A food reviewer visited Mark Wiens' restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand, which is known for its spicy dishes. The reviewer tried various options, including pork, squid, and wagyu, all with a spice level of 4 out of 5. He enjoyed the dishes, especially the combination of flavors and textures, but found them to be very spicy. The reviewer then called the owner, Mark, and asked if he could try something even spicier. Mark suggested using the Carolina Reaper, one of the hottest peppers in the world, and the reviewer agreed. The dish was prepared with the Carolina Reaper and other spices, and the reviewer found it to be extremely spicy, but enjoyable. He finished the dish and waited to see how his body would react, and after a few minutes, he felt a burning sensation in his stomach but was overall successful in completing the challenge.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The restaurant being reviewed is called Mark Wiens Restaurant, located in Bangkok, Thailand.
2. The restaurant serves a single dish: stir-fried basil with various protein options.
3. The protein options include pork, sour pork, squid, beef, wagyu, and wagyu shank.
4. The wagyu shank is the most expensive option, priced at 269 Baht (approximately $8 USD).
5. The restaurant has a spice level system, ranging from 1 (non-spicy) to 5 (extremely spicy).
6. The recommended spice level is the "signature" level, which is a medium-spicy option.
7. The restaurant's kitchen has multiple stations, including two stir-fry stations and an egg-cooking station.
8. The egg is cooked with a special technique, where the yolk is added after the whites have been fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and a creamy interior.
9. The reviewer ordered three dishes: pork, squid, and wagyu shank, all with the signature spice level.
10. The reviewer found the dishes to be extremely spicy, but enjoyable.
11. The reviewer contacted Mark Wiens, the owner of the restaurant, to ask about a even spicier option.
12. Mark Wiens offered to add Carolina Reaper peppers to the dish, which are considered to be one of the hottest peppers in the world.
13. The reviewer accepted the challenge and ate the Carolina Reaper-enhanced dish.
14. The reviewer found the dish to be extremely spicy, but managed to finish it.
15. The reviewer thanked Mark Wiens for the opportunity to try the dish and praised the restaurant's food and service.