Eating: Baan Thai, Guernsey

Where we ate:
Baan Thai
19 Mill Street, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1HG.

When we ate:
8.30pm
Wednesday 30 June, 2009

What we ate:
Subtly spiced pork kebabs
Spicy clear sour soup with ginger, lemongrass and prawns
Green curry with chicken
Steamed Jasmine rice
Glass noodles with chillied prawns

What we drank:
Singha

What we paid:
We didn't! Just £14 for the drinks and a tip. I was the lucky winner of a £25 voucher to spend on food at this delightful restaurant.

The restaurant is usually open on Sunday evenings, which is rather unusual in Guernsey. We wanted to dine at Baan Thai on Sunday 28 June, but the restaurant was closed just for the day so we booked for two nights' later instead. It was worth the wait!

We were greeted warmly and offered a choice of tables plus a recommendation to sit near the open door where there was a welcome breeze on this hot, sticky evening. Freshly made prawn crackers were brought to the table immediately with the menu and our drink order was taken. The menu included a wine list and the daily special, which was a choice of yellow curries. The prawn crackers were crunchy and full of chilli flavour, a culinary universe away from the greasy, smelly freebies offered with so many Chinese takeaways.

Each dish on the menu was explained clearly and it took us a while to choose between many enticing options. When our order was taken we were asked how spicy we would like each of the dishes.

The starters of clear sour soup with prawns and the spiced pork kebabs arrived swiftly. Both dishes were presented beautifully. The soup was hotter than expected, but not overpowering and all of the different flavours could be recognised. The pork was spiced well, resulting in a buzz of heat in the mouth but no discomfort in the throat.

The main courses followed and once again we were in awe of the spectacular arrangement of the brightly coloured food on the plates. The green curry was a perfect example of this popular Thai dish, it was fragrant and packed with moist slivers of chicken. The texture of the Jasmine rice complemented the coconut milky curry sauce. The glass noodles were deliciously aromatic and the number of prawns was generous. Our crisp beers were an ideal, neutral accompaniment to the many different taste sensations of the food.

The portions were right for us as we hate both waste and gluttony. If you come to Baan Thai really hungry, or skip the starter, you may wish to order a side dish to accompany your meal.

The service was friendly and efficient and we felt comfortable in this small, tastefully decorated restaurant. Traditional Thai music helps to set the scene. For those who detest to be "pestered" while eating with frequent questions from eager waiting staff, this is the perfect place. We did have to attract the waitress's attention deliberately on several occasions and then she came to our table instantly. The dishes are excellently prepared and presented and the laidback service showcases them deservedly. If you visit Baan Thai expect some great food, but be prepared to be left to your own devices.

Will we go back?
Yes, with our own hard-earned cash.