Two of us sat waiting for the third guest at Marwin’s cozy place on First Avenue. We were worried, as our friend never called, answered her phone or texted to say she was running late. It ended up that we got our wires crossed on dates. She had it on the calendar for the next day.

We finally ordered, each selecting the lunch special with an appetizer choice and entree for under $20.

My friend chose crispy spring rolls filled with veggies (cabbage, carrot, celery and vermicelli), and I chose steamed Thai dumplings with minced chicken, shrimp, mushrooms and scallion wrapped in wonton pastry.

We shared the green curry with shrimp, Thailand’s most well-known curry with a complex flavor from green chili paste blended in coconut milk, eggplant, string beans, bell pepper, bamboo shoots, and basil — asking for it less spicy (2 peppers instead of 3) and the stir-fried basil sauce with chicken, fresh chilies, bell pepper, string beans, onion, carrot, and basil. Each served with jasmine rice.

If you’re in the area, I’d recommend a visit for the bargain lunch special.

Marwin
Midtown
1132 1st Ave
New York, NY 10065
(917) 675-7698
Marwinthainyc.com/