PEAR’S THAI CUISINE
8690 Aero Drive.
San Diego, CA 92123
858-278-1088
http://www.pearsthaicuisine.
By Judi Curry
My children frequently do not like to go out to a restaurant with me if they think there is a possibility that I may review that restaurant. However, my youngest, Stephanie, has been touting “Pear’s” restaurant ever since they opened and was time to see what she was talking about.
The restaurant was hard to find. It is one block behind Aero Drive – even though the address is on Aero – and skirts John Montgomery Drive to the north. It is actually off of “Gibbs” street in a small strip mall that is easy to overlook. In spite of the location, I was amazed at the number of people that came to the restaurant to pick up take out orders. In the hour that we were there, I counted 7 take-out orders, plus the walk-ins that actually ate in the restaurant. Perhaps that is because you can order on-line, and they also have a delivery service. The restaurant has six tables, with most seating 4 patrons, although there are two for two people only.
They have an extensive menu for a place so small. There are appetizers, salads, soups, noodle and rice soups, entrée’s, fried rice, curries, noodle, house specials, lunch specials, drinks, sweet ending and sides. They also have a “special board” in addition to their printed menu.
One of the first signs I saw when we entered the restaurant was one that stated “No added MSG ‘because we care”.
In talking to our waiter, Stephanie was concerned about ordering a chicken dish because of all the talk of contaminated chicken these days. He informed us that they steam all of their chicken when it comes in the morning, and after steaming they prepare the chicken for the various dishes.
Stephanie and I ordered from the lunch menu, which came with a bowl of soup and jasmine rice, (except for those entrée’s that were noodle based.) She ordered the “Spicy Noodle” with chicken which was $7.95. She ordered it as a spice “4” and said it was delicious. I was not so brave and ordered the Panang Curry with vegetables, and only a level “2” spice. The veggies were crisp, tasty and delightful. It was also $7.95.
Stephanie ordered the Thai tea and I ordered the Thai Coffee – $2.50 each – and although nothing different than most Thai restaurants – they were both quite tasty.
The total bill was $23.54, not including a tip.
The entire meal was tasty and satisfying. The service was a little mixed – entrées came before the soup – but the waiter was pleasant and apologetic. He was the only one serving both those of us eating in and those coming for their take-out orders. I heard one other person in the kitchen – the chef, I presume – and the orders were quickly filled. Would I return? Yes, without question. At least now I would know where I was going.
Michael says
So appreciate the link to the restaurant’s website. Thank you.
judi says
Wish more restaurants had the same kind of link!