“Thai food ain’t about simplicity…Some westerners think it’s a jumble of flavors, but too a Thai [and to anyone who
appreciates Thai food] it’s the complexity they delight in.”
—David Thompson, Michelin-starred chef from Australia
When Cecile got the call from a friend to invite us to join a group of long-time friends at Mint Leaf Cuisine,
a Thai Asian-Fusion Restaurant in historic downtown Saratoga we were all in. It has once again become a sweet spot for get togethers.
I have been posting about our Mint Leaf experience on Facebook and my blog, enjoyyourlifenow.net
for a number of years. As a result it has helped to create a buzz in our circles that this a place to partake in a unique and fun
dining experience and feast on the diverse blended cuisines of many Southeast Asian countries.
I spent a lot of time over the years in Southeast Asia studying Buddhism, and attending silent three-week meditation retreats in Burmese
monasteries in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma), temple hopping in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam as well. I’ve conversed with English speaking
Buddhist monks, and Thai people themselves, tasted their food, became immersed in their culture and the experience changed the way I looked at the world and my place in it.
Cecile and I enjoyed the company of four other couples: Yael and Elie Alcheck, Stan and Ruth Litwin, and Lucy and Larry Fried.
With vaccinations proceeding at a faster pace, we finally felt comfortable enough to reconnect with a larger group of friends we haven’t seen en masse since the pandemic. The reunion with friends was filled with joy, hugs, laughter and gratitude as an image of the Buddha on the top back wall smiled peacefully down at us.
The waitress secured a spot in the front corner of the restaurant. We enjoyed Thai-style Chicken Satay, fried wontons wrapped with imitation crab, avocado stuffed with curry powder seasoned potatoes served with cucumber salad and peanut sauce (Photo: Larry holding the tray); and Fried Egg Rolls with cabbage, carrot, beat thread noodles and Taro served with sweet and sour sauce (Photo: Elie holding the tray). Main entrees too many to mention; all delicious (Photos of a few).
Returning to once-normal group dining felt liberating, especially being able to ditch the mask and social distancing. It was like driving with seatbelts for so long and being given permission to unbuckle, and savor the moment, and realizing to never take anything, anyone and any place for granted again.
Postscript: Vegetarian and Gluten-free options available and indoor and outdoor dining. BYO beer and wine. NO CORKAGE FEE
