My Goddess, Jazz.

There isn't enough space on this page to expound on the wonders that is JITLADA. A lot of you may already know about this Thai gem in a cruddy strip mall off Sunset blvd. in Hollywood, but for those of you who don't let me school you and for those who do, let me open up your eyes to some things you may not know. Generally, when you pull up, you are greeted with what looks like the Armenian version of the Sopranos, all eyeing you as you quickly make your way into Jitlada. The strip mall is ¼ Thai and ¾ Armenian business. Once you walk in you are immediately welcomed by an onslaught of decor that is almost as great as the food. They have everything there to make you feel warm and fuzzy, in terms of decoration, from the hillside 'scape water fountain with real dry ice fog pouring over the side, to the vases of silk roses with plastic dew drops. But, the decor is a means to make you feel more comfortable, at home. It is truly a family restaurant in the sense that you will usually find most of the family there, cooking, serving and greeting you as you come in. Once you peel your eyes off the wood paneling, if you are lucky, you will be seated by Jazz. She is an adorable woman with glasses and a smile that never breaks. The allure of the restaurant for the Thai community is that it is traditional southern Thai and the allure for any non-Thai is that it is completely authentic and you'll usually find yourself as one of the only non-Thai in the place. Once seated, the menu can seem a little overwhelming even though they put those “if-you-can’t-decide-dumb-ass-here’s-a-picture” next to the dishes and cute little number, so if you’re a mute you just have to point. I’ll preface the food by saying, stating, no warning you that the food here is spicy. So, if you like real spicy, order it medium. If you like it spicy order it mild and so on. For starters their soups are always good, but beware, the Tom Yum and Tom Kah are a meal in of themselves and did I mention spicy? The Southern Thai Curry is a masochistic experience; it is a rich fiery bowl of curry goodness. Order a side of white rice; it will act like a buffer between you and the spice. The rice is there to protect you, love you, keep you from slurping the broth by itself, which you will be tempted to do I assure you; I’ve done it. Also order a side dish of the fresh raw vegetables. They’ll bring you a dish with a sliced cucumber, carrot and cabbage on a bed of ice. It’s a nice break to quell the heat. The Chicken Panang never falls short. It’s everything good Thai is about. It has just enough sauce but not too much to overwhelm the peppers, peas and chicken basking in it. The Southern Spicy Beef is a dish that came to me later in my relationship with Jitlada, but it has now become a staple in my repertoire; however, it is on the saltier side of Thai food. For sides don't miss the Morning Glory and Chinese Broccoli with Salted Fish. These are both vegetable dishes, made completely different. There is a back page on the menu in Thai, and if you're a brave soul, you can venture back there, much to their warning. I did it, because I wanted to feel like I was with the people, but I’ll tell you right now, it is spice like you’ve never had before and most likely will never want to have again, unless you’re from Southern Thailand. But this is the place to experiment because it is all good - the deep-friend Pompano Fish with Chili Sauce, the whole large curry shrimp, the crab and shrimp coconut curry and for you few brave souls, one of the most popular dishes that a lot of the Thai order are their steamed mussels, but for me I like my mussels on the smaller side.

Don't worry about the wine list, just ignore it. Don't even look at it. You're in a Thai restaurant after-all so order a Signha Beer for Christ sake. But remember besides the food, the allure of this place is the sweet people who run it that keep you coming back. These people have a respect for their ingredients that we, in America, don't really have a grasp on. They grow their own Lemongrass, have their Kaffir Lime leaves sent from a family member, they are proud of what they cook and want you to be the recipient of it. So just show up, ask for Jazz. If she doesn't seat you, ask for her, tell her how much you've heard about her restaurant and tell her about your experience when you are done, and remember, get the $40 hour massage (Jane or Vicky) at Thai Herb and Spa next door before you eat. The food will taste even better.

WELL?
Sometimes you love the people that run the restaurant as much as you like the food.

Jitlada
5233 1/2 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 663-3104