UDee Thai Bistro opens in Plainview

UThai Bistro became a quick-hit for Nassau-residing Thai food fans when it made its Woodbury debut in 2022. Now, owner, Apikorn "Joe" Lombardi, has used a similar playbook to launch his second Long Island eatery, UDee Thai Bistro, in Plainview's Morton Village Shopping Center.

The comprehensive menu includes a Thai list of classics, from starters like tom yum soup ($8) to chicken satay with silky peanut sauce ($12) to papaya salad ($13) to larb gai ($15.95), or minced chicken tossed with mint, red onions, scallion, lime, all of which gets loaded into oversized lettuce leaves. For mains, pad thai ($19.95+) to basil stir fries ($19.95+) and coconut milk-based curries ($19.95+), to which diners can add their choice of proteins including chicken, tofu, beef or shrimp. There are pages of regional specialties, including those from the central and southern regions, plus Lanna delicacies from the north and Isan dishes from the northeast.

From the north, which specializes in earthy flavors and is that are generally more mild than dishes from the south, try the khao soi ($30.95), a curried noodle soup with slow-braised short ribs and a coconut milk base. If spicy is your thing, opt for the goong prik glua ($26.95) from the south, salted and spiced jumbo shrimp wok-sauteed with garlic, sea salt and fresh chilies. Lombardi uses palm sugar, fresh tamarind instead of canned, and kaffir lime leaves flown in from California rather than local substitutes.

The inclusion of regional specialties is by design, Lombardi explained, representing the individuals on his team. "One of them is from northern Thailand, one of them from south Thailand, one of them is from the northeast. What better way to showcase their talent than to cook their regional food?" A native of Bangkok, Lombardi credits his mother, a street vendor in Thailand, for many of his recipes.

The tasteful space — simpler than UThai Bistro — was executed by Lombardi's husband, Kevin, a horticulturalist. Full of plants and greenery, the restaurant is dedicated to Lombardi's in-laws, Plainview residents until they died in their 90s. Though "it’s sad that they can't come and see it, it's dedicated to them," Lombardi said. "They were very supportive of me and my dreams."

For a great deal, hit UDee for lunch, when they run a $15 special on weekdays that includes an appetizer and an entree.

UDee Thai Bistro, 1012 Old Country Rd., Plainview, 516-751-7119, udeethaiplainview.square.site; Open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday from noon to 9:30 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 8:30 p.m.

By Marie Elena Martinez

marieelena.martinez@newsday.com@mariesworlds

A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.