Holy Basil, Thai-Laos, Canley Heights

This Thai-Laos restaurant oozes inner city sensibility in the heart of Sydney's south west.  Stunning decor, attentive service, a Maître d', unheard of luxuries in Canley Heights.  And the locals are lapping it up.

L'Elephant, Luang Prabang

Desperation to get away from the heat drove us into the airconditioned L'Elephant french/lao restaurant in the tree-lined touristy part of Luang Prabang.

It was a small establishment that had only four or five tables inside and the same outside (in the heat!).  The prices, while not quite Sydney prices, we're on the premium end, even for tourists!

We didn't regret it though:

Grilled Buffalo was benefited from a subtle sweet marinade which reduced the gaminess but highlighted it as well.  We ordered it to be adventurous, but after tasting it, vowed to come back for more.

Chicken larb was again subtle but tasty.

And the Nem rice was not as crunchy as others we've tried but also delicious in subtle flavours.

Of course, sticky rice, eaten with your hands is a must, but this sticky rice was like a wild version, so it was red.  I've seen it used in Vietnamese sweet sticky rice, but not part of a savoury staple before.

And of course, to finish of a delicous lunch we had to have dessert:

Creme caramel for me, a little too light for me, but not bad consistency, the caramel sauce was perfect.