The Citiblog

Sappe Bolts onto the Scene in Chelsea
August 13, 2024, 10:50.58 pm ET

Print


Photos: Cititour.com

Sappe, located at 240 W 14th St in Chelsea, is hot! And we’re not just talking about the food. Two words best describe this new Thai spot –“fun” and “fabulous.” Look for the taxi cab yellow front with its brightly lit marquee as you enter. Inside, you’ll feel as if you’ve just been transported into a Bangkok nightclub with its low mirrored ceiling and pendant lights that give the entire space a pink hue.

The smell of fish sauce permeates the air from the semi-open kitchen. But first take note of the wildly creative cocktails like the A-Liu, a concoction made with Chinese spirit, orange puree, Grand Marnier and red wine float. A goblet attached to an air hose attached in the back of the bar is used to create the Roselle air foam that sits on top like a bubble bath.

Other popular drinks include the Boonrod made with everything but the kitchen sink - vodka, rum, gin, tequila, Grand Marnier, Blue Curacao, lime and aroma bitter. A slice of fresh pineapple garnishes this blue beauty. If you are looking for something with no alcohol at all, try a Thai Tea smoothie. The frozen drink is the perfect offset to the sometimes, spicy cuisine.

Sappe, the Thai word for “joy,” specializes in Ping Yang, barbecue served on skewers cooked over charcoal. There are a dozen varieties to choose from including shell-on shrimp, cuttle fish, ox tongue, chicken wing, pork belly and pork intestine. Or, try some deliciously-tender grilled pork jowl with spicy Jaew sauce made with Thai chilis used by street vendors in Thailand.

Other offerings include Gai Ta Krai, spicy fried ground chicken wrapped around lemongrass sticks served with leafy greens, vegetables,Thai chilis and a pungent dipping sauce. There is Moo Klook Foon, marinated pork strips served with toasted rice powder (which our server jokingly called cocaine) served with Jaew sauce, and a whole rack of Sappe Ribs, grilled marinated pork spare ribs with sappe powder, for 40 bucks.

So many options and so little time which makes a return visit to Sappe very desirable. And so does the friendly staff, guiding diners through the menu with a smile. Sappe is like a burst of sunshine, just like that marquee.


Thomas Rafael


Comments:


 ^Top