Locals Only

WARNING -- Non-bike content---

For those of you that wonder where I've been and why I haven't posted, let's say that the government insists that I don't inform, and leave it at that.

For a couple years now I've made it a habit to watch several shows on the Travel Channel that feature culinary adventures in the interesting corners of the world. Tony Bourdain has become something of a personal hero. I've always liked good food (yeah, act surprised) and I'm fascinated by foreign cultures, so it's no stretch that these shows have become favorites. The great thing about these shows is that they don't feature five-star restaurants and luxo-liners. They visit the hole-in-the-wall, locals only restaurants and vendors where the food truly reflects the culture of the area. I started at some point to seek out these independant, locally owned eateries when I would travel. I found it surprisingly hard to get info on them, even from locals. When I went to Hartford, I was fortunate to have a Connecticut ex-pat working with me at the time. When asked about a good place to eat in her native city, she replied "Oh, they've got everything! Outback, Carabba's, Chili's...."

Um, huh? We've got those in Warner Robins. They're called chains, and I'm pretty sure all their food is cooked in some factory outside Albequerque from reconstituted chalk dust. What about fresh local seafood? Aunt Betty's pancake hut? C'mon, gimme something!! One of my main gripes with dining in Warner Robins is that all the local restaurants go under while there is a 3 hour (yep, 3 hour, no lie) wait at the new Olive Garden. And that's when it hit me.

I had no idea what local restaurant to recommend in MY hometown if someone asked..... I was one of THEM.

So, my quest for local food began. After just a couple months, I can tell you there are a LOT of great, independent restaurants around here. If you want to play along, I'll try to throw out reviews and finds as I discover them. I encourage you to support these places because the food is better, the service is better, and the price is better. This is your town. Eat here!

Thai Kitchen, 713 Watson Blvd across from the civic center, Warner Robins
This is my current favorite. Thai Kitchen serves, you guessed it, Thai food, as well as some favorites from Chinese and Japanese menus everywhere. The restaurant is a one woman show. The owner, who's name I'm ashamed I haven't learned yet, also takes your order, fills your water glass, and cooks your meal. Talk about being invested! She does have help on busy nights from her children. The service is personal and fantastic, but don't expect to be rushed in and out at break-neck speed. Food this good is meant to be enjoyed, so take your time.
If you're not familiar with Thai cuisine, you should be. Earthy flavors mixed with sweetness and potent heat are signatures that separate Thai from other eastern menus. Almost any dish can be ordered mild or spicy, and coconut, peanut, and lime flavors are prominently featured.
There are several appetizers available, and I recommend the Satay Chicken (on a steeck) and the Tea Roses, which are artfully formed rounds of ground pork and wonton. The spring rolls are also well worth the time just for the phenomenal sauce included. The fried dumplings vary from the normal Chinese rendition by being a more substantial pastry bordering on hard, and much less oily. While not my favorite, they may be of interest if you are a dumpling connoisseur.
The national dish of Thailand is Pad Thai, a dish of thin rice noodles with green onions, crushed peanuts, and a savory sauce made with more peanut flavor. As with most things at Thai Kitchen, you get your choice of chicken, beef, pork, or tofu. The sauce is fantastic - rich and soothing with a touch of sweetness and heavily grounded in peanuts. I can tell that this is comfort food from the other side of the world. And the portion size means you get to enjoy it again for lunch the next day!
The Spicy Red Curry is my favorite so far, a totally unique and wonderful taste. The combination of sweet coconut milk, spicy hot chilis and the bitter touch of fresh basil leaves is absolutely sublime. Served as a hot-pot with steamed or fried rice, the heavenly concoction is spooned over rice on a separate plate or enjoyed straight from the bowl. If you like it hot, order the curry spicy and add several spoons of the red pepper relish that you're given. Man, that's the stuff.
I intend to return frequently and explore the other menu offerings. Salad of marinated ground meat, carrots and lettuce? Dark red coconut cream curry paste with potatoes and peanuts? I'm hungry already!
The best part is that all this personal service and unbelievable food is reasonably priced. With appetizers in the $5 range and most entrees going for $8 - $11, you can get a real meal for Zaxby's money, with out the first styrofoam container or cup. If you want something different, you can't go wrong.

There are plenty of other good local restaurants to come, so stay tuned.

This is your town. Eat here!