(thaiphoon.com) – Pentagon City, Arlington,  Virginia

How I heard of this place: My friend Negar recommended it when we decided to spend the day together at Pentagon City. The ominous clouds loomed overhead, sprinkles fell from the sky and opted for indoor fun rather than outdoor tromping through puddles. Negar recommended leaving the food court, despite the rain, and making a run for the corridor towards Thaiphoon. We were so happy we did.

Type of cuisine: Authentic Thai cuisine, serving everything from Thai Iced Tea & Coffee to spring rolls, curries to wok-fried noodles, pineapple fried rice to Buddah’s Delight. There is something here for everyone!

Ambiance: The grand sign outside of the establishment, with a curved roof-like entrance in teal with yellow, teal & glass-plated diamonds resembling roof shingles welcomes patrons to enter the floor-to-ceiling windowed space inside. Green and yellow rounded triangle, as well as square tables are accompanied by light birch-wood (in color) backed, wooden seats. Small, rounded triangle, coral-colored plates are at each place setting, matching the shape of the table at which we were seated, topped with napkin-rolled spoon and fork – the traditional Thai eating untensils. A cozy space to the left after entering is where we were seated, next to a party of four, enjoying what seemed to be a business lunch. The only two tables in the carved out nook where we sat offered an air of privacy and autonomy; also keeping us from getting a sense of the rest of the restaurant space. A grand bar, directly ahead as you enter Thaiphoon, fell just behind us. “Welcome to a journey of authentic Thai cuisine for beyond imagination. AT Thai Phoon Restaurant, we are bringing the most out of Thailand to you in Arlington, Virginia. The warm atmosphere, attentive service, rich culture, variety of Wines and cocktails, and authentic Thai cuisine is what you can find in the contemporary establishment. Come see it for yourself, from the first minute you’ve enter Thai Phoon. Contemporary lightings, spacious dining rooms, full capacity bar all just the beginning that sets us different from other Thai restaurants in the area. We are committed to providing memorial guest experience each and every time they come through the door, our friendly, knowledgeable guest-service staffs are here to guide you through the journey of Thailand and its savory cuisine. Thai Phoon has something for everyone to enjoy seven day a week , serving lunch , dinner, full bar and Happy hour.”

What I ordered: Being early enough in the day, and having been wanting one for a week, I sat down and immediately ordered a Thai Iced Tea ($3.50). Served in a large glass mug, containing at least 24 ounces of the bright orange beverage on the rocks, I was most pleased to see our server walking up with it! For our main entrees, at the recommendation of the server (between the Lad Na and the Pad See Eew) I went with the Pad See Eew ($8.95), my choice of meat, chicken, with fresh wide rice noodles and broccoli in a sweet soy bean sauce. My dining companion, on a gluten-free diet as of four days ago, went with Green Curry ($8.95), a homemade medium spicy green curry with coconut milk, bamboo shoots, thinly sliced eggplant and basil leaves with her choice of meat: chicken, served with a ball (in a small, separate bowl) of white rice.

What I loved: Although I very rarely order noodle dishes at Thai restaurants, I was quite pleased with this selection! Having seen the four diners to my left enjoying their four noodle dishes – no one sharing with anyone else – I felt it had to be a good option at Thaiphoon. And I was not disappointed! My dining companion also remembered having had the Pad See Eew on a prior visit and thoroughly enjoying it, so it had to be sampled on my first visit. My favorite part of the dish, I must say, were the perfectly prepared broccoli, slightly crispy, vibrant green and full of the flavor of the sautee sauce. The green curry was lovely, with just enough spice to notice it, but not so much that it masked the flavor of the fresh, creamy sauce and vegetables. The Thai Iced Tea…What can I say? It completely hit the spot. And continued to do so, in a take-away cup, for the next hour.

Why I loved it: The space is cozy, the food delicious and the location convenient. Outdoor seating is available when there is less threat of rain and overlooks a courtyard where patrons can easily people-watch or gaze out into the open and towards the fountain.

Cost: Low ($8.95 – $12.95 per lunch entree)