Have been eating at Satara since they opened. They have come a long way and are now regularly crowded.
I love Thai so much I cook it 2 or 3 times a week, so I'm a bit more than a casual fan.
Satara started out with food that was way too hot, the portions were on the small side and appetizers were too expensive to really be able to sample some things before dinner.
When you'd question that you ordered your food medium hot, they'd smile and tell you how authentic it was. I really like hot food, and it was often over the top.
They now spice with more of an American sensibility. Portions are considerably larger and it's reasonable to have an appetizer or two. With how inexpensive vegetables are, it doesn't make sense to send people home without leftovers, especially if they've ordered and appetizer or two.
Satara's ingredients have always been spot on, fresh and authentic. I don't recall ever seeing jalapenos in a dish, like too many area Thai restaurants.
The beer and wine selection are awesome.
I'm really happy how crowded they are lately, i hope they hang around for a long time.