Best Thai Plus

With its full bar, upbeat soundtrack, and chic décor, Basil makes you realize Thai food has come a long way. Classic pad thai and other standards are supplemented by innovative dishes such as the plamuk yang (grilled squid with tamarind vinaigrette) and a heavenly hoi ka ta (jumbo scallops with tempura long beans). Every meal at Basil should begin with po taak -- salmon, squid, and jumbo shrimp in a chili-lime-lemongrass broth so tantalizing you may need a few moments to yourself before moving on. Irving Street's much-lauded Marnee Thai serves a soup with the same name. Try both, and you'll realize that, as we've said, Thai food has come a long way.