Nitally’s Thai-Mexican Fusion Cuisine

NOTE: Nitally’s has relocated to bigger and better quarters at 2462 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL. Same good food, just more of it and more space and parking too!

Nitally’s Thai Coffee House (~~1040 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701~~) offers something I have never heard of before, nor could I find it anywhere on the Internet: Thai-Mexican fusion cuisine.

I found Thai fusion. I found Mexican restaurants in Thailand. But not this—Thai-Mexican fusion. It’s a natural. Both cultures share one important spice: cilantro. They also share a taste for spicy foods, although, of course, Thai is typically much spicier. But the owners, Nit (Thai) and Ally (Mexican), have created a concept that I hope makes them famous and an entrepreneurial success.

Consider these dishes:

• Chorizo Fried Rice
• Panang Burrito
• Green Curry Burrito
• Yellow Curry Burrito
• Spicy Basil Beef Taco
• Spicy Basil Chicken Taco
• Panang Mole

Just contemplating them makes my knees weak. Culinary beauty,

Of course, Nitally’s has the usual authentic Thai offerings. You can download a PDF of their menu here. This visit, I chose from those and had the chicken salad, which was a perfect blend of red peppers and lime juice. It was extremely good. On my next visit, and there will be another visit soon, I’m headed for the Spicy Basil Chicken Taco…or maybe the Green Curry Burrito…or maybe the Chorizo Fried Rice.

In addition to the usual hot teas and Thai iced Tea, iced Coffee, and iced Tamarindo, they carry something dear to my heart: pearl tea, also called boba tea, or bubble tea (see SPIFFS — 2nd Annual Asian Pacific Rim Festival 2008 for a full explanation of boba tea). Nitally’s selection of boba tea flavors is considerably wider than usual: Espresso Mocha, Cappuccino, White Chocolate, Green Tea, Honeydew, Watermelon, Strawberry, Thai Tea, Thai Coffee. Some of those I’ve never seen used as boba tea flavors before. If you’re never had boba tea, give it a try. It’s a textural treat as well as a flavorful one.

Nitally’s is very small: exactly two tables inside, four stools along a bookcase width wall counter, and one table on the sidewalk for alfresco dining. Parking is also minimal; just a couple spaces in front and then along the side avenues. But, it’s worth the trouble to find a place to park. This restaurant really is a “find.” I hope they succeed. Their concept and product are first rate.

Nitally’s will make most entrees vegetarian or vegan upon request. They also have a myspace page: myspace.com/nitallys. In addition to their 4th St. restaurant, which is open Tuesday-Friday 11am-2pm/6:30pm-9pm, they also have a stand at the Saturday Morning Market at Al Lang Park.