Pusadee’s Garden: An Oasis in the City (Mon., 9/29/24)

Pork belly appetizer at Pusadee’s Garden. (Photo: Rick Handler)

A chef friend of the family had knee surgery and to cheer him up I was dispatched by my mom to one of his favorite restaurants, Pusadee’s Garden, to get him a gift card. I had never been there. When you walk in to the left is the hostess stand and then the walkway continues left and then right towards the rear of the property, passing dining areas in a structure on that side of the grounds. Upon walking to the back, a right turn puts you in the glass enclosed bar area that looks out onto a patio garden with outdoor seating. I sat at the bar and perused the menu. A friendly bartender, Amanda, guided me through the offerings, pointing out items she thought I would enjoy. Her suggestion of pork belly with a sweet chili garlic caramel sauce was triumphant. I didn’t do too bad myself in ordering the Elysian Fields lamb shank in a massaman curry sauce with potatoes. The curry sauce was very rich and exotic tasting, but let the tender lamb meat shine through. Dessert was another wonderful taste sensation: thai tea crème brûlée, whipped cream, and boba. Other interesting items for a follow-up trip are pan roasted halibut with three-chili tamarind garlic sauce, zucchini, and mushrooms; pumpkin curry, roasted kabocha, cauliflower, broccoli, eggplant, tofu, Brussel sprouts, and mushrooms; and khao soi beef cheek, egg noodles, pickled mustard greens, red and yellow curry. Pusadee’s Garden chef Bootsaba Tongdee was nominated as a James Beard Awards’ semifinalist for the Mid-Atlantic region for Best Chef. Pusadee’s Garden also offers an extensive wine, beer, and cocktail menu. 5319 Butler St., Lawrenceville. (R.H.)

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