Koh Samui & the Monkey

Koh Samui & the Monkey Restaurant Review:

Cruising along Brannan Street, it's hard to miss the glow emanating from the windows of Koh Samui. The bustling, loft-style dining room is calmed by cool, celadon-colored walls and table accents. A giant antique Buddha presides over the dining room from the back wall, elephants wander carved wood panels and a golden princess statue perches above the long bar. Diners sink into the specially-designed palm wood chairs and order mieng kum --- a platter of chopped peanuts, roasted coconut, fresh lime and either chicken or tofu served with sauces and a stack of lettuce leaves for wrapping. Here, pad thai outshines most local renditions with toothsome sticky rice noodles tangling up crisp tofu, chicken and bean sprouts with a sweet, spicy peanut sauce. Many Thai favorites are on the menu, from tom ka gai soup to chicken satay, but being adventurous will pay off. Try the seared scallops crowned with sesame seeds and presented atop wilted baby bok choy and yellow curry sauce. The pumpkin curry is dense with fork-tender cubes of sweet pumpkin and a red curry loaded with the flavors of galangal, makrut lime and coconut milk. Staff is accommodating, timely and happy to recommend the fried bananas for dessert. The pricey wine list features those sweeter whites and spicy reds that go best with Asian food.