I recently dropped by Tong D, the Thai eatery that opened in 2009. Located down the road from Ace Hardware, the restaurant has ample parking. The bar at the entrance, which serves wine and beer, is where take-out orders are processed. I arrived on a weekday evening to find the area bustling with activity, with customers streaming in to pick up their orders.

Upscale Ambiance

The interior is nicely appointed and impeccably clean, including the rest room. The earth-toned color scheme, Thai-inspired artwork, and potted plants combine for a chic setting. There is seating for approximately 50-60 guests at lacquered wooden tables with ample space in between, and the chairs were quite comfortable. A contemporary chandelier, composed of strands of sparkling crystal orbs, provides an attractive focal point in the dining room. The lighting is dim and romantic, and soft rock music plays in the background. With its appealing, upscale décor, Tong D would be a fitting dining choice for a date night, family outing or small gathering of friends.

Friendly Service

The staff is friendly, warm and hospitable. The hostess, who greeted me with a smile before whisking me away to my table, immediately made me feel at home. And during my 3-course meal, the server was attentive without being obtrusive, checking in periodically to see if I needed anything.

Quality Food

The wine and beer list offers a good variety of options at modest prices, with glasses of wine ranging $5-$8, beer $2-$4, and a bottle of champagne for $25.00. The Thai Tea ($2.50), served in a towering, curvaceous glass, was creamy, sweet and perfectly spiced. Menu items are reasonably priced, with appetizers ranging $4-$6, soup and salad $4-$7 and dinner entrees $8-$13. A prix fixe lunch menu that includes one appetizer and one entrée costs $8-$9, depending on your choice of protein. The dinner menu features noodle and rice dishes, and a "Wok" section with curry dishes and traditional Thai favorites. There are also Chef's Specialties, including Steak Ka-Ree, Soft Shell Crab Lover and Salmon Teriyaki, and a few vegan options.

For an appetizer, I ordered the Steamed Shrimp Shumai ($6), eight tender, moist dumplings served with a soy dipping sauce. The saltiness of the soy sauce paired nicely with the sweetness of the shrimp and was a fitting start to dinner.

Next up was the Pad Thai with Shrimp ($9.50), four large shrimp atop a generous portion of perfectly cooked noodles with the right balance of sweet and salty.

The Special Mango Curry with Chicken and Shrimp ($13) consisted of sliced zucchini, summer squash, onion, bell pepper and mango chunks adrift in a yellow curry sauce. Although I was forewarned of the dish's spiciness, I did not detect any heat. However, the vegetables were tender-crisp, the shrimp and chicken slices were succulent, and the sauce was tasty. The jasmine rice that accompanied the entree was moist and fragrant.

Finally, the dessert special, Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango, was the piece de resistance. Featuring a mound of warm, coconut-laced sweet rice paired with slices of perfectly ripe mango, it was a sublime ending to a satisfying Thai meal.

Recommendation

With its cozy atmosphere, warm, friendly staff and high-quality fare, Tong D is a welcomed addition to the local restaurant scene. With a price point that today's families can appreciate, it's the place to be for a taste of Thai.