Review: Courtside Thai

Before entering the cafe, you will enjoy the scents of basil and mint plants that are mixed into the beautiful garden of flowers and chili peppers surrounding the outside dining area. In this way you are subtly introduced to the secret of Courtside Thai's success -- the abundant use of fresh herbs and spices. So when you are ordering, don't jump for your traditional pad thai, but look for the dishes described with delicious herb and spice combinations. For example, start with the Tom Yum soup or Grilled Shrimp and Mango Salad. The Tom Yum soup has a savory broth of fresh lemongrass and chili peppers with mushrooms and your choice of meat. Just sipping the broth is a treat, but watch out for the chunks of lemon grass -- biting into a piece can pack an unexpected punch. In the salad, the grilled shrimp is really a side treat; it is the spicy lime dressing and mangos combined with fresh scallions and mint leaves that steals the show.

The cafe serves great appetizers. Even the "traditional" chicken satay is marinated in a spicy lemon mix and served with a sweet and crunchy peanut sauce. It is simply better than your normal satay. I admit that once I was served a summer roll with shrimp and the mint leaves totally over-powered everything else. Otherwise, I have been pleasantly surprised by the quality dishes served at this cafe.

As far as entrees, I would suggest you review the Menu before you go. There are just too many superb selections. I will point out just a couple of my favorites. I like the chef's special, which is not on the menu, tilapia fillet cooked in the chili peppers and served with seasoned green beans. Also, the Courtside Catfish will totally change your perspective on how good catfish can be. If you do not favor seafood or curry, then try the honey roasted duck. And if you do not like spicy, then go to the Irish pub next door!

If the weather is nice, enjoy the outside dining area. It is wonderful. The inside dining area is a mix of Thai decor with impressionist era paintings, table tops and color scheme. It is okay, nothing special. The service can sometimes be slow and erratic. We have even had entrees come out at different times. This is especially annoying at lunch time when time is short.

But in the evening when I want relax in the outside dining court and enjoy very good Thai food, the erratic services doesn't bother me at all. I have never needed reservations for a table at lunch or dinner service.

Courtside Thai is located in historic downtown Fairfax at 3981 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax 22030, between Main Street & North Street. The cafe does not have its own parking, so you will need to park either on the street or at one of the public garages and to walk to the cafe.