a small, hidden gem

King's Cross is flooded by a load of quite honestly abysmal take-out joints -- namely those offering kebab and fried chicken.   Although I live in this neighborhood, and there's a provided convenience to eating close-by, I normally forgo this area due to the poor selection.

So it was on a rainy London evening that I, too tired to cook and with no motivation to wander great distances, decided to check out some of the shoddy places in the vicinity.  I guess I was wrong to judge King's Cross so soon because less than two blocks away from my dorm, I smelled something delicious coming from a place called Paolina Thai Cafe!  True to the adage, you should never judge a book by its cover.  On the outside, Paolina's can easily be mistaken as any other run-down joint.  However, to my surprise they serve what has got to be some of the most homely and authentic Thai dishes I have had in London.

The interior is nothing to gawk at, and the open-air kitchen is very reminiscent of Bear's Ramen in Berkeley or Solomon's Market in Providence.  I find that the simplicity of the decor, which reminds me of those you find in old-time diners, really adds a lot of charm.  The atmosphere is at once slightly grimy yet warm and inviting.  It's a place I can see myself enjoying a lunch on my own or having dinner with some friends.

The food was downright flavorful!  I was able to catch a glimpse of my cook, a kind and chatty elderly woman (Paolina?),  dousing my rice with generous globs of what I can only imagine to be fish sauce.  The result was tasty and filling, and what a bang for your buck at under a fiver!  It really hit the spot, especially on a gloomy, damp, and drizzly day.  I'm really glad that I found this place, and I anticipate going back quite often to try the other stuff on their menu.  Another review will be coming shortly.

By the way, I apologize for the poor-quality pictures.  I only have my phone to use as a camera at my disposal.