If you like eating GOOD FOOD, read this.

Mel likes to think he’s a bit of a socialite, and when out in the various wine bars and country clubs of South Manchester, Mel has heard of a growing rumour that Altrincham is now home to a very good Thai restaurant.

Located on Regent Road where The Grapes and Portofino once dwelled, Phanthong is doing well, but what Mel wanted to know, was how well.
With a lazy Sunday now coming to a close after a manic weekend, Phanthong offered a relaxed dining option and it was about time Onionring tried it out.

Welcomed by a smiley host in a busy atmospheric restaurant, it was clear to Mel that many other Alty residents knew of the Thai delights within and it was soon clear why.

A round of Changs and a quick once over of the heavy menu, and Mel settled on the Sunday offer of ‘any two starters and any two mains for £30’ give or take a fiver depending on seafood dishes and the order was in.

Being a right fatty and wanting to sample as much as physically possible, Mel opted for the Luam Mid (or Mixed Starter Platter for us Brits) comprising of chicken satay, prawn and pork toasts, Thai fishcakes and chicken spring rolls (£6.45).

Lots of options, lots of natural colour and taste, this was sheer Sunday heaven. Mel is not much of a hot nut fan as you might already know, but this satay was something extraordinary. Strong in peanut, but enough to balance with the charcoaled chicken, this was the clear highlight illustrating strong chef skills. Mel was blown away...not literally.

Main courses arrived of a Gueyteow Kimow (£10.45) which was a huge plate of delicious spicy rice noodles with pork, egg & Thai broccoli. Heavy in holy basil too, Mel loved it - summery and light, but with the bold hot, lime tang.

Another main which Mel ordered was the chicken Thai green curry (£10.95) to see how it compared to others in neighbouring towns. The curry was hot and sour as you’d expect with bamboo shoots running through it. Very nice indeed, although could possibly have done with a few more pieces of vegetables with it.

All in all, Phanthong was a real treat for Mel and a refreshing change from a simply curry with stodgy breads. This was a very good meal with lovely light Thai flavours not to mention the beers and there was even change from £50.

Mel plus one will certainly be returning if we can get a table!

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Posted: Thursday 2nd May 2013
ID: 2925 - 953