Captain George’s (Various Tidewater locations and now one in South Carolina)

Noted for the large seafood buffet ($23.99) our destination last night was something not to be missed. Yes, it’s Father’s Day weekend. Yes, it’s high school graduation weekend. Still, our server (Corey) ended up making us feel like we were the ONLY table he was waiting on. Plates where cleared, drinks were kept topped off, crab shells evacuated — all almost without even knowing he was there.

The buffet is standard for those who have been in the Hampton Roads area for any time. We start off with 10 feet of salads (and two types of soup: she-crab and clam chowder), then we hit the seafood: fried shrimp, oysters, clams, scallops; steamed shrimp, snow crab legs, baked fish, prime rib, etc., finishing off with six feet of desserts.

If you go for the seafood, it’s wonderful. The prime rib simply put: isn’t. Steer clear of the non-seafood items and you’ll have a great dining experience.

Food: (4.25)
Service: (5)
Price: (4.5)
Overall: (4.5)

Rom Thai, 7512 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23525 (757.480.7900)

Located in the Wards Corner Shopping Plaza, Rom Thai occupies space formerly home to O’Briens Bar. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday – Friday from 11:00am – 2:30pm, and for dinner Monday – Thursday from 5:00pm – 9:30pm, Friday from 5:00 pm – 10:00pm, Saturday from 12:00 (Noon) – 10:00pm, and Sundays from 12:00 (Noon) – 9:00pm.

The restaurant is cozy, located in the far corner of the shopping plaza. The walls are decorated with murals painted in gold and flesh tones of what I guess is a Thai celebration.

Our party of four started with two appetizers: Rom Thai Spring Rolls (Chicken) ($4.95) and Satay (chicken on a bamboo stick) ($6.95). The Spring Rolls were crisp, hot, and flavourful, without being greasy. Duck sauce was provided for those who wished a little more flavour. The Satay were grilled marinated chicken served with peanut sauce and garnished with a cucumber salad — they also came with two toast rounds. While tasty, the dish did include a bit of curry that wasn’t mentioned on the menu. (I mention this because one of the diners is allergic to curry and suffered some mild, unpleasant side effects due to consumption.)

We were served family style the three main dishes we ordered: Garlic and Pepper Beef Stir-Fry ($11.95), Kai Himaparn ($11.95), and Pad-Thai ($10.95). The Garlic and Pepper Beef Stir Fry was served with Jasmine steamed rice, and was hot, tender, and full of exotic tastes. The Kai Himaparn (a stir-fired chicken with cashews, carrot and celery) was also served with the Jasmine steamed rice, and was equally enjoyed by all. The Pad-Thai, a traditional dish made with stir fried small rice noodles, bean sprouts, green onions, ground peanuts, eggs and chicken, almost overflowed the serving dish.

We all ate, and ate, and ate. None of us had room for dessert, which was a shame, for Rom Thai offers a fried banana dessert, a Nun & Monk (a sticky rick with mango, which is traditional), and Tempura Ice Cream (available in Mango, Green Tea or Strawberry flavours).

We were seated promptly; however, due to a large party back in the Sunset Room (Rom Thai’s banquet facility), it took a little longer than normal for our appetizers and food to arrive. Still, it was a pleasant dining experience, and I look forward to a return visit to further explore their menu.

Rom Thai accepts American Express, Discover, Master Card and Visa for orders over $15.00. Personal checks are not accepted.

Food: (3.25)
Service: (3)
Price: (3.5)
Overall: (3.25)