These days, you’re getting excited.

No, not because Santa is on his way. Because you’ve heard the chatter about a celebrated Lao chef from Falls Church opening a place in Columbia Heights.

It’s Thip Khao, an airy hideaway of adventurous Southeast Asian dining, and it opens Friday.

Check it out here. Then check out these four key things to know...

If you like Little Serow, you’ll like it here. The cooking styles are similar, as are the levels of chili-driven heat. Think pork-lemongrass sausage, with an array of ridiculously spicy dipping sauces.

Bring a group. This is food you’ll want to pass around, starting with the basket of sticky rice that gives the place its name, then moving on to laab (minced meat with herbs and lime), sun-dried beef and flounder wrapped in banana leaves.

Your beer may come with ice. The national beer of Laos (conveniently called Beerlao) is often consumed on the rocks. If you think that’ll help cut the heat, great. If not, opt for a local beer, or cocktails made with stuff like lemongrass, lime and basil.

They don’t take reservations… yet. Give them another week or so for that.

Hire a line-stander or something in the meantime.