"Some restaurants serve spicy food that’s like a punch in the face. It hits hard, then you’re down for the count. At Kru, an upscale spot in Williamsburg that specializes in modern takes on centuries-old Thai recipes, the heat should not be discounted, but it’s not here to knock you out. The food is nuanced, layered, and delicate. Order correctly, and you can have a transformative meal. Think of it like a workout for your palate and start with some small bites, then move on to relish plates, which rely heavily on local, seasonal produce paired with a slew of dips. Once you’re warmed up, move on to curries (the beef tongue is their speciality), and save room for dessert: the pastry chef here is making some of the most interesting sweet dishes we’ve had in recent years." - bryan kim, arden shore, will hartman, molly fitzpatrick, willa moore