Getting To Know You pertained to the children and wives of the King of Siam in The King and I, but the sentiment is appropriate to Thai restaurants, too. First, the diner has to learn what the kitchen’s default spice level is, then he has to convince the cook and servers that he’s serious about wanting a little more heat than they think he can tolerate. It takes time to develop the relationship.

At Thai Dee, all the other elements are in place. Even the daily lunch specials are prepared with obvious care: ingredients are colorful and fresh, servings are generous, the plates and bowls are heavy and handsome…there’s just that extra level of heat that’s missing in some dishes. Green curry noodles (your choice of chicken, tofu, or beef) are otherwise redolent of Thai basil and coconut milk, and the base of “crispy” noodles adds textural contrast. Panang peanut curry is meant to be a little milder, and it’s very good as it is, but even here we’d ratchet up the level a tad. Ditto the ginger fish; the ginger comes through loud and clear, but, yes… It’s not because of the name that we haven’t tried the “Thai Dee Light” or “Thai Dee Luxe” noodles. We’re sure they’re Thai Dee-licious.

The restaurant itself is a work in progress; there seems to be a little more paneling added each time we arrive. The waitstaff has politeness down pat, however. And, should you need the service, “We Delivery” proclaims the takeout menu. There’s Something Wonderful about that.