RESTAURANT REVIEW: Bida Manda

  Bida Manda has been on my radar for awhile as one of the best new restaurants in Raleigh, but we don't get out as much as we used to pre-kiddo, so it took us awhile to get around to trying it. We finally went with some friends this past Monday and I can see what all the buzz is about. I usually avoid restaurants on Sundays and Mondays because those are usually the chef's nights off, so sometimes the food can be sub par on those particular evenings. But with grandma (aka free babysitter) in town just for the night, Monday it was.
   I admittedly don't know a whole lot about Lao cuisine and figured it to be pretty similar to Thai (due to it's proximity) and wasn't far off in that assumption. The usual suspects of Pad Thai and curries make their appearances, but there are also more traditional Lao dishes of Larb and Mok Pa. We started with the salmon ceviche an the soft shelled crabs with cilantro lime pesto. The ceviche was fresh and bright if a bit salty from an overzealous use of a soy reduction. The crab was fried to crispy perfection and the pesto was a nice addition. For entrees we tried the Duck Larb, the Curry Chicken and the Mee Ka Tee (Crispy Pork Belly Soup). I have no idea what Mee Ka Tee translates to, but I think it must be along the lines of "heavenly bowl of porky goodness." It was a somewhat cold and rainy night, and the soup with its combination of spice, acid and smokey pork was the perfect dish for the weather. The Larb was very flavorful, with just enough heat to make my nose run ever so slightly (just what everyone wants from their dining companion, right?). It had a great balance of sweetness and spice with a little sour added from the accompanying lime wedge. Served with sticky rice and meant to be eaten with your hands, it was satisfying and delicious. The curry was respectable but not particularly noteworthy.
    For a Monday night, Bida Manda was doing a brisk business. By the time we left, the restaurant three-quarters full and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. With our limited time and funds, and the large quantity of new and notable restaurants in the Triangle, we rarely find ourselves going back to the same place twice unless it makes a huge impression. Only time will tell with Bida Manda, but I think I already hear the Mee Ka Tee calling to me.

Visit www.bidamanda for full menu, hours and reservations.