Top Notch Thai - Maenam (Vancouver Elective 2015)

Lauded for its take on upscale and modern Thai using local and unusual ingredients, Maenam has made a name for itself assuming a consensus on most Vancouver foodie sites that mark it as the best representation of Thai cuisine. Well I certainly cannot miss that opportunity! And so on a rare free afternoon I took the time the long walk to Maenam for some delectable and top notch Thai.

Pleasant and elegant are my first words for the restaurant. Its name is etched into the wall on top and other than the rather clunky and obtrusive billboard in the sidewalk, Maenam's exterior screams modern class. I especially like the open window concept allowing for fresh air and natural sunlight to flow into the cavernous interiors. A huge bar greets you first as the hostesses take you to your table. I could not help but marvel at the elegance of the restaurant; in fact it is the small touches that make the experience, such as the small cubby holes to tuck away your umbrella.

Their lunch menu fuses traditional Thai spices and cooking methods with local fresh BC ingredients to create a unique and exciting menu. While some might find the array of options disappointing, I applaud Chef An for highlighting and focusing on a few key unique dishes rather than throwing the proverbial kitchen sink at diners. And upon further inspection reveals that there is actually enough here for the traditional Thai lovers to enjoy.

The highlight was the Mussaman Curry of Braised Beef, a recommendation from the waitstaff. I was initially unsure of the combination of beef, mussaman and fruit; but thankfully I was proved very wrong! The base is pure Thai with the strong accents of cardamom and cinnamon in the curry flowing through enveloping extroadinary tender braised beef that had soaked up all the spices. The key here was the addition of yams and pineapple which lended a sweet and tart element to the dish to counteract the rich curry. Pickled cucumber on the side give a nice denouement of crunchy freshness.

Wanting something traditional, I also went with the Pad Thai. The classic and most popular Thai dish is served well here by Chef An, and while the initial plating leaves something to be desired, the base of fish sauce and tamarind came through to nicely bath the tender rice noodles, springy large shrimp and soft pieces of tofu. Finally crunchy bean sprouts leave a textural contrast to the smooth noodles. Classic and authentic to its name.

Maenam deserves its commendations as one of the best Thai restaurants in Vancouver (and in Canada, I may reckon). The chef's skill is truly at work here by creating a unique and fresh take on Thai cuisine while still hitting all the notes for traditionalists and purists and while perhaps not every Thai dish is featured here, what is offered here can only be described as incredible.