2014 James Beard Semifinalists: The NYC Restaurants Worth Checking Out

Uncle Boons

Nominated For: Best New Restaurant The brain child of two Per Se Alums, Ann Redding and husband Matt Danzer, Uncle Boons is a little bistro in Nolita serving up the couple's interpretations of traditional Thai cuisine. The restaurant itself resembles a dark and woody Thai pub, with exposed brick walls and hanging whisker basket lights. But while the space is small and casual, the flavors here are remarkably big and the service polished. Be sure to try the yum kai hua pli, a salad of warm roasted chicken tossed with crunchy threads of sliced banana blossoms and a warm coconut milk and lime dressing or one of the restaurant's signature curry dishes. Uncle Boons, 7 Spring St, New York, NY 10012 [Photo via]