Thai Star Bbq - Corona

My ex-husband is from Thailand, and his childhood experience there is a testament to the culture's culinary roots. Growing up without a refrigerator, he'd rise early each morning with his grandmother to shop at outdoor markets for fresh ingredients to prepare meals for their family. He learned to cook for at least ten people daily, and fortunately, he brought his culinary skills to the United States, where he met me. Sam was a passionate cook who prepared all our meals with steamed jasmine rice. I had jasmine rice daily, and I loved its unique preparation method—which involved rolling it in our hands and eating it like a tortilla. Sam could whip up delicious meals for one person or a whole crowd, always with a proud smile on his face. He infused every dish, whether it was American, Mexican, Italian, or otherwise, with a special Thai twist. I'm also fond of cooking, but he always seemed to find a way to make his meals taste better than mine. Even when I prepared fruits in a Mexican style, he would come in and add his magical touch. He loved cooking and had a knack for pleasing the palate. I remember coming home from work and finding him in the kitchen, happily preparing my favorite Thai papaya salad. The fresh aromas of lime, sweet vinegar, cilantro, garlic, and red chili were absolutely amazing. We have many friends and family members who loved his spaghetti, salsa, curry, and Thai menudo, among other dishes. Thai Star BBQ captures the authentic flavors and traditional recipes that I know and cherish. Although Sam and I are no longer together, the flavors of TSB consistently delight me. My friends and I frequently visit Thai restaurants in our area, and last night we almost settled for Chinese. But thanks to my new picky foodie friend Matt, he is now a believer in Thai food! Daphne, who already loved Thai cuisine, was adventurous and ordered chicken dumplings for herself. As usual, I ordered my favorite à la carte dishes: Tom Yum Goong with shrimp (sweet and tangy), Som Tam (papaya salad), medium-spicy red chicken curry, and elegantly steamed jasmine rice—all for about $6.99! Do I miss Sam's cooking? Absolutely! But I have many fond memories of the meals we shared, and I know he continues to cook with joy for someone else. Thai Star BBQ has a cozy atmosphere and offers affordable prices with ample portions—even for those with a big appetite. The service may be a bit challenging due to language barriers, but they do their best to understand. The menu features many pictures to help guide your choices. Just be aware of the heat level when ordering, as "hot" means spicy! Pair your meal with Thai iced tea or a cold Singha beer—trust me, you won’t be disappointed!