Erawan
42-31 Bell Blvd., Bayside; Phone: 428-2112; Fax: 428-2098

Cuisine: Thai with popular requested American dishes.

Hours: Open seven days a week at noon (except Sun. at 3 p.m.). Closes Mon. through Thurs. at 10:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat at 11:30 p.m. and Sun. at 10 p.m.

Parking: Private lot in the rear, off 43rd Avenue.

Credit Cards: all major accepted

Reservations: A must on weekends.  

In 1999 when Paul and Kessiri (Oi) opened Erawan, we welcomed this new cuisine to Bell Boulevard and Queens. In our review of that date, we remarked on the delightful décor from the carved elephant, the gilded Buddha and the intricate gold-threaded wall hangings.

Returning recently, we found that the restaurant had retained all of its original charm and — even more importantly — its delicious Asian cuisine. New Thai food, all prepared under the direction of Paul’s Chef Ms. Saisunee, has been added to the menu. We started with the lightly flavored Curry Puffs ($8) of potato, peas and chicken — so delicate tasting that even non-lovers of curry are coming back for more.

Our first course also included Scallops in Mustard Sauce and the interesting Stuffed Chicken Wings with accompanying firkin of cucumber and onions in a sweet dressing ($8).

Our special-of-the-day entrée was a tasty Breast of  Duck on a bed of spinach with a garlic sauce ($19). From the regular menu we ordered Pla Salmon ($17) with mushrooms and ginger. Our beverages of choice were  MaeKong (Thai whiskey) and the refreshing Thai Iced Tea ($3).

We enjoyed talking with Paul and Oi again and the evident success they have made with their fresh and delicious dishes, the attentive staff and the exotic ambience. We were also surprised to learn that one of their more popular entrees was steak — Porterhouse and/or Filet Mignon. We shouldn’t have been surprised because this restaurant is customer-friendly and will serve whatever the customer wants. The menu offers many palate-pleasing dishes.

We ended our dinner with Banana Spring Rolls With Jackfruit (not unlike a melon) on a chocolate-painted plate. My partner enjoyed a ramekin of Pumpkin Custard.

Lunch specials, served Monday through Friday, are a bargain at $7 to $8 for exotic Thai dishes.

— J. Davis