Pat wrote on Tue, 7 Mar 2006 12:05:23 -0500:

PiA> A Thai restaurant had opened nearby. Neither of us are
PiA> familiar with this food and would appreciate any
PiA> suggestions of something we might order that won't be too
PiA> strange for a couple of newcomers.

I believe that in Thailand portions tend to be small and two
dishes a person and perhaps an appetizer would be appropriate
but portions in the US can be too large for that. As a first
experience, you two might share an appetizer like satai chicken
and two (or three) dishes to eat family style. I also understand
that a curry is normally one choice in such family meals in
Thailand. You might also want to have the delicious and
classically Thai, Pad Thai (noodles). Lemon grass soup is
another good starter and Buddhist vegetables are a good part of
the main meal. They will usually supply rice without asking but
you will need some.

There isn't much in Thai food that I dislike but should choose
dishes from different sections of the menu and watch out for the
common hotness indicators. IMHO, the heat symbols are a bit
alarmist but not everyone would agree. If you become
enthusiastic, one delicious dish is deep-fried whole flounder.

James Silverton.