directly as well at:
crave.accessories@gmail.com.

Cheers all!
Phil

Gobble, Gobble

While the hours count down quickly to one of my favourite holidays, I just wanted to wish everybody a very happy, hearty, and generous Thanksgiving.

It's that time of year when we can get together with friends, family, or perfect strangers and enjoy the company as opposed to the stress of other holidays. Of course, while we savour in the bounty of hours at the stove and in the kitchen, I find it crucial to remember that not all those around us are as fortunate to have those things we often take for granted. So, please remember to share whatever you can with a fellow neighbour, be it literal or a someone in the community.

Places such as the Guelph food bank, local soup kitchens and the Welcome In Drop In Center are always looking for and rely on our abilities and willingness to share whatever we can and to help whenever possible, and it's quite possibly one of the easiest things we can do for each other.

I'll be back after the weekend with more stories from around the city, including another installment in a long overdue battle, news of tunes soon to arrive, and much, much more.

Until then, have a great Thanksgiving!
Phil

www.spiritwind-christian-centre.ca/media/GFB_Info09.pdf

www.ibvm.ca/be-involved