In Shaw reports a rumor that Thai X-ing might be scouting for a new location on 9th Street. While I'm not a fan of the idea of an influx of takeout oriented restaurants on 9th, this place is not your ordinary takeout place:
Last Friday, Express reviewed takeout Thai restaurant Thai X-ing. Thai X-ing is currently located in a basement space of 515 Florida Avenue (just north of Shaw). It is owned and run by a "48-year-old native of southern Thailand [who] cooks with the calm and self-assurance reserved for cowboys and Zen masters," according to a Washington Post review of the place in June 2006. Mari reviewed the place in 2005 with positive--but not rave--reviews; it sounds like the hole-in-the wall impresses the folks at the WaPo, so maybe Thai X-ing has taken it up a notch since its opening.
There are several vacant takeout spots on 9th Street. Most are on the ground floor of otherwise beautiful (or potentially beautiful) buildings. If we could orchestrate Thai X-ing's change of location to involve a facade improvement of one of these buildings, and if we could ensure that the renovated interior space is cleaner and nicer than your standard takeout joint, I think it could be a boon to the 9th Street corridor. Thoughts?
Also, if you haven't already, give Thai X-ing a try and let me know what you think. I haven't yet been myself, and look forward to my first tasting. A word to the wise: the food takes time to prepare, so this is far from "fast food." Accordingly, you should call about an hour before you plan to arrive to place your order.
Thai X-ing
515 Florida Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-332-4322, fax: 202-332-4401
Hours: M-Sun 11:30am to 10:30pm
Free Delivery with min. order of $15
Major credit cards accepted
10 comments:
Hello- what a lovely blog!
I haven't tried it yet, but to be honest, even if it's just "okay" I would support the heck out of it if it moves to 9th. I am willing to happily accept B+ level Thai food if it is within walking distance and seems to be prepared in sanitary conditions :)
I just tried hunting down the coworker to get a better idea of where on 9th. My impression is that area 'round DC9, upper 9th St not lower 9th. Of course, you could just ask Taw when ordering your food.
There are certainly some good spots in that area!
Personally I would love for him to snag one of the recently vacated takeout spots at 9th and N, O, or Q (and I think the logan/shaw communities would keep him busy there). . . but I'm biased!
I don't usually use superlatives, but Thai X-ing is the best Thai in the city. So, it's easily the best value Thai. The problem with the place is the wait. That frustrates people (myself included). But I had a long conversation with Taw once, while I was waiting, and he explained that the difference between his Thai food (Southern Thai style) and other Thai restaurants is that he lets the ingredients mingle together in the wok longer than other restaurants. He indicated that while this method of cooking is not the most profitable, he's a purist and it is the way to cook Southern Thai food.
I like the Drunken Noodles. The Pad Thai is much more interesting than most other Pad Thai dishes. They both have much more fresh vegetable and spice ingredients.
I'm glad to hear his business is doing so well that it is likely moving to a larger space, but I'm sad to see it go from the basement and from that location. It was very accessible to my Eckington location.
J.T.
Thanks for the info, JT. I cannot wait to try it out.
I would love it if Thai X-Ing comes to the lower part of 9th Street. Of course I'm biased since I live in Mt. Vernon Sq. It'd be lovely to get more neighborhood restaurants, pubs and shops.
Chinatown restaurants and bars are great but I don't always feel like going to loud and crowded places just to fight for food or a drink
if taw has to move, we've got room for him over here on 1st street in bloomingdale. how about taking one of the spots between the dc mini mart and the bloomingdale liquor store on the corner?
i second imgoph. bloomingdale will eat tons of thai ( and wait patiently for it) if he wants to move here!
He's got the second best Thai food in DC, close runner up to Thai Tanic on 14th street. However, he is the REAL DEAL! Def check him out if you get a chance.
-C
9th and V is where he'll be located, but not for awhile, he says.
J.T.
Post a Comment