Simply Thai, Greenbelt 5

We had always been fans of Terrace at the 5th, a "home kitchen" at Greenbelt led by Cecile Ysmael (I think she goes by Cecile Chang now). But although Terrace did well, it didn't quite hit the following that Mamou as a home kitchen did. For a while there was word that Terrace was going to close and I even went there with Dr. Badiday to pay our respects before it became just a memory. But fortunately, like the resilient girl that Cecile is, it was quick to resurrect.

It has since reopened as Simply Thai. I have only been there once so this is definitely not a review (wait for that in due time @ the Sunday Inquirer Magazine) but I think it's on the right track.

 

First of all because Thai has become Cecile's strong point. Silk made her quite the serious contender in the restaurant industry, not just a pretty face who happened (past tense ha, heehee) to be the wifey of disco god Louie Ysmael. When I visited Silk for the first (something like 5 years ago), I noted that she was in Bangkok buying ingredients herself. 

The menu at Simply Thai is not just a remake of Silk. Of course there are old favorites like tom yum and crispy catfish. The tom yum is a winner.

The lemongrass martini is also available - but make sure you ask for your choice vodka if you are picky with your drinks! (Lemongrass Belvedere was lovely).

 This "nest" of a dessert is to die for.

Goldee's Nest

The menu presents classics plus some modern thai. And Cecile says she made sure that her menu is distinct from neighboring People's Palace. Next on my to-try list is the Thai Hainanese chicken - to discover what makes it "Thai".

Cecile looking hot as ever on the right

Cecile actually personally notified me of the soft opening of the restaurant and I declined. I TRIED to visit without her knowing.  But there's no escaping a hands on resto owner/chef. She was personally tending the kitchen and tables that night and was hospitable enough to pose with us after our meal.

She had just returned from Thailand, she shared. See those wood carvings on the wall at the back? She bought them in Thailand, wrapped them in bubble wrap, stuck string on the sides and hand carried them home. So committed!

When you visit also check out the walls. No that's not wallpaper - it was handpainted by some UP students!

SIMPLY THAI. Greenbelt 5.