Flavorful Thai at Tamarind [SM Aura]

We are celebrating our 17th month of being together on a busy Saturday when our impromptu yet sharp decision-making skills should take the front seat (what with our important individual schedules in the later afternoon). Thank God for instant information which is at the palm of our hands, we checked out SM Aura's new dining places and aimed for Tamarind - one of the plenty posh restaurants that brighten Sky Park's area. The Masters of Jatujak made Tamarind possible and the latter is known to be a "higher-end" version of the former. 

True enough, the interiors looked very modern and each space is adorned with something interesting: like a grandiose chandelier in the middle of the room, walls on the far end and side to make the room bigger, a hanging decorative tamarind on some walls, bright orchids in elegant vases, Buddha statues in one of the shelves that they have (I wasn't able to move around and take pictures though).

Their menu is classier than Jatujak's. 

Gone is the casual, purple-tinted cover with the elephant silhouette as mascot.

The cover is almost as appetizing as the real thing!

 

Waiting time was good for around 10 minutes -- which is not bad. These yummies came marching in. We ordered the usual faves: Tom Yum Soup with Prawns, Bagoong/Shrimp Paste Rice, Chicken Pandan, Lemon Grass Mint Tea for me and the usual Coke for BF. 

 

                      Left: Tom Yum Soup (prawns).  Right: Lemon Grass Mint Tea (refreshing).

I love how the prawns are cooked to perfection. The shell comes off so quick and the prawn itself is very juicy. The main Tom Yum soup boasts of its trademark spicy-sour combo.  

Heaps and heaps of shrimp bits!

Bagoong Rice will always remain to be our great love where rice is concerned. Still sweet and flavorful. I hope that they added more sidings: extra pork, more omelette please!

Ahh, Chicken Pandan. I'll never get tired of its soft, flavorful, marinated chicken meat (and the sweet, tasty sauce). I don't mind the hassle of unwrapping the pandan leaves. It adds up to the excitement. 

Price is slightly higher than Jatujak. It's like 30-40% higher than my typical bill at Jatujak ...which is still okay considering that the place is very relaxing. 

The staff were accommodating and courteous although they are all over the place -- literally. There should only be 1-2 servers roaming around the area and 1 supervisor/ manager. Instead there were like 6+ people going around, joking with one another, giving loud instructions. One reminded the other in a crisp, audible voice, "Huy bantayan nyo nga yung mga stations niyo!" The casual interaction between servers/supervisors ruins the sophisticated facade of the place (here's hoping that the management gets to read this). 

Then there's us. Who would have thought that we'll be celebrating still despite our differences and distinct quirky characteristics? Lol. It gets better, thank God! Happy 17th Month to us. 

- The WORD according to Foursquare -

(selected random comments from random netizens)

• "Have a Thai iced tea with shrimp cakes for starters ...great way to start a meal."
• "Same owners as Jatujak. Expect the same food."
• "The Crispy Pata in Curry is a must try@ The fish fillet and crispy catfish salad were my favorite."
• "MUST TRY: Sticky rice with mango."
• "Ordered Pad Thai, Satay and Spring Rolls. Great value for money. Price points and serving size are excellent!"

TAMARIND

5/F Sky Park -  SM Aura Premier

McKinley Parkway

McKinley Hill, Taguig

(02) 556-1156

Operating Hours: M-F, 12NN-10PM