M and I both took our Mumsies to see Wicked for Mother’s Day. It was our second time, but both leading female roles were filled by alternates today so we really did not know how the show would turn out.

It was even better the second time around! We both agreed today’s Elphaba, played by Felicia Ricci, let her personality infuse the role and made it somehow even more dramatic. Her “Defying Gravity” had key changes on the long notes which was unexpected, but amazing.

After the musical, starving bellies clamoring for food, we slipped into the nearest Thai restaurant hoping for the best.

Of course I got the papaya salad, a perennial favorite I ordered in honor of Elphie’s green face. We actually got two orders, one medium and one extra-super-spicy for M. The medium was delicious and everything I love in papaya salads, but after four bites, started to burn my face off. So I had to try the extra spicy just to see what would happen. In less than 30 seconds, perspiration sheened my forehead and I was gasping for air.

The Thai iced tea was definitely needed.

I ordered a combo which turned out pretty lame.

The egg rolls were ok, crispily fried on the outside and a smattering of cabbage, carrot, and whatever filling the inside. Meh. The fried rice was plain and pretty garlicky, but yummy. Went really well with my vegetarian yellow curry which was flavorful and full of veggies including canned mushroom and tofu. It was either  too flavorful or maybe just salty, but left a MSG-like taste in my mouth.

While both items above were acceptable, the “pad Thai” was a travesty. Honestly horrible. Way too sweet, the rice noodles were gummy, lukewarm and had none of the zing and intense Thai flavor associated with the dish.

We did not want dessert.

M and I have season tickets to San Francisco’s musicals and “In the Heights” is coming up in a few weeks. So excited!

xoxo,

Jenn