"We absolutely loved the food at Da's Thai in Princeton. It was fresh, tender, flavourful. Over the past 2 years since they've not been at the Y, we were hoping they would return. Last summer there were some issues with their new spot in Hopewell, but they're now open. Inside the space is warm and welcoming. The staff is friendly, everything spotless. No one batted an eye when we brought in our daughter, who is 17.5 months old. Our favourite Thai dishes are crispy duck and whole fried fish, followed by beef salad. No duck or fried fish at lunch time today. No worries--we'll have the spring rolls, tom yum goong, tiger's tears (their version of beef salad), and a green curry with squid. To put it bluntly, Da's food has changed, likely to cater to their new customers. I was reminded of our first few dozen visits to restaurants in Princeton, with overcooked food. The spring rolls were crispy on the outside, but mushy on the inside--not the filling, but the skin. The beef in the salad was inedible--chewy tough--even though the sauce was spicy enough to my liking. The chicken in the soup was overcooked--kind of mushy and chalky--even though the broth had a really good flavour and the vegetables were tasty. Then came the green curry, this time with overcooked, chewy rubbery squid in an overly sweet, almost soapy broth, which my daughter spat out. The staff is really nice, the atmosphere warm inviting. The other tables were filled with couples nearing or at retirement who seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly. The worst part is that we were so excited about Da's opening. I hope these are just some kinks from the delayed opening and that their food returns to the mindblowingly amazing food they had from the tiny kitchen at the Y. $55/lunch for 2.5, including tax and tip"
