SeaSide Thai & French

Yes, "Diamond in the rough," as another rater mentioned, might be an apt brief description.  My preferred rating is 4.5 stars, by the way.

Our party of four shared a couple of appetizers.  The Papaya Salad was really something.  As this is my wife's favorite Asian-style salad, she's especially particular about this dish being prepared just right.  She and I were very pleased, though.

We also shared our entree dishes.  I thought all were excellent.  Even my old, half-dead palate was awakened and impressed.  I don't recall which entrees our two guests had, but I very well remember my choice: the Talay Thai.  Let me tell you ... I was highly, highly impressed and they can count on me ordering this again for my next visit.  Tasty, spicy, and a simply perfect blend of herbs in the sauce make this an excellent choice I'll surely be ordering again.

Oh, and that reminds me of my wife's entree: the Drunken Noodle.  I've had this many, many times in other restaurants, but never-EVER have I had it taste as good as the way it was prepared here.  I have to say, this restaurant really, really "raised the bar," as we say, and I don't think I'll EVER be able to enjoy this dish elsewhere again.  Getting Drunken Noodle was another excellent choice that I'll be certain to try again.

Our server, Rose, was most pleasant, attentive, and patient with us.  We had trouble deciding on which beverages we might like to try, but she generously offered us samples that helped us to make the right choices.

If none of that is impressive enough for you, then wait until you try their desserts.  The Strawberry Sorbet was tasty, and the Chocolate mousse was nice, too.  BUT ... But MY choice was a killer: the Parfait au Noir MUST HAVE been made with homemade ice cream.  I've NEVER had a dessert as rich and delicious tasting as that dessert was.

To summarize, we WILL be back!

After taking a trip down to Colonial Beach, my friends and I wanted to try the local cuisine there. I actually looked at both Yelp and TripAdvisor for suggestions. Both searches led me to Seaside Restaurant. Everyone's reviews were right...this place rocks!!  I've been to many good Thai restaurants in the DC/MD/VA area but I must say that Seaside is probably one of the tastiest.  They offer both Thai and French cuisine, which is very unique.  All their foods have an authentic, exceptional taste to it. The moment you walk in, you can feel the warm and welcoming environment.  The property has a romantic ambiance which brings out the French vibe. The staff is fully attentive and very friendly.  Surprisingly, the owner of the restaurant actually came out and took the time to talk to each table making sure every patron's experience was superb - VERY sweet lady.

Out of my entire group, I was the hungriest.  So for an appetizer, I ordered the French cream of crab soup for myself.  Loved it! Very creamy and delish!  Everyone tried it and agreed.  For my entrée, I got the pad kee mao with chicken. I order that all the time at every Thai restaurant. Seaside makes this dish so well! It bursts with flavor and has just enough spices. My husband had to try one of their French dishes. He ended up ordering the filet mignon. He was NOT disappointed! This place cooks it perfectly to your liking. The sauce was not overbearing and the plate was served with sautéed vegetables. Our friends ordered the salmon entree and pad see ew with chicken. I really loved the salmon there. Cooked nicely and served with their veggies. I honestly wish I ordered that myself - next time! The pad see ew with chicken was really good too. Truly the Asian comfort food at its best here! It was not too sweet and the amount of meat and Chinese broccoli was great.  As full as we were, we couldn't leave without trying their desserts. Being that this place is both Thai and French, our group decided on sharing the mango sticky rice and crème brulee.   OMG - their desserts are to die for! If only I can get my hands on their recipes.  

Thai or French, it's pretty noteworthy that all their plates were presented elegantly. You don't get that at some places...so I appreciate the effort.  Seaside's prices are unbeatable and their food is impeccable.  This is a location that is worth stopping in and trying.

FIVE STARS:

The restaurant is located in a house near the waters.  When you walk in through the doors, you'll immediately notice the Thai exotic decor with gold, blue and orange accents. The setting is warm, romantic and rustique.  

Our large party reserved a private room in the back of the restaurant.  The room itself is very intimate, located farther away from the main areas of the restaurant.  The room could probably hold about 30-40 people.  

The service is impeccable.  Our server, Rose was particularly attentive and sweet.  She checked on us just the right amount of times, our drinks were always filled.  She helped my sister and I select a wine from the wide selection.  She made very yummy Thai Tea (the best we've had).  The owners, Yupin and Chairod (?spelling) greeted us a few times during our meal to make sure everything was perfect.  And surely it was.  I just really love it when the chef or the owner of a mom and pop type restaurant checks up on their patrons and seem to genuinely  care.  

We ordered several of the dishes so here's the break down of the dishes I could remember:

Pad Kee Mao: My favorite dish.  Most know this dish as "Drunken Noodle".  This dish is a stir fried noodle dish.  It has distinctive flavors of thai basil, fresh red chili pepper with perfectly cooked pork.  The cuts of meat seems to be high quality compared to other places.  (you could also get it with seafood, chicken or beef)

Pad Thai:  I normally do not like Pad Thai.  Usually it's too soggy or alternatively, too hard.  This one was cooked perfectly with notes of sweet and sour.  The noodles cooked al dente.  Absolutely loved this dish.  

Pad See Ew:  Soft, chewy rice noodles pan fried with chicken and Chinese broccoli.  Yummy.  (Again, can be made with the meats mentioned above).  

Yum Phet (Thai Duck Curry):  This was the special of the day.  It was creamy coconut milk, mildly spicy with spices that enhanced the roasted duck.  This is a must try item! The duck was very tender and flavorful.  

Moo Dat Dieo (deep fried pork) perfectly crispy and soft on inside eaten with sticky rice.  My go-to place for this dish has been demoted.  I used to love it from Bangkok 54 in Arlington, but this one definitely reigns in as King of Moo Dat Dieo!

Shu Mai: Large!

Duck Salad:  A very deep and tasty duck complemented in just the right amount of exotic flavors.  

Papaya Salad:  Again another exotic salad.  Fresh, crisp, tartness of green papaya combined with the saltiness of fish sauce and fresh red chilis was delicious!  This dish has many variations throughout Asia.  

Filet Mignon: Extremely soft and tender. Other viewer was exactly right on the dot.
It was "tender and succulent".  Melts right in your mouth, it was so tender!!

Desserts:

Chocolate pate: decadent and unique. I didn't think I would like this dish. But wow, it's like an explosion of interesting flavors of chocolate in your mouth!!  I'd probably get it again if I came back.

Mango and sticky rice with coconut on top was very good.  Traditional dessert at most Thai Restaurants.  

I honestly wish this place was back home.  But the reality is, it is everything you'd want in an intimate and romantic setting located in just an area that you'd want it in....  near the waters in a small, unspoiled town called Colonial Beach.  It really makes it that much more appealing to visit.  The service, the food, and the setting earns this place FIVE STARS and GOLD STATUS.