Zen Yai
Like cream is to strawberries, and peanuts to beer, it seems kitsch décor will forever be associated with authentic Thai cuisine. Just take a peek inside Yen Thai, a quirky little cafe on Santa Barbara’s main strip: traffic light in the corner, a mobile feature made from mismatched sunglass lenses and a little bit of Lennon hanging on the back wall. With food this good, however, we’re not likely to pick fault with interior decoration. Quick and fresh is the trademark as the tiny kitchen churns out a series of seriously delish dishes light on oil (natch, it’s California after all) and big on flavor. Appetizers of chicken steamed dumplings were prelude to tender duck in lightly spiced green curry, served alongside coconut-spiced halibut and scallops. Being in Santa Barbara, there’s a decent-if-small wine list and the standard offering of Thai beers. Curries can be made dairy-free and there’re plenty of veg options for those keen to embrace that central Cali hippy vibe. Kitschy, crowded and delicious, Zen Yai is a diamond in the rough.
Details:
Zen Yai - www.santabarbara.com/dining/review_read.asp?pk_restaurant=839