REVIEWS

Crystal Thai

Best Bargain
Thai Arlington Forest 4819 Arlington Boulevard Arlington, VA 703-522-1311
"Open for lunch and dinner daily. Dinner until 10:30 pm Monday through Thursday, until 11 pm Friday and Saturday, 9 Sunday.

At least one thing on the menu of this gracious Thai eatery is addictive: soft-shell crabs with chili and basil. Better get cozy with them now--soft-shells are a seasonal delicacy. Not to worry; there are other stars to be found. Crispy puffed catfish with the heat of red curry and the perfume of Thai basil. Grilled pork cutlets marinated with sweet-spicy green-curry paste that caramelizes as it cooks. And a slew of flavorful curries such as red curry with chicken and green and yellow curries, both with shrimp. The usual suspects--steamed dumplings, broccoli in oyster sauce, and those many-textured Thai salads of papaya, shrimp, or flank steak--are all beautifully done. For dessert, try rich and creamy caramel custard or another seasonal addiction, sticky rice with mango. And take note: On weekends, this white-tablecloth dining room with crystal chandeliers (hence the name) and vases of vivid orchids gets so jammed that a wait is almost a given.

Washingtonian, June 2000

Additional Review (June 2001)

Additional Review (June 1999)

Additional Review (June 1998)

Additional Review (September 1997)

Additional Review (June 1997)