In the previous post, I barely mentioned that Surin is a Thai restaurant. In addition to great food, what is the draw of Surin? For an interculturalist, the fact that one seems to step into an entirely different world within a few feet is transformative. The large photos of Thailand on the walls, the staff, the music and of course, the food, take me into another space.
If I am by myself, I sit at the bar and eat the usual. Since having my son, I usually grab 'to go' items. I frequently run into new-old friends meaning we developed a relationship after I graduated from college. One is often greeted by someone from Thailand, India or Nepal. I also meet new people from Birmingham, visitors who are residing at the Pickwick, or people who like Thai food. 'To go' often leads to eating at the bar from the 'to go' box as I attempt to multitask--eat and catch up on their lives.
Surin's Martinis and desserts were good enough for them to open a late night cafe where the Sushi Bar is now. Only one of my desserts remains--the ginger lime square. I love just about anything with ginger in it.
Although Surin pipes in satellite radio or something like that, I refer to all funky, electro, techno, fusion music as Surin music. I developed a love for Six Degrees compilations as a result of Surin's background music.
So for the people that have a Cheer in their lives, I have Surin. What is your favorite Birmingham restaurant or waterhole?
