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Clinton Hill isn’t just for Pratt students anymore: bordered by the old Brooklyn Navy Yard, Prospect Heights, Williamsburg, and Fort Greene, it’s going through gentrification like every other neighborhood in the 5-boroughs. One of the brightest new gems of the area is the newly opened Samui Thai Restaurant on Vanderbilt Avenue which my girlfriend and I recently visited for dinner.

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A one-time rundown garage, Samui is a striking two story space showcasing the work of an all-star team of artisans including glass blowers, graffiti artists, local furniture makers, video projectionists and lighting specialists. NY-based architecture and design firm StudiosGO has resurrected the space inspired by the restaurant’s namesake island of Samui to transport guests to an immersive Southeast Asian island experience.

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Owned and run by Thai native and former globally acclaimed jewelry designer A Napadol and her celebrated music producer husband Hani, Samui focuses on modern Thai cuisine inspired by A’s grandmother from her tiny home-eatery in northeast Thailand.

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We started off our culinary adventure with a couple cocktails. The Ginger Caipirinha was very good as was the Passionfruit Mojito. Simple and sweet they were a fine way to whet our appetites.

We followed our drinks with Blue Potato Chive Fritters, Spicy Grilled Beef Salad, and Chili Naked Shrimp with vodka and lime. We enjoyed everything, but the spicy grilled beef salad was definitely our favorite.

 Samui Thai via Socially Superlative (2) Samui Thai via Socially Superlative (5)

For main courses we ordered a Massamun Chicken Curry and the Crispy Chicken Pineapple Cashew Nut dish.While I liked the curry I felt it could have been a bit spicier, but the crispy chicken dish was spot-on delicious! Definitely a winner and worth checking out if you aren’t allergic to nuts.

Samui Thai via Socially Superlative (9) Samui Thai via Socially Superlative (8)

We ended our fiesta with a Poached Pear in Vanilla ice cream and Pandan sauce.

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We even got a chance to meet and talk with co-owner A Napadol after our meal. She was very interesting and friendly, and I recommend that everyone who visits Samui say hello to her as she’s always on premises walking around greeting her guests, something you don’t get at even the most posh Manhattan restaurants.

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– Michael Riegelman

Samui Brooklyn
15 Vanderbilt Avenue
between Flushing Avenue & the BQE
Brooklyn, NY 11205
917.909.1032

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To see a YouTube video of the creation of the restaurant, please visit here!

Photos via Samui Brooklyn and by Socially Superlative