POK POK NY, Brooklyn, New York, May 17, 2014
I learned about the original Pok Pok in Portland, Oregon years ago from watching Food Network’s “Diners, Drive Thrus and Dives,” and especially how the chef/owner brought recipes back with him from his trips to Thailand and recreated those dishes authentically. So, when I found out that there’s a sister location in Brooklyn, I knew I just had to give it a try.
With weather being mild for mid-May, I was able to take the F train out to Brooklyn and then walked an additional 12 blocks to the restaurant by the waterfront, close to where they filmed “On the Waterfront” starring Marlon Brando back in the 1950s.
We ordered all of our dishes at their original levels of spiciness, and were warned by our waiter how spicy the dishes will be. What surprised me was that, while spicy, it wasn’t too spicy. I think I could have handled another level of spiciness higher.
More interesting were the Wing Bean Salad and the Fiddlehead Ferns, which featured vegetables I’ve never had, or let alone, even seen before. Like the other 2 dishes, every thing was quite tasty.
I finished off the dinner with a glass of Thai Iced Coffee, with a shot of brandy. Interesting….no condensed milk, so it does not even remotely taste like Thai Iced Coffee.
Ike’s Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings – Fresh Amish natural chicken wings marinated in fish sauce and sugar. Deep fried, tossed in caramelized Phu Quoc fish sauce and garlic. Served with Vietnamese pickled vegetable salad.
Yam Thua Pluu – Wing Bean Salad with pork, prawns, peanuts, shallots in a roasted chili coconut dressing.
Phat Phak Kuut – First of season Fiddlehead Ferns stir fried with fish sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, garlic, fresh chiles and ramps.
Neua Naam Tok – Spicy Isaan Beef Flank Steak Salad with fish sauce, lime juice, chili powder dressing plus shallots, lemongrass, mint, cilantro and toasted rice powder.
The Specials Board