5699 Mount Moriah Road
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 367-2827
With the suggestion of a Burn My Mouth fan, I expanded my list of favorite places to eat at that bring the pain. Located off Mt. Moriah in East Memphis, The Emerald isn't a new establishment in the city. It is new to me, however, because I don't make it out that way much these days. Without the modern forms of networking, would this top-notch experience have taken place? Thankfully it did because with JaJa's closing recently in Collierville, our options in the Memphis area for awesome Thai food are limited.
I couldn't find much on The Emerald online. Unfortunately, I don't think they have a website nor did they have a take-out menu. I will take this opportunity to get the word out for them because, if you're a fan of Thai food, you will enjoy this cuisine. I went to The Emerald today for lunch with only a tip and a passion for heat (a craving for a Singha was a nice motivator, too). I was told that I should try the Yum Neua, a salad with strips of beef, cilantro, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, etc, and a sauce that you can order to your liking; mild, hot and suicide. Not surprisingly, I had a death wish today and ordered the 'suicide' beef salad. After laughing like an evil scientist who was plotting out the contraption I was about to consume, the waitress kindly explained to me that it will be "very spicy". Great! That's why I'm here!
After hearing her shout the order in Thai to the cook in the kitchen, I could only try and figure out what she just told him. I have been to Thailand before but didn't pick up on any of the language. As far as I know, she told him "This guy just came in here and said there is no way we can burn his mouth…” I prepared for whatever was coming and when it arrived, I was ready. The smell hit me first. It was everything listed above plus the distinct smell of Thai chili peppers. I dug in and was half way done with the plate before I took a break. That's when the heat hit me and the sweat began. Half a beer later, I finished the rest because stopping again was not an option. This salad was off the charts with flavor. Not only was it extremely spicy, all the veggies were a perfect mix and the beef was tender with incredible flavor. The sauce was not only a good Thai mixture; it made an amazing salad dressing. After finishing my beer and using my last napkin to wipe off my head, I departed The Emerald, but not for the last time.
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