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Hidden along the strip of Ocean in DTLB, nestled amongst the towering residences and buildings at Linden, sits a new Thai gem dubbed Naree Thai.

Formerly La Raffia—the tiny sandwich’n’coffee spot that closed nearly five years ago—Naree has come to the spot and completely renovated the space. Clean lines, hints of gold, and a minimalist approach to decor, they hope to attract the lunch crowd with cheap entrees and the dinner crowd with formal dining options (along with beer and wine and eventually a full bar when the place scores its liquor license).

And this makes sense. After all, owner Suphakit Sae-Ue is no stranger to providing Long Beach Thai food, operating Thiptara at 7th and Pacific Coast Highway near Cal State Long Beach.

Chicken cashew nut.

Lunch deals are pretty spectacular as Naree tries to gain its audience: for $10, you can get a small appetizer—two dumplings, a side salad, broccoli—an entree, and a beverage (sweet concoctions like Thai Iced Tea and Thai Iced Coffee included).

Fresh, quick, easy, Naree’s lunch offers the staples: pad se eew, pad thai, pad kee mao, cashew nut, spicy basil [pictured top with beef]… All with your choice of protein: chicken, pork, beef, or veggie. Feelin’ adventurous? Go for their vegan duck option.

Yup, vegan duck.

Pad thai with tofu and chicken.

For $11 bucks, you get the same sides but a selection of curry-based entrees. And for $15, you get a 6oz. filet of fish: cod, mahi-mahi, or salmon, served up either Chu Chee style (a blend of chili paste and coconut milk) or with traditional three-flavored sauce (shallots, cilantro, chile).

There’s no question that like every small business just starting out, Naree is finding its footing—and plans to stay a while. Sae-Ue signed a 10-year lease with the 2,343 sq. ft. space at Suite 101 at 555 E Ocean Blvd.

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