Sexy and serene, Saugus' Jasmine Thai Barbeque is truly a find. The hip little restaurant boasts zen-like touches, from the entryway's flowing Buddha fountain to clusters of fresh pansies in square glass vases on each table. Dramatic touches, like the bold yellow and purple walls, are offset by the comfy, distressed leather booths and wicker chairs. Once you close the doors, screeching suburbia is quickly forgotten.

Then there's the food. Owners Paul and Pam, siblings who hail from Thailand, brought along a cache of family recipes handed down by their father, a chef in Bangkok. As befitting the name, barbecue figures heavily on the menu, with incredibly moist, flavorful satays ranging from beef to chicken to the skewered shrimp. The latter, considerately shelled and tender from a long dip in coconut milk and Thai herbs, are grilled to golden brown perfection. All are served with fresh peanut sauce, made on the premises, for dipping.

Vegetarians will find a lot to love on Jasmine's menu, including a superb eggplant with chili and garlic or the pad kee mow. Order with tofu and you'll get a satisfying blend of crispy fried triangles atop luscious sautéed glass noodles, the faint tingle of chili and the sharp sweetness of basil lingering after each bite.

Long strips of grilled beef interlace through a colorful maze of tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro for a festive beef salad Thai style. Tossed with a piquant chili lime dressing, the flavors and textures just pop. It's beautiful and delicious, much like the som tam, a heady mix of tangy papaya tossed with lime juice, carrots, peanuts, and a generous smattering of freshly grilled shrimp (instead of dried), spilling from a halved red cabbage.

Curries are another specialty. Whether you like vibrant red, pretty green, or rich yellow, the creamy concoctions are beautiful, luxurious mixes of succulent vegetables with your choice of meat (beef, pork, chicken, or shrimp) or tofu. While some are denoted as spicy, it's far from the incendiary sting Thai food is famous for, rather, the notes of chili, garlic, and lemongrass add up to an explosively flavorful, yet balanced curry.

A recently added beer and wine list features Asian and domestic brews alongside red and white varietals from all over the world. All dishes are presented with flair and care, with colorful garnishes against stark white plates. The service is gracious and attentive, never overbearing.

Lunch specials for $6.95 offer everything from curries to teriyakis ($6.95) or barbecue sets ($8.95). All come with a green salad, egg rolls, steamed rice (shrimp fried rice with barbecue sets), and a drink daily (including a deliciously potent Thai iced tea, brewed daily) from 11 to 4 p.m. Jasmine also does a bustling take out, delivery, and catering business for small to large events.

Jasmine Thai is located at 26879 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus. 297-4755. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.