LOVELY DAY

Unexpected, happy surprises are the recipe for a lovely day. If you agree, aptly-named Lovely Day will give you just that. This charming Nolita eatery offers unlikely environs for its tasty Thai cuisine: floral wallpaper, lampshades, and Formica tabletops straight from the set of the Brady Bunch, red leather booths and an old soda fountain. Your day gets lovelier with every bite here. While you can never go wrong with classic entrees like Pad Thai, and green and red spicy curries (with chicken, shrimp or tofu) served over white or brown rice, our favorite dish is the spicy shredded papaya salad with tomato, red onion, avocado, peanuts, and long beans. It’s as layered and eclectic as the décor, and just as refreshing. And with delicious desserts like the flourless chocolate cake (have it with Stumptown coffee to achieve nirvana) your day just keeps getting lovelier.