Siamese Basil Thai - Norcross - Atlanta Georgia

You can find Siamese Basil Thai at 6034 S Norcross Tucker Rd, Norcross, GA 30093 - this is on the eastern side of Norcross Tucker Rd as it spans between Pleasantdale Rd and Jimmy Carter Blvd. It lies on the northern end of a small shopping center - there's parking out front and to the side but know that it can be a bit limited. I'm not sure how this became part of Norcross - it must be on the very edge of the city boundary.

This is one of two Thai restaurants in the area that is quite well known, having occupied this location for many years - the other is Thai Restaurant of Norcross across the street and further south about a block, which I've heard is one of the oldest Thai restaurants in Atlanta. We usually eat at Thai Restaurant of Norcross (regulars, eating there since the late 90's) but decided to change things up a bit as it has been many, many years since we hit Siamese Basil Thai. This neighborhood is a bit sketch at night, with many pedestrians (some of them quite buzzed) wandering around and crossing the streets in dark clothing - think Buford Highway from 20 years ago in towards Northeast Plaza. There are many small shops and restaurants feeding into many nearby apartment buildings - it's that type of vibe. It's also only a few miles from my neighborhood so I've explored these areas a bit.

The interior of Siamese Basil is a mix of attempted elegance and restaurant function - maybe a bit dated in today's trendy industrial restaurant modern notion. There are chest high walls crenelated to provide views to booths and tables on a checkerboard-tiled floor. Menus are multiple pages with some attempt at color photography for a few representative dishes. Prices range from $4 apps to $15 signature dishes with most in the $10-11 range for your basics.

 Since I had been a while we started with shrimp basil rolls with a classic peanut sauce - I thought these were good and a bit unusual to see in a Thai restaurant, being more of a Vietnamese dish. We went from there to a spicy basil chicken, a veg fried rice and a chicken pad thai. I thought all were good and slightly different compared to Thai Restaurant of Norcross - I'd certainly come here again if that option was limited.

Service was very good with the guy at the front very personable as was the attending server. I've since eaten here for lunch with a separate menu that was quite reasonable and included Sushi and Japanese Bento.

(also posted to Yelp)

Mi Taco - Pleasantdale Rd - Atlanta Georgia

You can find this location of Mi Taco at 3201 Tucker Norcross Rd, GA 30084 right where Pleasantdale Rd turns into Tucker Norcross Rd, and just before it in turn changes into Chamblee-Tucker Rd (confusing, right?). It's near the eastern end of a shopping center anchored by a Walmart Marketplace (sort of the standalone grocery part of a Super Walmart). Parking is in the fairly large lot out front behind a freestanding Bojangles near the corner of Tucker Norcross and Britt Roads.

I've eaten at Mi Taco a few times due to the proximity to my neighborhood (Northcrest occupies the area across the street and just south and west of the restaurant's location). Mi Taco pretty much exemplifies the idea of hole-in-the-wall, perhaps not literally but figuratively. This is a small traditional Mexican restaurant that provides excellent corn-tortilla tacos and dishes you may not be familiar with if you've only been exposed to Tex-Mex. This is the real-deal as evinced by all the Latino families you'll see upon entering. Lucky for us the menu is in English and there are photos for reference - also the staff seems to be fairly tolerant of us gringos and helpful in directing us to good meal choices.

When you enter you'll want to walk back to the counter to view the menu, make your selections and pay. From what I recall, at one time you could sit and someone would wait on your table but now they've gone to more of a fast-casual approach. When your items are ready they will be delivered to the table. The menu is fairly large with your typical: Appetizers, Tortas (sandwiches), Fajita Nachos, Fajitas, Huaraches (a bit like an oblong tostada), Quesadillas, Burritos, Mariscos (seafood), Especialidades (special plates), Tacos/Gorditas/Sopes, Postres (desserts), Bebidas and Cerveza (both Mexicana and Americana). There's also a kid's menu.

I've had several of the items and there are some real gems here for value, quantity and flavor.The Nachos here are particularly good, plentiful and super cheap during lunch.

Chips and Salsa - these are very authentic fried corn chips and a salsa that is a bit more Latino than what you'll find in a Tex-Mex restaurant. I spice it up a bit with some Chile Habanero El Yucateco which you'll find on the table. I also like the Cholula Chipotle hot sauce.

Queso Fundido con Chorizo - melted Chihuahua cheese with chorizo on top with corn or flour tortillas - this cheese dip with sausage is pretty awesome

Huevos Rancheros -  Your basic eggs served with beans and rice. You cannot go wrong with this dish, especially at $6.99.

Carne Asada Quesadilla - your basic steak quesadilla served with rice and beans - excellent.

The seafood here is surprisingly good - especially the soups like the Caldo de Mariscos or Caldo de Camarones. I also like the Coctel de Camaron and just the plain fish tacos.


Camarones Chipotle - 18 shrimp slathered in a homemade chipotle sauce with grilled onions, bell peppers and tomatoes. Served with rice and beans. This wasn't quite what I was expecting as the sauce was a bit ketchupy. Interesting to throw into the mix for a change and super affordable at $11.50

El Molcajete - combo of chicken breast, arrachera steak, sausage, shrimp, cactus and queso chargrilled together. This comes on a fajita plate instead of the traditional pot but is still delicious. Comes with rice, beans and tortillas and can feed two - probably the most expensive thing on the menu at $13.99 but super cheap if split between two people.

The service here is always very good though you may need to flag someone down for a water refill. Love this place.

-- John

(also posted to Yelp)
 

Shandiz House of Kabob - Peachtree Parkway Norcross Atlanta Georgia

You can find Shandiz House of Kabob at 5270 Peachtree Pkwy, Norcross, GA 30092 in the Interlochen Shopping Center near Peachtree Corners. This shopping center is anchored by the newly opened Earth Fare. Parking is in the large lot in front of the shopping center - if you're lucky you can park in front of the restaurant, but note that there's the pick-up/drop-off area that limits the parking.

Shandiz is a Persian restaurant that serves up Mediterranean meals with more of a Persian influence. I found this place quite by accident - I was waiting to be seated at the Flying Biscuit at the end of the shopping center and decided to explore a bit while waiting to be seated. I came into Shandiz early in the weekend and noticed the buffet. Looking around it was quite impressive with many kabob choices and delicious eggplant dips and other Persian selections. I took a few snaps with a promise to return later.

I finally had a chance to come by during the evening with some friends. The restaurant is on the small side but clean and well maintained. The interior is simple and tasteful and the people running the place are extremely nice and helpful. The menu features many of the same items you see at my favorite Persian restaurant, Rumi's on Roswell Rd, but a bit less expensive. Nice to have Persian options near Norcross and the Forum.

We decided on something basic and went with the gyro plates and a Combo Appetizer with three items: Dolmas, Felafel and Mirza Ghasemi. Everything was terrific and the portions quite large and filling. They also serve beer and wine here.

Service at Shandiz is also very good - as you would expect from a family owned-and-operated business. The next time I'll make sure the check out the kabobs - I'm hoping to come by during the buffet on a weekend so I can sample as much of their fare as possible.

-- John

(also posted to Yelp)