I fancy Asian cuisine. From Vietnamese, Philipino, Japanese, Chinese and Indonesian, I have had it all. However, if I had to choose a plate to from all the varied nations to LIVE on for the rest of my life - especially if I was stranded on a desert island - I would want that plate to be full of Thai food! A fluffy bed of rice, aromatic curry with fresh shrimp and chicken skewers smothered with peanut sauce is all I need to feel comforted on a cold day - or feel special any day! There is something about the mix of spices, or perhaps it's the rarity in finding a restaurant that serves authentic-enough Thai eats within a 50 mile radius of home. Rather than having to make the drive Downtown - or to the Bay Area - I ventured to nearby Natomas. "Nearby" is relative to most, but with close proximity to Elkhorn Boulevard, it's a fine alternative to hitting the bustling Interstate 80 for a Roseville night out.
Bangkok Garden is runby a family who also owns a restaurant in the Bay Area and has worked in the industry for years. They serve a variety of dishes from Angel Wings, to Pad Thai and Curries. Some of their most popular dishes are either sold out or unavailable on certain days, so call ahead if you are an aficianado.
My advise is to try lunch the first time around because the prices are so low - it's such a deal and you'll get a ton of food. Order the chicken satay. The peanut sauce is a little too "coconutty" for my taste - but very, very good! (And coconut is one of my favorite things!!) They will always oblige guests by bringing out fire peppers upon request because some like it hot!
If you have never had Thai but want to try it, I say the best thing to order is pad thai - or a chicken curry. These are mild enough that you can handle the flavor and simple while still being exotic. My favorite thai desserts are often on the menu. Try the forbidden sticky rice and mangoes.
The concoction ends up coming out a bit purple, but don't let the appearance keep you from trying it. They only have it some of the time, so it's a special treat. It's the same syruppy coconut sweetness with a mixture of glutinous and dark wild grain rice. It's to live for. Also they have a wonderful Thai Iced Tea - which comes in a glass that is almost too small, but we must leave room for everything else!
As a side note - the decor is very nice, much more like larger cities where they try to give you an experience rather than just an entree. If you're in the mood for good food - and want to feel like you've been whisked away from a strip mall - Bangkok Garden is a great idea.
For the next time - based on online reviews - try the Praram Longsong with beef. It comes with two of my favorite things - spinach and peanut sauce!!