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Named after an essential regional ingredient, Holy Basil is the place where east meets west—literally—as this buzzing Thai eatery resides directly above the Anglocentric Telephone Bar. Start off with the savory steamed mussels with white wine and herbs. You can’t go wrong with any of the curries, from the delicate kang massamun to the more daring green curry, kang kiew warn. If you’re in the mood for something different, try the surprisingly moist whole fried bass or the more exotic sautéed crispy duck, known as pet kapraw. — Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld

Holy Basil cannot accomodate parties larger than six on Fridays and Saturday evenings.

Pet kapraw (sautéed duck), $17; tofu, avocado and vegetable curry, $13; pad thai, $11; shrimp and scallops with penang curry, $17; steamed mussels, $9