Malees Thai Bistro & Sushi Bar

08/19/2007 Posted by pbdawg

I've eaten at Malee's a few times now and thought I should make a couple comments. First the good: It's proximity to the movies and shops makes it a great option. The food has always been very good with the sushi being above average. The portions are the typical American size...too big, and the number of plates on a table for a group can quickly outgrow the space you have (but some people don't mind this). The decor is nice and simple and the bathrooms have always been clean when I've been there. Now the bad, and I hate to point it out because I worked in restaurants for several years. The service at Malee's has routinely been SPOTTY at best. Drinks take FOREVER. The hosts are nice enough, but often under-trained. And most importantly, the servers are spread thin. The servers we've had have always been nice enough and accomodating, but they are often taking care of too large a section and you can feel neglected. The service at the bar is also always spread thin as the bartender is either distracted making restaurant drinks, or is focused on his/her customers and the restaurant patrons wait forever for their drinks. I've seen managers behind the bar trying to lend a hand EVERY time. They simply need to overstaff their bartenders. Often there is only 1. I've also noticed that after food is delivered, again because the staff is attending to so many tables, if you've got a problem or need something, you won't see your server until that "Is everything okay?" check-up which often comes at like the 6-8 minute mark instead of the 1-2 minute mark. All told, I like this restaurant and I visit it with my family whenever I'm in town from L.A., I just wish they would address some of their service issues.

Pros: Decor, Food choices and quality, location

Cons: Servers spread thin, Hosts inadequately trained, bar service hitt or miss

04/23/2007 Posted by foxsillymellon

So, a client gives you "thank you gift" and knows that you love great food. Trouble is it's all for one restaurant and it's $100 worth. This however, is no problem if you have to use them for Malees Thai Restaurant on Tatum (or their other place in Scottsdale -- just as great.) So, where to begin? Being from NY, I always engage the service people to find the most popular items, the best of the best and the specials (and flirt with the women :) ) etc. So, far so good. I found the staff knew all the dishes and it seemed could describe the tastes and their likes of most of the dishes on the menu They obviously eat here, and a lot. For example, to die for foods: that I also like and you must try are: Coco Chili Fish! or Tom Ka Gai soup and my current favorite: Chicken Panang. All these have a clean (and sometime spicy if ordered hot) flavor that accents the food without overpowering it. The Panang Chicken that I like the most now has the crispness of the veggies and nuts, while the chicken is moist. The fish is wonderful with you wanting to take the sauce home in a bowl with a spoon... Oh you have to try this dish too: The Spinach Chicken that comes over a bed of crisp spinach with awesome sauce and chicken. (Okay now I am hungry)... oh, the gift that I got can be purchased for 1/2 price! so, that means that when I got my own gift cards, I paid $50 and got $100 in food. It means my $100 gift that got me started also was only $50 but I am happy that I was introduced to this wonderful place !(Oh, tax and tip not included in these) I suggest the mailing list to find out when to get them.. they make great gifts at 1/2 price!!!!. they offer cooking classes too but haven't taken them..

Pros: taste, flavors come through, lots of food on the menu