Elegant Thai food that tastes just as good as it looks – is what the brand new Thaimee at McCarren is all about.

Co-owned by renowned chef Hong Thaimee (Ngam, Thaimee Box) and food influencer Matt Bruck, this Williamsburg spot is well on its way to fame.

Housed in the McCarren Hotel, the space is serene countered with the warmth of the open kitchen where Chef cooks up her magic (I’m sure you’ve heard of her magic noodles – but there’s SO much more than that here).

Chef Thaimee brings flavors from her hometown of Chiang Mai to curate a concise menu with eclectic choices. Dishes created in her kitchen capture the essence of Hong, where she retains the authenticity of her heritage along with what’s seasonal. A dish like the “Mushroom and Acorn Squash Curry” is a perfect example of her fusing these two elements in her cooking. Thaimee embodies her belief of “Cooking with Love”.

So, lets talk about the highlights of the meal – there were so many. I have to start off with the “Fried Baby Back Ribs” which might just be the best ribs I have had EVER! Take a look at these beauties – better still go try them!

Another one of my favorites was the “Khao Soy” served with Chang Mai noodles and rabbit that was so tender – I just couldn’t stop eating it.

Such few Thai places offer this simple, but personal favorite side dish – “Thai Basil Egg”. She had it, I ordered it and it was divine!

I have to say that even though “Pad Thai” is one of the most popular dishes served at Thai restaurants, I can literally count on my fingers how many times I’ve actually had a good one in New York City. Chef Hong Thaimee has a killer “Pad Thai Carbonara”. It’s one of her signature dishes and is not to be missed. Not only is it served beautifully but also tastes of that kind of authenticity that warms your soul – after all it’s “Made with Love”.

There are so many reasons to go to Thaimee, I’ve just highlighted a few. For now they are open Wednesday–Sunday offering à la carte and tasting-menu options from the chef’s counter for dinner and a Bangkok buffet-style brunch menu with live music on weekends.

Here is some of what we ate: