Thai Cottage Restaurant
When Green Mango left Regent Square I was in mourning for several weeks- would I really have to travel to Monroeville just to get my beloved summer rolls? I guess so.
Thai Cottage now occupies the space that Green Mango once did. The ambiance is similar to that of the former eatery- minimal décor ornamented the walls; soft ethnic music played in the background.
Our server was extremely attentive and helpful, educating us about the menu, and other specials that weren’t listed. While reviewing the menu we decided to sample the Fresh Rolls ($5.50) served with sweet sauce and crushed peanuts. Our rolls arrived immediately, and as I ate them, thought they may have been prepared ahead of time. The rice paper was thick and gummy- the fresh mint and basil provided a nice freshness to the dish.
Thai Fresh Rolls
My dinner mate chose a seafood-curry dish served in a trimmed coconut shell. The presentation was impressive, but it was difficult to see what was inside. Colored peppers, fried calamari and large shrimp emerged. The coconut-flavored seafood was flavorful and extremely spicy. A large dish of steamed rice helped quell the heat.
Seafood and Coconut
I opted for the barbecued beef (not listed on the menu). Flat strips of tasty marinated meat were served over chopped lettuce. I asked for brown rice (which never appeared) but was instead served a small ball of sticky rice in a foil wrapper. I was a bit perplexed by the rice- it was served in a strange manner and lacked flavor.
Thai Barbecued Beef
Thai Cottage is a nice local restaurant. The food is authentic Thai, and the service is above average. If you’re looking for a nice summer-spot to sit outside during the warm summer months, give it a try.
Chef Chuck Kerber
chefchuck@pittsburghhotplate.com
pittsburghhotplate.com
This is a very light, nutritious and satisfying meal. It can be served over brown, white, or basmati rice.
I like doing things by myself: going to movies, going to bars, going out to eat. I’m a loner, Dottie. A rebel. Monday night I decided to take a drive to Bellevue to check out a new Thai restaurant that I’ve been hearing a lot about. Thai Suan Thip may be located off the beaten path, but it’s worth driving a few minutes out of the city for a high quality Thai dining experience.
Upon entering Thai Suan Thip, I was greeted by the owner, who was also the only front-of-house person on duty. He was the host and the server. I took a little table in the window, so I could keep an eye on the happenings in the restaurant. I noticed the diverse clientele enjoying their dinners. A good-looking 60-something couple enjoyed the wine they brought to go with their meals. A man wearing a mullet and a Canadian tuxedo seemed happy having dinner with his overweight wife. A couple of hipster guys drank pop and shared a plate of Pad Thai. In other words, PITTSBURGHERS seem to like Thai Suan Thip.
Of course I had to order the same thing I order at every Thai place, Green Curry (with Chicken). Again I was wowed by the presentation! Big purple pieces of eggplant were arranged on top of the curry and a little basil leaf served as a delicious garnish. I love hot n’ spicy food, but I tend to be cautious when I’m eating at a new restaurant for the first time. I chose spicy level 4 out of 5, and next time I’ll go for the full tilt. The curry was excellent! All of the vegetables were fresh and perfectly cooked. I ate up every last bit of my green curry and Jasmine rice! 
Thai Suan Thip is a very quaint restaurant and it’s very good at what it does. It can absolutely stand up next to Babcock Balcony or Thai Me Up. The wonderful service at Thai Suan Thip is what makes this place better than others. Grab some friends (or don’t) and get in the car. BYOB (or don’t). This place is definitely worth the trip!
Chuck Kerber, Corporate Executive Chef, Site Author
