| Out with the old, in with the contemporary was the rallying cry behind Rice’s opening in downtown Ventura. The stylish Thai restaurant replaced a hackneyed version of the same, introducing a modern approach to design and presentation, as well as a menu that surpasses traditional favorites like curries and pad thai. You won’t have to gnaw an appetizer of deep-fried beef jerky into submission; it isn’t nearly as tough as it sounds, and the sweet marinade works well with a spicy chili dipping sauce. Nightly specials may include fresh local fish like halibut, nicely grilled and topped with chili sauce and cilantro. Though they only serve beer and wine, soju “martinis” are available in exotic flavors like green apple, lychee, blue-melon and cucumber-ginger. Distilled rice wine won’t soon replace gin or vodka, but this creative stab at specialty cocktails indicates the owners’ intent. Family-owned and -run, the restaurant boasts unfailingly friendly service. For dessert, bypass the standard mango with sticky rice and try the “Channel Island delight”---a textural medley of sticky rice topped with coconut ice cream, sugar palm seeds, chewy coconut jelly and crispy bits of dried coconut. |
RESTAURANT AWARDS
We just published the 2012 edition of our annual restaurant issue, featuring the Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. and much more. Check it out!
