Blue Orchid Thai Restaurant
129 N. 10th Street
Specialty: Thai
Atmosphere: Casual to Fine
Payment: Cash, major credit cards
Cost: Entrees, $10 to $30
Hours:
Mon-Thu:
11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 5 – 9:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat:
11:30 – 2 p.m.; 5 – 10 p.m.
Sun:
5 – 9:30 p.m.
Phone: 402-742-7250
Web: facebook.com/blueorchidrestaurant
Notes: reservations, walk- ins, take out, waiter service, outdoor seating
The Blue Orchid Restaurant opened in the Grand Manse building at 10th and O Streets in late December 2001 and is still going strong.
The restaurant has been on the Best of Lincoln dining lists multiple times and is a great dinner destination for an evening in the Haymarket.
The menu includes a range of appetizers and entrees that can transition from light lunch to four-course dinner without a hitch. The restaurant also has a full bar with a fine wine list, sold by the glass or the bottle. Blue Orchid is also a popular lunch destination for those who work downtown. It is casual enough for an every day lunch and classy enough to host business lunch meetings.
Food
We started with the Steamed Mussels ($12) which came piled high in a bowl of butter and white wine sauce with lemongrass chili sauce on the side. A somewhat messy appetizer, these broke the ice of decorum as they were so delicious it became a civil battle over who got the last one.
I ordered the Panang Curry ($12) with chicken and mixed vegetables. As a general
rule, I do not care for curry, so I was a bit reticent, but this smoky curry in a creamy sauce with the kick of jalapeño changed my mind. My husband ordered the Crying Tiger ($16), a medium rare, grilled steak with a light salsa, served with edamame. This may be a good choice for those averse to adventuring into Thai cuisine for the first time.
The challenge of Blue Orchid’s menu comes on return visits: do you try something new or go with the dish that wowed you the first time?
Grade: A+
Atmosphere
My husband and I were impressed with the classy feel of Blue Orchid, where the Asian-inspired decor was done with restraint. So many restaurants are overwhelmed with kitch that loudly screams the theme, but they have avoided that pitfall here.
The dining room is filled with tables, but they are placed at a comfortable distance from each other. It is warm and comfortable with skylights that make for a naturally bright lunch atmosphere and warm lighting for dinner service.
Grade: A
Service
My husband and I enjoyed impeccable service from manager Kris Haskin. Kris was very attentive during our meal, checking in on us frequently without being annoying. We were very impressed with the speed of service, especially considering that the restaurant was packed. The food was served hot and our beverages were refilled consistently.
We were joined for dinner by a friend who has nut allergies. Kris went above and beyond in being certain that everything we ordered would be safe for her to eat, checking ingredient lists on a few items to be certain.
Grade: A+
Vegetarian friendly
Blue Orchid’s Thai cuisine lends itself well to vegetarians. Tofu is a protein option for all entrees and mixed vegetables can be substituted or added.
Grade: A
Photo contributed by Ann Krause,