The best pad see ew in Raleigh

I talked about this blog with friends in July and hadn't gotten around to it. Well last night, after searching Raleigh for 2 years looking for my favorite thai dish done right I came across a little dive named Sakura Xpress on Hillborough near NC State. It inspired me to get my butt in gear and launch this thing.

I walked up to the place with apprehension because I tend to shy away from places with Xpress in their names, especially the Xpresses that leave off the e. But I couldn't resist going in and giving it a shot after seeing the menu posted on the door. There under the Thai section was "Pad See Ew". Now I have tried literally every thai restaurant in town. I've tried everyone from the coveted Sawsadee to the new Thai Cafe up the street from me. I've traveled a 45 mile radius to find this dish done the way I want. Who knew my treasure was right under my nose all the time.

I frequent the area on Hillsborough to do business at a local t-shirt shop, but I would've never guessed that in here lay the end to all my searching.

I ordered the food as I'm accustomed to - very customized. "I'd like the pad see ew with chicken and beef mixed. Oh that'll be extra, that's fine. When you cook it can you please make sure to sear the noodles and meat just right. I like to see a little browning on it. Please, please don't make it soupy or juicy."

The lady taking my order says, "It no juicy."

Relieved I say, "It's been juicy everywhere else," and I smile with anticipation that this may be the right time I've found the right place and the right cook.

"Oh and I need a side of white rice and oh yeah, some of the hot red chili pepper sauce cooked in." As she stared at me with a raised eyebrow I unapologetically say, "I like it the way I like it."

I wanted to buy egg rolls to eat on while I waited but when I asked her how big they were I got a very confused look. She obviously didn't know that was one of the many tests we Chicagoans have for how good or bad an egg roll will be. She said, "They are regular size." To that I held up my fingers and sized it out about 4-5 inches - yes in Chicago, size is important. "This big?" "No," she responds and pulls her fingers in about 2 inches in mock form.

"No thanks," and I settle on the order of inferior spring rolls. I wait in the dining area with only one other patron and hang on to my hopes that the lack of customers is not an indication of any kind. There is a 94.9 on the wall so the inspection passing is adequate for my culinary environment.

Well when the main attraction is presented I make a very audible and surprised "Yes, it looks right." The cook just smiles and nods as she hurries away looking over her shoulder once.

I taste the first bite and yes, yes, yes. It tastes right. It is great, a little greasy but mostly right. I yell to the back, "This so good, it is actually right." I greedily eat it all even though halfway through I am stuffed. I yell back again, "Are you the only cook?" Thankfully she says yes. I would hate to have to try and figure out a schedule to know when to come.

As the lady cleans my table she says, "You ate all? You can eat, that was a lot of noodles."

I say it's definitely a compliment to the chef but I can chow with the best of them.

My rating on a scale from 1 to Chicago : 8.25. I will definitely go back.