Lemongrass Pad Thai with Tofu ~ Photos courtesy of Yelp.com

Here’s a scenario for you: you and your significant other are trying to decide on a place to eat dinner. You want some truly authentic Thai food, while he is jonesing for some excellent sushi.

I have the answer to this particular conundrum: Lemongrass Thai and Sushi on Barfield Crescent Road right here in Murfreesboro.

Red Snapper with Mango Curry

Not to be confused with the Lemongrass Thai restaurant in Nashville, this Lemongrass touts an impressive array of the finest Thai food in this area. All of the employees are actually from Thailand, and most of them are related and that translates not only into the authenticity of their food, but also into a unique dining experience, where you are treated like family by all of the staff. They are not happy until you leave there satisfied, full and talking about what you plan on trying when you come back.

And you will be back, I assure you. The food is amazing. How could it not be, when they are so focused on quality and originality that they have fresh ingredients like galangal and sweet Thai basil, lemongrass and Thai chilis flown in straight from Thailand? All of their sauces are made fresh from scratch daily. Their chili paste, a staple to Thai cuisine that is served in their food and also as a condiment, is also made from scratch and never from a can. For all of you who suffer from MSG allergies, rest assured you can eat to your heart’s content here’there isn’t any MSG to be found.

Whether you have a favorite Thai dish that you want or you’re being adventurous and wanting to try something new, Lemongrass has something for everyone.

I had the Red Curry Chicken on my last visit there and had to stop myself from licking the bowl it came in. It was a flavorful m’lange of tender chicken breast, bamboo shoots, bell peppers, carrots and fresh Thai basil leaves in a creamy sauce of coconut milk and red curry paste. For those of you worried about the spiciness that Thai dishes have a reputation for, fear not. Any of their dishes can be ordered with a spice level tailored to your preferences. They use a 1 to 5 scale with 5 being the hottest. I got my entrees with a spiciness of 2 and it was perfect, with just enough heat to make it interesting. That’s just the beginning of their customer service. Want something that isn’t on the menu? They love special orders and will do their best to accommodate all that they can.

Lemongrass Pho

If you are going with a large crowd or even if you are going by yourself and just want something smaller, please do not pass over the appetizers. Every single one I tried was exquisitely prepared and full of flavor. I do have a couple to recommend. If you are a fan of the ubiquitous Crab Rangoon at most Chinese restaurants, then the Siam Crab rolls are a must. Huge and stuffed to the brim with cream cheese, crab meat, carrots and spices, it will spoil you for all others of its ilk. Also the Bangkok Roll, ground chicken, shrimp, rice vermicelli and mushrooms wrapped in rice paper and deep fried, is a decadent treat. Their Tom Ka Gai, a soup of chicken cooked in coconut milk with galangal and mushrooms, is a must have for me every time I go.

When choosing your entr’e, you will quickly discover that any type of meat you are craving, they have it in several preparations. Their seafood and duck dishes are the true standouts though. They use fresh jumbo sea scallops and fresh tender mussels along with some of the biggest shrimp I have seen in their seafood dishes and throughout their menu. The duck is a rare treat for me and I always have a hard time choosing between the Duck Chili, duck fried crispy and served with Thai chili sauce and vegetables, and the Tornado Duck, which is served on a sizzling platter covered in a special sauce.

Lemongrass Sushi (from top left, clockwise)
Ju-on Roll; DoReMi Roll; Murfreesboro Roll; Dancing Eel Roll; Sexy Salmon Roll

For the sushi lovers out there, I have two words for you: DoReMe Roll. It’s crazy delicious. Salmon, cream cheese, scallions, masago, and asparagus wrapped up, dipped in tempura batter and deep fried, then topped with spicy crab and eel sauce. Also the K. No Roll, crab, avocado, scallion and masago, wrapped in paper thin slices of cucumber and topped with sunomono sauce, makes me do the happy dance in my chair. I’m not lying.

Lemongrass Banana Supreme

But you know, even if the food wasn’t as great as it is, I would still keep coming back to Lemongrass for one thing: Bubble Teas. I love them and they make some great ones. Whether you want the more traditional teas made from black or green tea and fruit juices, or the milk teas, or are wanting something a little more familiar, like a creamy smoothie, you can’t go wrong with any of the flavors on their list. My recommendations are the following though: Lychee and Jasmine Green tea, Coconut Milk Tea or the Taro Smoothie. All are served with the wonderfully textural black tapioca pearls and a huge straw to suck them through. I have to have at least one to two a week. It’s an addiction that I might need to find a group for soon.

Give Lemongrass a try soon. Go and let Erk give you great service and Comb make you some mind-blowing sushi. I promise you will have fun, that your tastebuds will be tantalized and that you will be treated like favored family. Oh, and when you go, tell Erk that his new surrogate sister will be in soon for her bubble tea fix.

THE DISH:

Lemongrass Sushi and Thai

Location: 220 Barfield Crescent Rd., Suite L

Phone: (615) 848-5022

Hours: Lunch: Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.;
Dinner: Mon.–Thur. 5–9:30 p.m.; Fri. 5–10 p.m.; Sat. 5–10 p.m.; Sun. 5:30–9 p.m.