There are a lot of great Thai places around. You've undoubtedly had several. We have too.
We continue to find new great spots, but Bangkok West Thai is the one we keep coming back to. It's located in Santa Monica near 6th Street and is the kind of classy establishment you can bring a date to. The food tastes, for lack of a better description, FRESH. There is a light, healthy feel to the menu that is very satisfying.
Speaking of menus, Bangkok has a great one. You've got to start with the spring rolls for an appetizer - a fresh mix of tangy vegetables wrapped in a thin stretchy tofu paper, dipped in a red, tart vinegary dressing. Again, very fresh and super awesome
There are tons of great entrees, so I am hesitant to nail any down as favorites. Of course, the pad thai is great. But if I have to recommend one dish above the rest, it is the panang curry. It's got an amazing flavor, and I highly suggest ordering it with the brown rice. I know, I know, who eats brown rice?? Just do it and thank me later.
The desserts... oh boy, the desserts. You absolutely HAVE to order the roti. It is like a thick crepe roll filled with some kind of sweetened condensed milk magic, topped with powdered sugar. It's good. Really good. They also do a fantastic take on the mango and sticky rice. If you haven't ever ordered a mango with sticky rice at a thai restaurant, this is the place to start.
We know there are plenty of food blogs in this, the city of culinary delights. But, as they say in Highlander, there can only be one in the end. This is that one.