AROI- Thai -RESTAURANT
55 East Market Street
Rhinebeck, N.Y 12572
Telephone: 845-876-1114
Fax 845 876 1115
Hours:Lunch 11:30-3P.M Except Tues and Wed. Dinner 5-9 P.M every night
All Major Credit Cards Accepted

Delicious Thai Cuisine in The Hudson Valley

When the ethereal flavors of Thai cuisine enliven, fulfill and refresh the soul.

When I venture out in this region to try the food of some new restaurant, I look for exciting, fresh, healthy and delicious tasting food with a presence in the Hudson Valley. Aroi restaurant in Rhinebeck, owned by Chef Apichart Warrachart and his wife Supark, is one of those key restaurants making a significant culinary statement here. On the evening I visited Aroi, the restaurant seemed to be doing a impressive amount of trade. The three dining rooms were packed. This is usually a good feature--a lively and happy crowd, comfortable service and not chaotic. The menu included many tantalizing selections.
I started my dinner with a Papaya Salad, crispy thinly sliced pieces of green papaya strips in batter served in a canoa of lettuce, with a small nest of julienne carrots on the side and accompanied by a tangy lime and slightly sweet sauce. a very flavorful Spring treat to begin with. It was followed by subtly flavored Chicken Satay-- skewered tender pieces of chicken marinaded in a special house brine that was properly seasoned, moderately spicy, and served with a pleasantly mild peanut sauce. The tasty appetizers accompanied by a Singha beer awakened my appetite further. For my entree I had the traditional Salmon Pad Thai dish. A super delicious concoction of flat noodles with a medley of vegetables, bean sprouts, scallions,tofu and fresh wild caught Salmon
- the entree was on point, characteristically having the perfect blend of hot, sour, salty and sweet flavors of Thai cuisine. Aroi restaurant offers a smart and beautifully prepared selection of authentic and traditional cuisine from the Central and Southern regions of Thailand. Their Green and Red curries dishes and soups are quite tasty too, and reflect regional ingredients used.

The seafood section of the menu is especially tempting with dishes like Chu Chee Shrimp, and the Mekong Shrimp with Squid in Curry Sauce: Big size stir fried Shrimp atop an island of Red and Green Peppers and Onions surrounded in a velvety and zesty sauce that has a phenomenal flavor. Both these dishes attest to the seafood traditional dishes of the country. While the menu is varied to a great extent every dish I tasted is prepared well with great finesse, proving that Chef Apichart and his wife Supark and kitchen staff are skilled in crafting intricate and harmonious and delicious presentations of traditional taste and flavors using only very authentic ingredients mostly imported from Thailand. The restaurant is smart and relaxing. A subdued display of Thai Art dots the lime green wall space. The simple and comfortable ambiance imparts a subtle elegance which serves as an ideal backdrop for enjoying sophisticated and genuine Thai cuisine.

The wine and beer list is adequate. Stocked with wine and beer from Thailand. Monsoon Valley White and Monsoon Valley red are good selections. Or try the Chang or Singha beers also from Thailand. And if you prefer an excellent European red wine from Spain try the Campo Viejo -Crianza.

Although I was stuffed to the brim, I couldn't resist the dessert menu selection. I opted for the Taro Pearls with Coconut Cream, a truly exceptional dessert not to be missed. Food transcends, and delicious traditional food served with great hospitality makes a deep impression on the spirit and soul. And to sit down at Aroi for a fine dinner is also to partake a little bit of the owners heartfelt pride in their culinary culture and get a small slice of the gran culture of Thailand. Aroi restaurant has arrived, especially when the ethereal flavors of Thai cuisine enliven, fulfill, and refresh the soul of those that wander in. And Aroi succeeds in pleasing us in the culinary know with a bounty of delicious food and down right humanity. Rating ***** Very Good-Excellent

Baron Corso de Palenzuela de Habsburg: is an international food, wine, beer, and chocolate critic, a chef and connoisseur who has written extensively on international wine and cuisine. He resides in New York, Virginia, and Spain. He can be reached at 845 706-1244.