Last week Billy and I went to Jitlada since he’d never been and I haven’t been since my foray into veganism. Once we were there I asked to see Jazz so I could tell her I loved her/didn’t know what I could eat on the menu.

In no way did she shame me or make me feel like a bad doggie for being vegan. She helped us pick our dishes and assured me she’d be cooking my food herself.

Typically as a vegan making special requests I feel like a special pest. Jazz made me feel like a special guest! yeah that’s right I’m a poet and I don’t even know it.

Jazz ordered me to have the plum wine and I do not turn down orders to drink mysterious alcohols. Future dates, beware.

Billy had a coke. Snore.

Then he had the mussels, per Jazz’s recommendation. If I remember correctly he said these were the best mussels he’d ever eaten.

Also the spiciest sauce. Ha.

She also recommended the beef for him, and I so wish I remembered exactly what this dish is called. If you’re there, ask for the beef featured on the Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate. I think this is it. My best guess is that it’s called Crying Beef. Vegans no likey this name cause they take it literally.

Now on to what I ate, cause seriously, whoa, so good. Jazz, I know it’s not the first time you’ve heard this nor will it be the last but I LOVE you. LOVE LOVE. BIG LOVE.

She whipped up some Thai green curry with carrots, broccoli, bamboo shoots, coconut milk, peas, tomatillos, and tofu.

Underneath the veggies were big soft flat noodles.

And finally, what was possibly the most delicious Thai dish I’ve ever had at Jitlada (aka anywhere), even dating back to my meat-eating days, Jazz brought out deep-fried tofu with beautiful crispy basil. Since these “vegan” dishes aren’t exactly on the menu, I’m doing a terrible job recalling the ingredients or giving them a proper name. I believe this particular dish is normally made with shrimp rather than tofu.

Would really strict vegans be ok eating here? I’m not sure. I imagine there is residue of fish sauce in the pans, but I’m not really strict enough (yet) for this to bother me.

Jazz was so hospitable and so accommodating I felt right at home. Except at home I have to pretend I’m not vegan cause it annoys my parents. Jazz, you want a big, 28-year old, food-blogging, unemployed baby? No? It’s ok, I’ll be back anyway.