Good Thai in Branford, CT

[schlimmerkerl]

Saturday night we had some of the nicest Thai food we've had in a long time at Thai's One, 1205 Main Street, Branford, CT 06405, [phone].

We got there late (10.30). They're open till 11 on Saturday, and my experience has been that a restaurant is usually none too glad to see you right before they're ready to close, especially on the weekend. Nothing could have been further from the truth. They were friendly and ready to go.

Because of the late hour, we split two appetizers-- fried squid and crispy duck salad. The squid was completely fresh and crunchy, and the presentation was very artful, pied high with vegetables with a great, slightly hot, garlic/ginger/lime dressing. Excellent.

The duck salad was a perfect room temp, and again, piled with the freshest ingredients. There was so much (very) crispy duck that i suspect they put all of the last of it on top. Whatever. We both ate every bite.

I originally wanted a satay also, but they had run out. I consider this a good sign, though, as it signals freshness. Afterward, i went to speak to the owner, who was eating his dinner at a back table. Despite my protestations, he leaped up and thanked *me* for thanking him. It was very sincere, i have no doubt. As we left, the staff lined up to see us off.

We will return. Worth, as Michelin says "a journey".