A Spicy Kickoff to 2024: Our First Night Out at Orange Grass Thai Restaurant
Ah, January 4th, – a date that will forever be etched in our taste buds. It was the night Shakir, Noz, and I decided to brave the chilly Shields winds and head to Orange Grass Thai restaurant in South Shields for our first meal out of the year. Little did we know, it would be a night filled with laughter, spice, and a few tears – but not the sad kind.
The Venue
Orange Grass is a gem tucked away in the heart of South Shields and holds the prestigious title of being the only Thai restaurant in town, having opened all the way back in 2007. This charming spot is especially beloved by the Bangladeshi community, who often flock here when they crave a break from their regular diet of curries and rice. The restaurant offers a delicious alternative, allowing us to explore different tastes, styles, spiciness, and heat.
With its warm, inviting decor and the tantalising aroma of Thai spices wafting through the air, we knew we were in for a treat as soon as we walked through the door. The owner, Titu, greeted us with a smile that could melt even the iciest of days, and we felt right at home.
The Company
It was a motley crew that night – Shakir, Noz, and yours truly. We’d been mates for ages, well, except Shakir who’d joined the gang less than a decade ago. But we were bound by our shared love of food and our penchant for getting into culinary adventures (or misadventures, as it sometimes happens).
The Starters
We kicked things off with prawn crackers, a favourite that always promises a good start. Not just one bowl, but two – because one simply isn’t enough when you’re dealing with our appetites. The sweet chilli sauce and the hot chilli sauce in oil were the perfect accompaniments, and we devoured the lot with gusto.
The Main Event
Then came the main dishes, each more tantalising than the last:
Lamb and Bamboo Shoots in Spicy Sauce: A dish that could only be described as a flavour explosion. The tender lamb paired with the crunchy bamboo shoots and the rich, spicy sauce was an absolute winner.
Beef with Bamboo Shoots in Spicy Sauce: Noz’s choice, and a solid one at that. The beef was cooked to perfection, and the bamboo shoots added a delightful texture. The spicy sauce? Just the right amount of heat.
Spicy Chips: Because why settle for regular chips when you can have them spicy? These were crispy, hot, and utterly addictive.
3 Egg Fried Rice: A mountain of fluffy, flavourful rice that tied everything together.
Steak for Shakir: A man of simple tastes, Shakir opted for the steak, which arrived cooked to his exact specifications. Juicy, tender, and absolutely delicious.
The Heat
Titu, knowing my love for all things spicy, decided to crank up the heat on my dishes. By the end of the meal, I was sweating buckets like our mate Kohinoor when he’s lounging around the sauna at Haven Point. The lads found it highly entertaining as I dabbed my forehead and fanned my face, tears streaming down from the sheer intensity of the spices.
The Desserts
To cool things down, we finished off with a selection of desserts:
Chocolate Cakes: Rich, decadent, and exactly what we needed after the spice onslaught.
Coconut Cake: Light, fluffy, and with just the right amount of sweetness to round off the meal.
The Highlights
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the camaraderie. We laughed, joked, and reminisced about the good old days. Shakir, always the entrepreneur, kept us engrossed with his tales of potential new business opportunities in Bangladesh. He was convinced that by next year, we could be millionaires, just like Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses. Shakir's enthusiasm for his latest ventures, from importing exotic spices to launching tech startups in Dhaka, had us all dreaming of a future filled with riches.
Noz, ever the voice of reason, chimed in, saying, "Maybe one day we’ll strike it rich like Del Boy when they found that watch in his garage. But lads, we better be prepared not to faint like he did when it happens!" His comment had us all laughing, adding a lighthearted reality check to Shakir's ambitious plans.
The Experience
Our first night out in 2024 at Orange Grass wasn’t just about the food; it was about reconnecting with friends and making new memories. Titu’s hospitality and the incredible flavours of the dishes made it a night to remember.
Final Thoughts
As we walked out into the crisp January night, we couldn’t help but feel a warm glow – partly from the spices and partly from the joy of spending time together. Here’s to many more nights out in 2024, filled with good food, great friends, and unforgettable moments.
So, if you find yourself in South Shields and in need of a culinary adventure, head over to Orange Grass. Just be sure to ask Titu to go easy on the spice – unless you’re up for the challenge!
