food-drink -

It's About Thai

Is there anyone who hasn’t been to a pre-opening party at Kittichai, the white-hot new Thai restaurant in the 60 Thompson hotel?

Okay, we haven’t either.

But, after much date shifting, the restaurant’s feng shui master has deemed July 3 a very good day to go public. (Call ahead before going Sunday, though. He hasn’t yet decided whether it’ll be an auspicious day to stay open.) Still, it’s worth the wait if only for the stunning orchids, in airtight jars at the bar and suspended over a pool in the main room. (Word is designer David Rockwell agreed with 70 percent of the master’s principles and thought the other 30 a bunch of hokum.)

Chef Ian Chalermkittichai left stardom in Bangkok to open the restaurant named in his honor. His menu favorites include monkfish in pandan (similar to vanilla) leaves, banana-blossom salad, baked Chilean sea bass, crispy wholefish, and short ribs in green curry.

Everything is served family style. So bring the crew.

They haven’t been either.


Kittichai, 60 Thompson, 60 Thompson Street, between Spring and Broome Streets (212-219-2000).