San Diego is serious about Thai food - spanning from North County to East Village, America's Finest City seems to channel this particularly savory eastern cuisine with increasing ease. That said, even the rave-worthy restaurants have their drawbacks. Whether slow service, high prices, or the ulcer-inducing lack of parking is your gripe, Spice and Rice Thai Kitchen is the remedy that will calm your nerves, fill your stomach, and impress your date without emptying your wallet.
Slipped quietly into place, Spice and Rice's discreet open-front patio hides a few blocks down Girard Avenue, just off downtown La Jolla's main drag. While it may be difficult to turn down the "outdoor" seating after walking through the romantic ambiance of the low-lit fountains and heat lamps of the kitchen's covered patio seating, give the indoor seating a chance - the noise of other parties is significantly muffled and the partially-open view of the kitchen will provide for interesting conversation on a first date.
Start the experience with a starter off the "Sweet" or "Spicy" menus, and follow it closely with a delicious bowl of piping hot Tom Yum soup. Enjoy one of the kitchen's weekly specials of Spicy Chili Halibut or Prawns with Curry Lobster Sauce at prices that rarely push above $14 a plate. For cheaper alternatives without sacrificing quality, order the Cashew Chicken or locally-renowned Tofu Squares in Red Curry. Share an order of the Pineapple Fried Rice, served in half a pineapple, and follow up dinner with a Thai Iced Tea and the Fried Banana Dessert.
Insider tips: Call ahead for parties bigger than four people, especially if you'd like to reserve a table on the patio. Also: if you're in the area, Lunch Specials and prices apply Monday through Saturday from 11:30am - 3pm.
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