The Family Thai

Big mistake, I thought I was ordering from another restaurant. Portions are minuscule, food is tasteless, wasted my money.

So this joint has got a single, very personal review so far. It’s around the corner from where I live so I thought I’d bravely venture out to see what all the bad was about and maybe offer some impartiality.
I ordered some rolls, which came a little cold, which was fine, and pre-​cut, which was not. Rolls are all about packing everything up into a tiny little biteable container. That’s the whole idea, no cutlery wanted or needed!
Then my chicken satay with mango salad arrived. The chicken was perfect. The mango salad complimented it very well. I would return should I ever get a thai craving.
The biggest detraction is that The Family Thai is surrounded by some truly awesome Tibetan/​Himalayan restaurants that simply cannot be ignored, especially to those making the trek all the way out west.

Okay.
So this place used to be Lee’s Thai Spring Rolls — with faded bamboo cuts shaped like a curtain outside and a burgundy curtain at the door. It had a nice décor and fairy authentic menu. I even worked there for a little while, so I can get free food. It had some authentic items on it that made the place special ;it was very ambient inside with candle lights, making it a great spot for an intimate dinner with a friend or …“friend” and the place had been my favourite for YEARS.
Then one day it changed to Family Thai and the bamboo was painted green — then it came off altogether and was replaced with green paint and new tacky signage.
I went there a few times in good faith — and to my relief the menu was the same — or so I thought. All the little menu items which made it special were gone — whhhy would you get rid of Thai iced tea iin a THAI place, I dunno, but there was some business logic I’m sure.
There is 3 beef I have with this place.
1. the price went up; I used to recommend Lee’s because even though their price was $ 1 more than most, the flavour and portion was so awesome that it was worth the extra dollar. There is an additional dollar added I realized, but they are using less variety in ingredients — I mean the stuff they use is now sort of the generic ones you’d find in a grocery shop or in any Chinese restaurant — like Bok Choy, carrots and cabbages. I dunno — it was just not the same. What’s worse, the plates are smaller and so are the portions.
2. Service? what service?
So, my expectations are set rather high since I’d been a fan for years — so you’re already treading on thin ice. But dammit, when I rest by bottom on that uncomfortable chair, I expect you to acknowledge that within a reasonable time. Possibly bring me some water even, as you bring me the menu. In the last few attempts for me to give this place a chance I waited 10 minutes before they brought water for me. My friend ordered beer and it took another 10. My appetizer came WITH the entrée — but wouldn’t you know it, the bill came as soon as I was close to finishing my food. NO TIP FOR YOU.
3. I mentioned that it was an ambient place before. It’s less so now because the burgundy curtains that gave privacy is gone as well as the candle lights and dim lighting — fine, whatever, but do you HAVE to have an infant balling in the restaurant?! I am trying to enjoy an overpriced meal here with wailing baby. As I eat I frown and wonder WHY I didn’t buy these cheap ingredients and stir fry it myself at home, where I can eat in peace without a wailing baby in the background. d
So there.
Otherwise it’s a great spot. –_–