Why try Thai? Red Sea's great dining is the answer

In Bloomington, venturing down to Fourth Street for a meal is never a bad idea. From Thai to Mediterranean to Italian, Fourth Street has more ethnically diverse restaurants than anywhere else in Bloomington. When we were assigned to try out the Red Sea, located at 404 E. Fourth St., we knew we were in for a treat.\nThe restaurant is typical of Fourth Street venues -- a small house renovated for restaurant needs. Able to hold fewer than 10 tables of guests, the Red Sea has two small rooms with linen-lined tables and faux flowers in glass vases. The baby blue walls and commercial-grade blue carpeting did not impress us. However, having been warmly welcomed by the owner/chef, we realized this restaurant did not need the bells and whistles to impress customers. The sole focus was on the food, which is really the main purpose of an eatery.\nWith the weather turning cooler, we were pleased to be seated and immediately served hot mint tea ($1.50). Being the only customers in the restaurant at the time, our waitress/co-owner/wife of the chef explained to us how lunch orders at the Red Sea work. She informed us that a cup of soup, a main course and a dessert were included in the price for lunch (1 main dish -- $4.95, 2 main dishes -- $ 6.50). No menus are available for lunch. Instead, one chooses a dish or two from a case displaying the six main dishes of the day. To start off our Thai meal, our waitress brought warm cups of mushroom soup. It would have been more aptly named onion soup, however, because the intense flavor of green onions dominated the taste. The thick soup made with onions, mushrooms and eggs, was warm and satisfying. \nAfter finishing the soup, we were ushered to the case to choose our main course. Neither of us was too familiar with Thai food, so the owners explained to us what was in each dish and offered samples of each. We felt this was extremely generous, not to mention good business, and helped us make a satisfying choice.\nAfter a few samples, we decided upon the chicken with ginger sauce, the pork with ginger sauce and vegetables and the tofu Pad Thai. The chicken also came with "special soup" (chicken broth soup with potatoes and onions). After sitting down at the table, we decided to order the coconut chicken soup just to spice things up. We began discussing our Thanksgiving holiday, and before we could even complain about our relatives, the food arrived at the table. \nThe entrées were presented with style and class. Both meat dishes were served with a "sculpture" of rice and a side of vegetables. The chicken was delicious, especially when dipped into the ginger sauce. Cucumbers were also coupled with the chicken, making an interesting combination that can only be described as divine. Our waitress was correct when she recommended this popular dish. The pork dish was also amazing and the dish was served piping hot, ensuring to us that it was freshly prepared. The ginger sauce in which the pork was cooked provided the perfect flavor. Our soup selection was also well received by our palates. The coconut soup was especially memorable, as the sweet taste of the coconut blended surprisingly well with the pieces of chicken and vegetables.\nQuite possibly our favorite part of the meal, however, was the dessert. It was described as a coconut rice pudding, and the flavor was unforgettable. The strange texture of the rice and baby coconuts made for an interesting look, but after one bite we did not hesitate to lick our bowls clean. When you go to Red Sea, request this scrumptious dessert. You will be in for a treat. \nAs our meal progressed, the restaurant became increasingly busy but the service we received never declined. Our drinks were always filled, all our questions were answered, our food arrived promptly and each course was timed perfectly. The owners of Red Sea are charming and friendly, and they bend over backward to ensure your experience is one you will never forget. \nWe cannot wait to return to Red Sea for another amazing lunch. The price is right, the food is great and the staff is welcoming. Dinner is also available and take out orders are accepted. Do not miss this hidden gem on Fourth Street.