Does anyone remember the name of the restaurant that was in the current Malai Kitchen space? Honestly, I don’t really care because I wouldn’t give Malai up for all the bubble tea in Thailand.
I was so pleased to join Braden and Yasmin, the adorable husband/wife team behind Malai Kitchen, for a few sips of wine and a couple cocktails. Not only are they delightful people, but they know their stuff. Case in point: their wine list. If you haven’t checked out Malai’s revamped wine list, it’s worth checking out. The wine menu offers a unique variety of wines starting at $7 a glass from across the globe, some of which are priced quite close to retail (tres unique for a restaurant). Even better? It’s wine-idiot-friendly as it’s organized by intensity.
We enjoyed tastes of:
- Livon 2011 (Friulano) – a unique flavor
- Markus Molitor “Bernkasteler Badstube” 2011 (Riesling Kabinett)
- Joseph Kent “Vieux Carre” 2010 (White blend)
- Guillon “Gevery Chambertin” 2007 (Pinot Noir)
- Longoria “Alisos Vineyard” 2005 (Syrah)
- Brazin “Old Vine” 2010 (Zinfandel)
I died for the Guillon Pinot and would definitely recommend a glass or three of it. The Markis Molitor is light and has just the right amount of sweetness to be the perfect pairing for a spicy curry dish. Ask the bartender (or ask for Braden or Yasmin if they’re in) for a recommendation if you’re lost.
As for cocktails, they have a short list of really stellar options, many of which were developed by Jason Kosmas, the king of cocktail. My dude, Rico*, and I tried a good mix of their offerings and were really wowed by some of the amazing mixology behind the Malai bar.
The Singapore Sling got an audible “oh my god” from me and I’ll be returning for that one. They recommend it for two (as it’s a pitcher) … but I think one person with a high tolerance and the Uber app could handle it. Something everyone in Dallas must try is the Kaffir Collins (top left in the picture). Since it’s made with a fruit used in Thai curries, kaffir lime, you can LITERALLY** not find this anywhere else in Dallas. The taste is so incredibly rich and light and intriguing at the same time that Rico and I actually squabbled over who got to finish this drink. (I won.) Other winners are the Cambodian Daiquiri and Bourbon Smash.
Malai Kitchen is convenient to grab before a movie or for happy hour, so stop in soon and order a Kaffir Collins in my honor.
MALAI KITCHEN
www.malaikitchen.com | @malaikitchen
3699 McKinney Ave #319 (West Village)
(972) 591-3387
*Rico is both a freaking talented coworker and the leader of the Brunch Bros gang. Check them out if you aren’t already a huge fan.
**According to them. Believe me … I tried bribing them to tell me where to get the Kaffir leaves.