Leave your pad for some Thai

Thai Landing has got a) the best non-greasy Pad Thai for miles around; b) a very chill, comforting atmosphere; and c) friendly, expert waiters.

Sometimes they'll have the radio playing at lunch, but dinnertime calls for some soft tunes by Thai artists. The decor is traditional and elegant. Countryside scenery and musical instruments adorn the walls; sculptures of polished wood greet you at the entrance.

Any version of their lemongrass soup will warm you up, punting the cold you thought you were getting. My favorite appetizer is the spring rolls (Po Peah Thod), which can be served vegetarian if requested. Be careful, they're hot to touch! The outer shell is delicate and crunchy, but not flaky; inside, there are clear noodles, crisp vegetables, and chicken. Spoon a little of the tangy sweet sauce that comes with them, and . [falls out of her chair].

Their Pad Thai, again, is not greasy, but light and starchy because they're rice noodles, but the crunchy bean sprouts, peanuts, fresh spring onions, and chicken (or tofu) balance the gumminess. Wash that down with a Thai iced tea. Yup.

My buddy's favorite Thai Landing dish is the Panang, a medium spicy dish of beef or chicken sauted with chili paste, fresh (crunchy!) string beans and carrots and coconut milk, garnished with lime leaves. The sauce alone (which we call "panang goo") is absolutely delicious over plain steamed rice. The spiciness of chili paste, mildness of milk, and the flavorful vegetables all come together in perfect taste bud harmony. You will see, eating through Thai Landing's menu, that this great balance is a running theme with all their dishes. (You know a dish is good when merely thinking of the sauce makes you drool.)

Another friend, who is vegetarian, gave the vegetable fried rice (Khao Pad Puk) a thumbs up. Thai Landing also serves up a quality curry. Both the red coconut curry and green coconut curry will make you happy.

For dessert, there's nothing like piping hot rice pudding - or cool mango with sticky rice. Thai iced coffee will spoil you for just about any other kind. Just sit back, draw on that straw, and forget about that test for awhile. Even if you fail, Thai Landing will still be there.