Lovely Day. Location: Nolita. Elizabeth and Prince. Scene: Urban. Young. Food: Ginger Fried Chicken. Seared Salmon with Mashed Sweet Potato. Pad Thai. Fried Rice. Green Papaya Salad with Avocado. Homemade Vegetable Dumplings.
Chek Recs:
- Sauteed Chinese Broccoli, Ginger, Garlic and Soy
- Pineapple Cashew Chicken: Vegetables, Dried Chili, Onions, Bell Pepper, Shiitake Mushrooms, Brown Rice.
- Seared Tuna with Guacamole and Fennel (Special)
You’d never think that Lovely Day was a Thai restaurant based on its hipster, coffee shop look, deep red booths or its name. Old wallpaper lines the walls, and it reminds me of That 70’s Show just for a second or a place where a band would be regulars. Nestled in the heart of Nolita, the menu covers all the bases from Chicken Satay, Fried Shrimp, Miso Soup, to a Pork Chop with Mashed Potatoes and Thai Chow Fun. It’s a perfect place when you want that Asian kick, but you don’t want to go down to Chinatown or look at a menu with endless options or dishes you don’t understand. Lovely Day is simple with strikingly good fare especially for a place where you don’t have to wait too long. The portions are great sizes leaving you satisfied.
The Sauteed Chinese Broccoli is dynamite. I know, who says that about broccoli? However, it’s light, without drowning in sauce and absolutely delicious. It looks like broccoli raab but lacks the bitter taste (thankfully). Loved the Pineapple Vegetable dish, and you can choose to add chicken, shrimp or tofu. The problem I’ve found with many Thai restaurants (but not here!) is that the chicken is always scraggly and not “cared” for properly. Again, Lovely Day wins in this department and can make a great to-go option. The Tuna special was served with a ginger guacamole. It’s too bad this was a special because this guac was out of this world. The ginger was strong and meshed perfectly with the flavors. If they were smart, they’d offer this with a bowl of chips to consume as an appetizer. Choose Lovely Day when you need a spot that isn’t too expensive and when you don’t want to deal with the NYC crowds or trendy folk. You can have a real conversation here and toast to surprisingly tasty wine and Thai food whether it is authentic or not.
