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Introduction: Road Trip through Texas and Oklahoma
Review: Springhill Suites Oklahoma City/Del City
Review: The Garage – Del City
Review: Holiday Inn Express and Suites – Windcrest
Review: Thai Chalurn – Windcrest
Review: Mash’d – The Rim/San Antonio
Review: Gristmill River Restaurant – Gruene
Review: Aloft Hotel – Fort Worth
Review: Ashim’s Hibachi Grill
My first couple of days in San Antonio were a whirlwind so I chose to grab some familiar, yet quick food before I turned in for the night. I ended up eating at Taco Cabana and Buffalo Wild Wings (decent choices for a quick snack) which were minutes from the hotel. On my third night, I decided to use my trusty iPhone map to locate other restaurants close to the property. I decided on Thai Chalurn, a local Thai restaurant located in a strip mall across the street from the hotel.
I arrived at the restaurant around 5pm, just as the sun was going down. The restaurant looked abandoned. There were not any cars in the parking lot and the lights inside of the restaurant appeared to be off or at least dim. However, there was an “Open” sign illuminated in the window. I poked my head inside to see if they place was indeed open.
The first thing that I noticed about the restaurant was the very cold temperature. I understand some businesses like to keep the thermostat at a low temperature for cost savings or guest comfort, but there was not a single customer in the restaurant. The waitress, decked out in a winter jacket and hat, quickly greeted me. She informed that I could sit anywhere.
The restaurant was one big open room. I decided to sit on the right side, near the entrance, so that I would not eavesdrop on the two waitresses rolling silverware near the kitchen. The restaurant appeared as if it could seat approximately 75 people. It was hard to get a decent picture since I was the only guest.
I was quickly provided a menu. Every time that I made a move, the waitresses watched or came by to see if I was ok.
After a few minutes, the same bundled up waitress came by to take my drink order. I was surprised to see that the restaurant did not serve alcohol so I ordered a water. The water was delivered after a few minutes. At this time, I was ready to order my entrée. I ordered the Pad Three Delight at the suggestion of the waitress. The dish included stir-fried chicken, beef, and shrimp with snow peas, broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, bamboo shoots, napa, cabbage and onions in a special sauce. In what should not have come as a surprise to me, since I was the only guest, my food was delivered in six minutes.
I had low expectations of the dish because of the lack of guests and the temperature of the restaurant, but I was mistaken. The dish was packed with flavor and fresh vegetables. There were so many vegetables that I could not finish the entire plate (see below).
Final Word
Thai Chalurn’s food was the highlight of my visit. The freezing temperatures and lack of guests was concerning for me and left me with more questions than answers. I would suggest Thai Chalurn because of the food, but with the lack of guests in the restaurant and skimping on the heat, I cannot see the restaurant staying open much longer.
