Whenever we travel to tourist hot spots, we try and go to as many off-the-beaten path, local restaurants as we can when we eat out. The Disney area of Orlando, Florida is definitely one of those tourist destinations that had us going off the tourist beaten path looking for a Mom and Pop type spot. Thai Island was definitely what we were hoping to find…complete with the Mom and Pop even.
We went for an early dinner and found that the strip mall business only had one other table occupied when we arrived. We were warmly greeted by the woman who appeared to be an owner. She would also be our server. Her husband was seated at a table near the back and disappeared to the kitchen soon after we entered only to reappear after our food was served, thus I assumed he was involved in preparing the food.
The menu had a nice variety and everyone chose something different. My husband and daughter decided that we should get an appetizer as this was to be both our lunch and dinner. They chose fried spring rolls, which were very tasty.
My daughter stuck with what she usually gets at our local Thai restaurant, Pad See Ew, and it was very good. She thought it was on par with what she normally eats, which is so good that it is rather addictive.
As we were in Florida and my husband loves seafood, he ordered the “Rock and Roll Seafood.” It had shrimp, sea scallops, and squid in a sauce punctuated by chili peppers and garlic. He really enjoyed it.
The only miss of the experience was my dish. Although I loved crispy duck from Thai Phooket restaurant in Nashville, TN, I think it set me up for unrealistic expectations at other places. The other issue I had was that I did not realize there would be tomatoes in in pineapple sauce and it was just too much citric acid for my intolerant/allergic to citric acid self.
A very wonderful surprise at the end of dinner was being served cold grapes, cookies, and warm pineapple tea…at no extra charge. The only issue we had was being too full to eat and drink anymore, but we finished most of it as to not be rude…plus it was very tasty. 🙂
Our experience at Thai Island was one of the most friendly and hospitable I have ever had at any Thai restaurant. Plus, the food was really good. It is definitely worth going a little off the beaten tourist path if you are in the Orlando area.
For directions, check out their Facebook page