Pad Thai   

114 8th Ave
New York, NY 10011
212-691-6226

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Pad Thai Noodle is everything a New York lounge should be: sexy, mellow, seductively lit and conveniently located. Intimate without feeling claustrophobic, this lipstick-red lounge features spicy modern Thai dishes and exotic drinks, like a lemongrass martini. In keeping with Dong and Diane Darabundit's three other city eateries, Pad Thai Noodle has a distinct Southeast Asian feel. The small, curvy tables are made of richly gleaming wood and leafy potted plants add a touch of welcoming green. On warm evenings, the French doors open up on Eighth Avenue, with velvet draperies shielding the center of the room from voyeuristic passers-by. The waiters are kind and soft-spoken. Orange Thai iced tea with lime is a must-have -- an exquisite blend of flavors bitter, sour, and sweet. One stir through the tall glass and creamy evaporated milk swirls down into the tomato-red tea, creating a luscious cantaloupe-colored concoction. As the name suggests, the traditional Pad Thai, made with shrimp, chicken or vegetables, is the most popular offering. Neighborhood couples also come to share the "Kew-Wan-Gai", or green curry chicken, cooked in simmering coconut milk with long eggplants, bamboo shoots and Thai basil. -- Sarah Lagrotteria