NYC Restaurants

Somtum Der, a popular Thai spot in the East Village, now has a second location in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The specialty here is Isan cooking where Thai herbs and spices are crushed fresh inside a giant mortar and pestle as each dish is prepared. Diners should expect a fiery meal unless you request otherwise. There are several types of somtum of papaya salad laced with chilies and pungent from fish sauce. They range from traditional to versions made with salted egg, pork neck bones or crab. From the grill comes pork skewers with a coconut marinade, served with a sweet & spicy sauce. A popular soup is the Tom Kong Pla Dook Yang made with grilled catfish and red chilies. Pad Thai comes with a choice of grilled shrimp or fresh lump crab, lots of sprouts and lime. Fried rice is available with crab, pork or prawns. Another dish similar to a "hot pot" called Laew Hon allows diners to cook their meal tableside in a small crock with assorted meats and seafood. For dessert, there's Thai shaved ice with palm syrup piled high with red beans and served on white bread.  A welcoming outdoor garden is sure to entertain in the warmer months.

- Thomas Rafael