The Regent

Overall: 8.0
Food: 8.0
Service: 8.0
Atmosphere: 8.0

There are a few restaurants on 18th St. just below Adams Morgan, a stone's throw from where I live, but I've never really tried any of them out. The other night, though, James, Julie and I and were looking for somewhere to go and no one was particularly motivated to choose a restaurant, so when Julie suggested Thai, I remembered I'd wanted to try the Regent.

It was a weeknight, so the restaurant was predictably empty. The decor is impressive, with dark wood tables scattered around an enormous dining room, with several ornate wall hangings and some bamboo fountains to tread that fine line
between tacky and classy that "ethnic" restaurants often walk. The service was pleasant, but by no means polished.

The menu is a typical one, with a few interesting specials, but nothing really fascinating. James and I shared a larb gai to start with (thai minced chicken salad), and it was good, but infinitely hotter than the one at Sala Thai. Perhaps a little too hot.

For the main course, I ordered one of their specialties, which essentially a crispy duck with drunken noodle seasoning, minus the noodles. This was actually really good, and I've never had such crispy duck. God bless deep frying. The seasoning was good, though not spicy enough, and without the strong basil flavor I love so much. There was also two needless asparagi.

James and Julie thoroughly enjoyed their meals, and we came away with the verdict that although it's a little expensive, it's definitely a good destination for Thai. I'm still partial to Sala Thai, but The Regent comes in a close second.

The Regent
1910 18th Street N.W.
Washington DC 20009
202-232-1781