Pam Real Thai, Billy's Bakery, and Gray Dog Coffee

A mid-week craving for Thai led Allison and I to Pam Real Thai in Hells Kitchen. We sat at wooden, shaky tables in the cramped front room, elbow-to-elbow with other Thai loving eaters. 

I have heard so much about their flavorful Pad See Ew. Many of the Thai restaurants crowding the streets of Hell's kitchen are mediocre, serving greasy variations of this noodle dish. Pam Real Thai's flat noodles are not oily but wet with a sweet soy sauce. 

Once I overturned the flat noodles, a plume of steam whisped from the center core of the dish, revealing chewy, flat pieces of beef scattered among chinese broccoli and egg. 

Allison went for classic chicken Pad Thai.  Our taste buds were demanded to attention by a sugary sweetness, layered with subtle flavor of lime, and a roasted crunch from peanut bits.

The chicken was tender and the noodles were  but I could only muster a few forkfuls before the flavor became overwhelming.

With almost every meal I require dessert, as do most of my friends, but we were so stuffed that we decided to stroll down ninth before eating anymore. It wasn't long before we reached Chelsea and found ourselves in front of the baked goods at Billy's Bakery. Innocently placed eye level was a Peanut Butter Pie, whose peanut butter chips, chocolate sauce swirls, and Reeses pieces immediately caught my eye.

A chocolate crumb crust was filled with a fluffy, peanut butter mouse, whose airy texture dissolved on the tounge, leaving various toppings to be enjoyed in an aftertaste of peanuts. Allison opted for a double chocolate cupcake. I have never liked the dry cake and grainy buttercream of Billy's cupcakes sold in the Chelsea location. This cupcake was no different and we left half of it untouched.  

A good dessert needs coffee, so we walked over to University Place and enjoyed a cup of tea and cappuccino at the Grey Dog. A soothing conclusion to a fulfilling foodie evening. 

Pam Real Thai

404 W 49th St 

New York, NY 10019 

(212) 333-7500

Billy's Bakery

184 9th Ave 

New York NY 10011-4919 

(212) 647-9956

The Grey Dog's Coffee 

90 University Pl (212) 414-4739