The sleek, light wood interior and attentive help put you in an expectant mood for good dining, and, for the most part, you won't be disappointed. My lunchtime dining partner raved about his Yellow Curry, with chunk of potato and carrot. My Emperor Chicken Cashew Nuts, with Thai red chili and onion, was very good, but not nearly as hot and spicy as its red star warned. The organic red leaf salad, vegetable crisp rolls and white rice -- part of the lunch specials that range from $8.25 to $11.50 -- were perfect. The much bigger dinner menu includes traditional Thai salads ($8.25 to $13.95) Steamed Whole Striped Sea Bass, Crusted Macadamia Halibut and other main dishes ($18.95 to $19.99) and Shredded Chicken Apple Salad, Exotic Grilled Naked Eggplant Salad and other main course salads ($10.25) to $12.95). You have your choice of yellow, green or red curry as well as Pa-Nang, in coconut oil, Exotic Thai Duck Curry and Veggie Curry ($8.50 to $11.50). There is also a wide range of appetizers ($3.95 to $11.75) and a smal selection of desserts that include Banana and Ice Cream and Pumpkin With Egg Custard ($4.50 to $6.95).
Parking is available in the rear. If that's filled, you can park across the street in the new Santa Monica Public Library's spacious, three-level underground garage (enter from 7th Street) for 50 cents each half hour. But the library closes at 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 5:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday.
A visit to Bangkok West Thai's Web site (with Thai music) is the next best thing to the restaurant. http://bangkokwestthaicuisine.com
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