Andaman Sea Recipe Restaurant, Morristown

[denise madison]

Saw an ad in the local paper (Morris Bee) for this new Thai French fusion on Morris St. in Morristown. Located directly across from the Morristown train station, this new restaurant, in my mind, wins over other Thai - Thai/Fusions in town and other towns close by. The chef/owners also own Deja Vu in Montclair.

The exterior is just painted over in earth tones from the old China Moon Restaurant that was the previous occupant. The inside was a different story. The highly lacquered wood floors and Asian details were welcoming. They also have a private room for 12-20.

The menu was divided into three sections. The first offered Thai apps and entrees.

The middle offered a mix of different apps including a tuna roll, and seared tuna salad. Additionally in this section was a grilled section consisting of a choice of beef, lamb and a few other items, with an aioli sauce and rice pilaf accompaniment. There were also noodle dishes (Pad Thai) and others. Soups were also listed here including a Tom Kha Gai to die for.

The last section had French influenced offerings including seared Fois Gras for an appetizer and entrees like Rack of Lamb, Red Mullet, Steak etc.

My husband had the seared tuna appetizer. It was tender, the right temperature, and the sauce was excellent. I had the Tom Kha Gai which was the best I had including Vong's.

For the entree, my husband asked what was the best crispy fried fish. They showed Pompano on the menu, but the waiter actually went back to ask the chef, and she recommended a whole crispy fried red snapper (not on the menu) which he thoroughly enjoyed. I had a grilled salmon over spinach. The sauce, although plentiful, was not overwhelming. It is a BYO and with 2 apps and entrees the bill was $53 for two before tip.

[Rosie]

Is Origin the place you are talking/writing about? If not please post the address and phone #?

http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showto...37908&hl=Origin

[dbrociner]

RS, Origin is on South St., right? China Moon was across from the Train station as described so I think this must be a new place.

I didn't have a good experience at Deja Vu. It was one of those restaurants you get brought to by someone who swears how great it is and then wonders if the mediocre meal you just had was somehow your fault, like bad karma or something. I'd give this a try based on the review.

[denise madison]

Rosie,

No, it is not Origin. It is a nwe restaurant called Andaman Seas Recipes at 147 Morris St. across from the train station.

[Rosie]

Thanks Denise.

David-- I had mixed opinions at Deja Vu. Twice it was memorable and twice it was underwhelming. Haven't been back in a long time.

[A4th]

Visited Andaman Restaurant last week and really enjoyed the meal. There seems to be an average Thai portion to the menu but the French selection we ordered was excellent. The staff does not have their act together yet as the restaurant was fairly crowded and most tables were not served appetizers or entrees at one time. Noted many tables waiting for too long for everyone to be served their course. It looked like there was only one chef present. Would wait several months before returning.

[denise madison]

I have been going to Andaman Sea since it opened. The food has always been good, the service, initially inconsistant, now much improved. Yet Saturday night's visit stood out as exceptional. On of the specials of the day was Soft Shell Crabs with either a Garlic Sauce or Penang Curry. We asked the waiter which was best and he said he would ask the chef to offer both styles.

We both ordered the crabs and they were presented in a four-section platter. Two large, plump, lightly dusted (panko?) crabs were in two of the sections and the other two held the Garlic Sauce and the Penang Curry.

The crabs alone were wonderful. When dipped in the different sauces, it was amazing. I have never had soft shell craps so "soft" - the shell was almost absent.

The Penang Curry sauce had a kick, while slightly creamy, and the Garlic Sauce had baby shrimp along with the red peppers and other sliced vegatables.

I would definitely recommend ordering this culinary feast if you see it on the menu.

[BryanZ]

This place isn't as good as Origin Thai, is it?

[JohnnyH]

This place isn't as good as Origin Thai, is it?

←

Just my opinion, of course, but I don't think it's even close.

[denise madison]

This place isn't as good as Origin Thai, is it?

←

Maybe it is time to try Origins again, but I went there two times when it first opened and was not overly impressed.

I ordered a whole crispy fish and asked that it not be really hot. When they brought the fish out it was so spicy I could not eat it. When I questioned the waiter he said this is how the chef prepares it.

The second time I really was not that impressed with my meal. The tom ka gai was not as good as Andaman or Thai Chef and the Pad Thai was Ok.

Again, maybe the got the kinks out, and I hope that the chef can accommodate to people's taste in levels of hot.

[Rosie]

I prefer Origin in Somerville. Feel that the food is much better there.

[Peter Conway]

Met some friends at Andaman for dinner last night. I selected this restaurant because I heard it was originated by the people who did Deja Vu a favorite of ours in Montclair. I also had fond memories of the old August Moon, a landmark Chinese restaurant at this location that I often visited as a kid many many years ago.

We tried 3 appetizers, a Thai Dumpling, A Shrimp Spring Roll and Daikon Roll. Then we had a fish course Curried Soft Shell Crabs and a Striped Bass in Black Bean Sauce, then two different Salads, and at the end the Andaman Noodles and Thai BBQ Beef.

Everything was delicious, the flavors distinct in each dish, intense and delicate at the same time.

The service was good, but the place was empty, the decor is a little tacky but comfortable and clean.

Will definitely return.

Peter Conway

Mano A Vino Montclair Food and Wine Blog

Edited December 18, 2005 by Peter Conway (log)

[scarlet knight]

My wife and I have lunch at Andaman periodically. We prefer it to Origin in Morristown. The service is good, the food is distinctive and they are willing to ratchet down the spice if you so desire.

The restaurant has a nicer atmosphere than Origin, partially because it is much less crowded. We've only been there for lunch and it is rarely crowded. I wish them success. Most importantly, the food is very good.

Haven't seen service glitches that we've seen at Deja Vu in Montclair.

Edited December 18, 2005 by scarlet knight (log)

[Peter Conway]

I agree, service at Deja Vu has had its problems. My wife and I have been going there since it opened many years ago.

There were times it got so bad we just stopped going.

Lately it has been good again, newly redecorated, and food quality back up to a high standard.

I've only been to the Origin in Sommerville which was good but the staff was outright rude.

Loved Andaman we all thought the food was excellent.