Pad Thai in 'West Harlem'

MANHATTANVILLE The name of the restaurant means "the sea" or "ocean" in Thai. And while it's not located on the ocean, it's a stone's throw from the Hudson River. Talay opened in May, added to an area that's seeing a burst of new, rather larger restaurants and clubs. Talay is located at 701 West 135th Street in what is technically called Manhattanville, but many are referring to it as West Harlem.

Harlem has seen plenty of Latin restaurants, and even Thai restaurants, but Talay offers a little of both and an overlap. It's located along a stretch of 12th Avenue that had at one time been deserted. But now, especially at night, it's becoming a destination.

For Columbia students and neighbors, it's something different. The menu was the creation of Phet Schwader and King Phojanakong. Dishes like shrimp on sweet plantains, thai beef salad, tuna in rice paper and, for the traditionalist, pad thai.

Chef King, in a very hot wok king, sautes garlic, onions, chicken and tofu. To that, he adds an egg and rice noodles. The flavors come from oyster sauce and tamarind sauce. It all cooks in minutes.

Peanuts and bean sprouts give some crunch, and basil and lime finish off the dish.

It's a great way to get the evening started.

And Talay is open late, with a lounge upstairs to wind down after dinner.

Recipe for Pad Thai

INGREDIENTS:

Canola oil 2tbl

Onions, chopped 1tbl

Garlic, chopped 1tsp

Chicken, cubed 4oz

Egg, whole 1ea

Rice noodles, cooked 1qt

Water, 2oz

Oyster sauce, 2oz

Tamarind sauce, 2oz

GARNISH:

Peanuts, chopped 1tbl

Bean Sprouts, 2tbl

Thai Basil, 5 leaves

Lime Segments 3pcs

METHOD:

Add oil to hot pan.

Saute onions, garlic and chicken.

Add egg and scramble.

Add rice noodles, water and sauces and saute. Plate and garnish.

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STORY BY: Eyewitness News reporter Lauren Glassberg

WEB PRODUCED BY: Bill King

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