Nov
22
Day Trip to Helena
November 22, 2008 | 4 Comments
Took a day trip down to Helena a few weeks ago, and it was a blast. Stopped at the Staggering Ox, the Parrot Confectionery, the Archie Bray Foundation, Toi’s Thai restaurant, and a few antique shops.
The highlight was Toi’s Thai restaurant. And since I don’t like Thai food, that might sound odd, but check this out: me, my girlfriend, and her College Buddy (visiting from out of state, but raised in Helena) stopped by Toi’s mid-day on a Saturday, not realizing that it is only open for dinner. We saw the CLOSED sign and were disappointed. But some amazing timing played in our favor: as we stood there wondering what to do next, Toi herself approached!
She and College Buddy smiled at each other, gave big hugs, and it turns out that they had worked together many years ago at a grocery store. She insisted on opening up and cooking for us, and we couldn’t refuse.
I didn’t sample the food, but my girlfriend – who absolutely loves loves loves Thai food – proclaimed it the best she’s ever had. Seriously.
And Toi couldn’t have been nicer. She told us that she had been featured in “Montana Quarterly” magazine recently, and how her customers had generously donated money to her so that she could help relatives and friends back home after the 2004 tsunami. She and College Buddy updated each other on mutual friends, family, and such. What a great experience.
So if you’re looking for what I believe to be the best Thai food in Montana, check out Toi’s Thai at 423 N. Last Chance Gulch. But call ahead (443-6656) to make sure they’re open!
And then it was off to The Parrot Confectionery for some delicious chocolates, and the a quick stop at the Archie Bray Foundation to check out some unusual and/or nifty ceramic art.
And on the way home, natch, we stopped to pick up some hams for the holidays.
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Toi’s alone is definitely worth the trip. I live here and don’t eat there nearly often enough.
Great news! Thai food is my favorite and there is nothing in Bozeman. I will have to visit Helena soon!
I live in Helena, but work in Great Falls. After living in Helena for over 10 years, I forget about all the cool little places. I haven’t been to The Parrot in a few years! I do go to the Staggering Ox quite often (The Dixieland for me, please!). I have only been to Tori’s once, and that was right after she opened many years ago. I really need to make it a point to go again. AND, finally, ooohh, the hams! I live very close to Bob’s so I am in there at least a few times a week. This time of the year it smells so good! My daughters boyfriend works there, and I tried to bribe him into bringing me some ham… it didn’t work! :-( Guess I’ll have to buy one like everyone else. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip….
Happy Holidays!
I keep forgetting to get downtown during the day to take a picture of Toi’s storefront/signage for my “I love Toi’s Thai” Facebook group. Can I use yours?