CheekyChicago

In the first season of “Sex and the City,” Mr. Big takes Carrie to a rather secluded, less-than-5 star-quality Thai restaurant after Carrie sleeps with Big on their first official date. Carrie then becomes suspicious that Mr. Big is taking her to an empty, dated, take-out/delivery specializing restaurant because he is ashamed of her.

Thai food. A great fix for a late night at the office or a lazy night at home – not necessarily the latest, greatest place to see and be seen. Unfortunately for Carrie Bradshaw (but oh so lucky for us CheekyChicago girls!) New York City does not have Cozy noodles and rice.

Upon walking into Cozy, you are immediately sucked into the easygoing and fun-loving environment; lively, laughter-filled conversations seem to be coming from all directions. Hanging on the warm, welcoming orarngey-yellow walls are assorted collections of metal lunchboxes, Beanie Babies, license plates, Pez dispensers and wobbly, bobble-head like animals. The décor is certainly “out there,” but it is nevertheless intriguing and dinner conversation worthy.

Cozy is an any-size-party kind of restaurant. It is a great place for a laid-back, just-the-two of us date, and an awesome venue to have large group gatherings. Beware, however, on Friday and Saturday nights one large party will enter the rather small establishment and what was once Cozy Noodles quickly becomes “far too Cozy” Noodles.

The menu is good on the stomach and easy on the wallet; it boasts dishes of both Thai and Chinese origin. You’ve got the standards: Pad Thai, Pad See Ewe, and Chicken Satay (all for under $10); and then you’ve got a few Cozy original creations. If you’re in the mood for a whole lot of noodles, I personally recommend the Crispy Pad See Ewe – a Cozy twist on a Thai staple. On the greener side, Cozy offers Noodles Mixed Vegetables. And don’t be fooled by the boring, straight-forward name: Noodles Mixed Vegetables included a slew of delightfully refreshing vegetables accompanied by deliciously crunchy pan-fried wide rice noodles.

Also noteworthy is Cozy’s BYOB policy. (Maybe that explains the lighthearted feel of the restaurant?) But if you simply cannot manage to get out of your oversized, never too tight sweatshirt and sweatpants when the weather outside is below freezing (it’s hard, I know), Cozy will brave the cold for you and deliver directly to your warm abode. Before you order Cozy in any way, be sure to check their Web site for coupons and specials!

No need to be ashamed of being seen at Cozy noodles and rice – it’s not your typical Thai takeout.