"Dara means “star” in Thai, and as it turns out, this casual Midtown Village BYOB may be one. In some ways, it’s like other Thai spots in town: papaya salad, crispy duck, and pad thai on the menu. But it’s especially useful for their generously portioned (read: huge) $16 lunch special and a laidback group dinner. A few dishes that have our undivided attention are the delicate and flaky chicken puff, pineapple fried rice with plump grilled shrimp, and panang curry that’s spicy without inducing sweat. There are constellations on the wall and a glowing moon behind the counter—it feels like they know the families and pre-night-out friends in the dining room will appreciate those warm, considerate touches just as much as the hint of coconut in the crispy duck curry (our favorite). And they do. photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO" - Candis R. McLean
