THAI THANI
(179 Dundas West, 977-4712)
Weekday steam-table buffet dishes up mainstream but very inexpensive Thai combos. Complete meals for $7 per person, including all taxes and tip. Open Monday to Friday 10 am to 10 pm, and Saturday noon to 10 pm. Closed Sunday and holidays. Beer only. Smoke-free. Access: short step at door, washrooms in basement. Rating: NN Rating: NN
The first time I visit Thai Thani, a hole-in-the-wall spot in a row of restaurants in the old Chinatown behind City Hall, I can’t wait to return. The second time, I vow I never will.
While it’s not much to look at, Thai Thani (wouldn’t Thai Thanic be a better name?) is a modest spot with a not-too-spicy Asian buffet. On my initial visit, my take-away carton gets heaped with first-rate stuff like yellow curried chicken with chickpeas ‘n’ potatoes, purple eggplant with carrots and green beans, and sweet-and-sour deep-fried tofu ($6.25 for four items).
A few days later, a different and very surly server dishes up a selection that’s half the size. When I ask for a bag to carry my lunch back to the office, he begrudgingly throws one at me. With a snarl.
