Baan Thai
1760 Fremont Blvd., Seaside
394-2996, www.baanthaiseaside.com
The pad Thai and the green curry are great for beginners. More experienced patrons swear by the powers imparted by a fire pot of tom kah kai. But those who’ve graduated from the basics trust in the house specials. The spicy fish is a portrait of fragrant, complex vegetables tossed over deep-fried whole trout. The hoi todd enfolds green mussels inside a Vietnamese crepe that brings spice, crunch and savory fluff together in each bite. Go paleo with pra-ram, a bed of steamed spinach topped with meat and peanut sauce. Then come back and try something new. Baan appétit.