Profile

After quitting his Seattle optical shop, Raymond Beard decamped to Brooklyn, married into the family behind stylish Thai spots like Pukk and Peep, and fell into the business himself with Thai 101. A more casually dressed cousin of those places, Thai 101 swaps slick décor for exposed brick, wood banquettes, and a laid-back vibe; menus are photocopied takeout fliers, and servers resemble skate-punks. But the kitchen, overseen by Beard’s Thai brother-in-law, is anything but casual. Generous Thai and fusion plates command full flavors, unrestrained by timidity that muzzles many kindred kitchens. Tom kha soup zings with lemongrass and lime; pineapple curry with chicken throws sweet-spicy punches; and Thai meat and seafood salads are sharp with with chili, lime juice, kaffir leaves, and red onion. Only appetizers, like chicken-curry puffs and tofu with chili sauce, taste slightly of reheating. Along with Thai beer on the drinks list, a reasonable wine list includes Mondavi Woodbridge whites and Yellowtail reds. Supercheap prices keep tables occupied with a youngish mix of Clinton Hill locals and Pratt students, and no one seems to mind shouting over cranked-up R&B that dominates the dim dining room. — Michael Kaminer

Pineapple curry with chicken, $7.95; chicken salad, $7.95; ginger palate with shrimp, $8.95