Friends Treated Us To Dinner at Mint Leaf Cuisine: A Thai Inspired Haven for Foodies
"The only thing I like more than talking about food is eating it.”—John Walters
“Good food is all the sweeter when shared with good friends.”—Author Unknown
Our dear friends Jimi and Jennifer Hunter vacationing in Kaui right now treated us to dinner recently at Mint Leaf on Big Basin Way in historic downtown Saratoga. I have been posting about this Thai-Asian fusion restaurant for years, and have found that it has inspired others to give it a try,
resulting in them becoming dedicated customers. Much of the decor is of Thai origin as are the owners Mint Sirisawad and Laksana Chungpia.
The array of ingredients used in the food are derived from various parts of Asia. They offer an extensive five Main Course menu categories to choose from. The Hunters brought a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cecile and I brought a bottle of Zinfandel to take advantage of the Mint Leaf’s No Corkage Fee policy.
We decided to share Fried Egg Rolls (a decorative 4-piece cut in half) serving stuffed with cabbage, carrot, bean threaded noodles and Taro served in a shot glass of red sweet and sour sauce at the bottom for the table to share and rice. The Hunters shared a Mint Leaf Pad Thai entree: An amazing presentation of Pan-fried rice noodles with eggs, bean sprout and chives in a sweet tamarind sauce and wrapped in omelet egg served with peanuts and Thai Basil with Green Beans sautéed chili garlic green beans, basil and red peppers with Tofu. Cecile and I enjoyed Yellow Curry (Mild) with carrots, potatoes, and onion with Grilled salmon filet and Scallops Spinach Curry: Seared with very mild turmeric curry, spinach and topped with red bell peppers with wheat rice on the side. With our bellies full and satisfied we passed on dessert.
Having spent years roaming Southeast Asia, The restaurant’s decor decorated in crimson and gold leaf, white banners hanging above the dining areas like boat sails, Thai sculptures, silk pillows and tapestries and, a peaceful Buddha overlooking the customers is reminiscent of temples and spirit houses we have all visited during out travels. Mint Leaf offers Gluten free and vegetarian dishes available, as is outdoor “park-let” seating which the City of Saratoga has extended until the end of 2022, We chose early seating and practically had the place to ourselves.
