Yesterday was a free weekday for the two of us. Petiks. In the afternoon, we roamed around Gilmore and some subdued street in Cubao scouting for the set of hardware for the PC that he’s going to build one of these days. After our successful task for the day, we headed to Som’s Noodle House along Algier St. (is it Algier or Alger?) near Rockwell Powerplant Mall for an authentic Thai cuisine.

We’d been planning to try this hole-in-the-wall Thai food place. We were surprised to see that the former sidestreet carinderia was renovated. Based on the photos and video clips that we have seen, the only remnant of the original Som‘s was the series monobloc tables and chairs under big picnic umbrellas, allowing customers to dine by the sidewalk.

What’s hot?

• The food is quite good. I’m not really a fan of anything spicy but, there, I was able to take each ala carte item that we ordered. I’m not a foodie expert either but our orders were all in-between sweet and spicy, if you could virtually taste what I mean.

From left to right, top to bottom: Tom Yam (PhP 150), Green Curry (PhP130), Fried Rice Shrimp (PhP 150), and Pak Boong with Shrimp (PhP 120). We also had Thai tea, which costs PhP 40 per plastic bottle (see next collage).

• Each serving comes in a relatively generous plate—  good for two to three persons. Good thing we did not eat real lunch and walked a lot that aftenoon.
• Given the serving size and taste, each food item at Som’s is reasonably priced.

• The location of this Thai resto has its advantage, too. It is situated in the middle of a residential community. Quiet, unhurried, and homely.

What needs warming up?

• Customer service can still be perked up I think. Not that the attendants were rude, lousy, or slow. It’s just that something seemed to be missing— perhaps a little connection. They could be more proactive, engaged, and attentive. And, yeah, maybe they could politely suggest to customers which ala carte items blend well and somehow complement each other. Although each item that we ordered satisfied our taste buds, there was a bit of an aftertaste after we finished the plates. An “umay” factor at that. But we both thought that had they been paired up with other menu items, that particular off-putting tang could have been prevented.
• Since they have already smartened up the place, ambience can be enhanced to have that feeling of “Thai”.  This eatery reminded me of the cafeteria of the homey Darayonan Lodge, where we stayed at in Coron. Oh, I saw a few flies..hmm..but the place looked tidy.
• A little help in direction wouldn’t hurt, too. Maybe they could install a small signage at the entrance of Algier St. If you are passing by Rockwell Drive (which is parallel to  Algier) going to Kalayaan (or the other way round), you might miss this narrow street heading to Som‘s.

How many bean stamps?
7 out of 10.

Travel Mug
Som’s Noodle House is at 5921 Algier St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City. It is located at the back of Rockwell Powerplant Mall, very near the Ateneo Law School.

• From Ayala Avenue, ride a jeep bound to Guadalupe Ibabaw (PhP 9), and get off at the entrance of Rockwell Powerplant Mall. Your landmark is the old Noah’s Ark Sugar Refinery along the banks of Pasig River, fronting Rockwell.
• From Buendia, ride a jeep going to PRC. Get off at Kalayaan Avenue. Take another jeepney ride going to Guadalupe Ibabaw then get off at Rockwell.
• From EDSA or Guadalupe MRT station, take the street beside Loyola Memorial Chapel. Ride a jeep bound to Guadalupe-L.Guinto, Guadalupe-Ayala, Guadalupe-Del Pan, or Guadalupe-Taft/Herran. Get off at Rockwell.

*****
Nice and easy. Happy 54th, buddy ko.

My crankiness has been nauseating lately, right? And you have been incredibly accommodating. Grateful here. *kugos*

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