If you blink driving by the new Joey Thai, you'll miss it altogether. Qualifying as a "hole in the wall" restaurant only because of its diminutive size, it's a pleasant enough, clean, make-your-own-atmosphere kind of place. Excited at the idea of new Thai on Bloomfield Avenue, we ran over to check the menu and meet Joey - a charming restaurateur - and a high rent refugee from NYC. Joey, psyched about his new two-week old Montclair eatery, tells us "I'll cook whatever you want...you want a special fish dish, stuffed angel wings (not on the menu)? Just call me a day ahead and I'll make it."
Our first taste of Joey Thai was a special order giant-size portion of take-out chicken pad thai. This was a winner - moist, flavorful, packed with chunks of chicken - voraciously devoured at our picnic.
A few nights later our party of seven decided to really put the menu to the test. Our expectations were high for Joey, who promised "authentic" from his kitchen. But that night there was a different chef in the kitchen. After a slowly-served sampling - we ordered seven of the nine appetizers - we were still on the fence: tastes were mild, even with the ubiquitous sweet chili sauce. Tod Mun (fish cakes) Por Pia Tod (fried spring rolls) Koong Tod (lightly battered shrimp) won our approval; the tiny Thai spare ribs were interesting, but next time we'll pass on the Hoi Ob (steamed New Zealand mussels), the steamed dumplings which came out frozen in the center (but happily replaced), and crab "dumplings" resembling deep fried fish balls.
But Joey Thai won us back with the entrees: the pad thai shrimp and chicken were flawless, the boneless garlic/pepper crispy duck (below) delicious (if not crispy). And here, spice is nice: getting top reviews were the coconut green curry and chicken sauteed with chili, basil, and onion (above).
You're going to like the prices here: seafood dishes top out at $13.95, while most plates hover much lower. We didn't hold back, but still the bill for seven only came to seventy-something bucks before tip. Dining here is no-frills thrills if you choose wisely. The ample menu included Thai salads, whole fish, noodle and rice dishes. At lunch, Joey Thai serves specials and noodle soups for $6 and $7. Open for lunch and dinner daily, take out and delivery. 338 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair. 973-509-7700.
This sounds great.....what cross street is it near??