TERRY’S PICKY PALATE / Quality Thai and Sushi at Seagrass in New Town

BY TERRY SCHMIDA
KONK LIKE STAFF WRITER
There’s no denying that Key West is a great town for lovers of both Thai and Japanese food.
A cursory Internet search reveals that those of us smart (and lucky) enough to live down here in Lotusland arguably enjoy a greater selection of exotic dining than do residents of other small, Southern towns.
The catch is that most of these eateries are located in Old Town, where high rents and the cost of living make stopping by more of a treat than a day-to-day possibility.
Enter Seagrass. This hybrid Thai/Japanese restaurant, located at 2804 N. Roosevelt Blvd., in the Overseas Market (Winn-Dixie Plaza), offers authentic and delicious Asian cuisine at great prices in a casual location with plenty of space – and free parking.
Seagrass is owned and operated by Paul and Poy Chunsawang, who opened it four months ago.
The couple have spent a lifetime in the restaurant biz, including many years in Key West – as have their capable chefs.
It shows in the tasty flavor of the food.
On the day of my visit I was presented first with a generous portion of my favorite Thai dish, Green Curry with shrimp. This delicious concoction blends tender bamboo shoots with fresh bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini in a creamy, but peppery, curry sauce. It’s as good as I’ve ever had in Key West or anywhere else, and the mound of rice accompanying the curry was huge and freshly steamed.
For a treat, Poy Chunsawang also served me a fresh-brewed Thai Iced Tea, which tasted like it had a little chai in it as well. It was sweet, yet refreshing, and it perfectly offset the spiciness of the curry.
I thought I was done, but Poy was at my table again, this time with a massive plate of lobster prepared in a number of ways, and a selection of flavorful Asian dipping sauces. All of these were fantastic and surprisingly inventive. She also brought me a separate plate of Crunchy Conch Roll, a healthful mingling of great tastes. (Full disclosure: The portions were so large, I couldn’t finish it all in one sitting. Or two.)
“It’s what we know best,” Paul Chunsawang said simply, when I complimented the couple on their wonderful cuisine. “And it’s what we do best.”
The best at Seagrass is definitely good enough for me, and I’m sure it will be for you, too. Head over and sample some of these Asian delights next time you’re in the neighborhood. You’ll be glad you did!
Seagrass is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 4 to 9 p.m. Sundays.
Free delivery is available in Key West. Free parking is available.
To place a delivery order, or for more information, call 305-296-8608.
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