Patara (Greek St)

Friday, September 25, 2009 - If you go, here's what I'd order: the rice paper rolls whose translucent skins are bursting with prawns and mint, the black cod which is so silky that it literally slips down your throat, the tuna tartare, and of course, the lamb shank. Here's what I'd skip: the fish cakes which err on the greasy side and the lobster padgari where the luxurious lobster is not really able to shine. These were the only misses out of around 15 different dishes that we sampled. Patara Thai offers a sumptuous dining experience with attention seeking food and a buzzing atmosphere.

Thursday, May 21, 2009 - This is a chain of sleek places, and the one on Greek Street was packed with sleek people, among the white orchids and red candles, at 10 o'clock on Saturday night. (Upstairs is nicer, dimmer, and more romantic than downstairs.) They serve what I call contemporary takes on traditional Thai food…What I did have was tasty and nicely flavored: green mango salad with soft-shell crab (crispy and not greasy), spicy sliced duck with crispy basil, with some sautéed green-skinned eggplant on the side.