Inside February 22, 2005's Issue

Boogeyman is stupid, don't waste time/money

Flogging Molly returns listeners to band's Irish roots

Book 'Degas by Himself' is great, by itself

Try Thai: 'Surin of Thailand' is a fresh and spicy change from the chains

By Alex Kekel
[email protected]
Staff Writer

If you're looking for a change from the chain restaurants that attempt to hide their prepackaged food under the guise of a waiter or waitress, try Surin of Thailand, located in the heart of Virginia Highlands in Atlanta. With its open seating and serene ambiance, created by its dim lighting and Eastern feel of cleanliness, Surin is the perfect place to bring a date or just to dine with friends or family.

For an appetizer, try the crab angel rolls: cream cheese and crab inside a crisp pastry. Basil rolls stuffed with lettuce, basil, bean sprouts, shrimp and pork are another favorite.

The rolls themselves are good, but the dipping sauce is truly what makes them special. The sauce is hot, but so sweet that even those who do not like spicy foods will enjoy it.

Surin offers a variety of soups and salads, but I usually skip ahead to the main course. However, my friends have ordered the shrimp and coconut soup many times and have always enjoyed it. I tasted it once, and it was surprisingly sweet and rich.

For a main course, which can range from mild to extreme in spiciness, you can't go wrong with the chicken panang, which is a mildly spicy chicken dish in a red curry paste mixed with bell peppers and basil leaves. I have ordered this dish many times and have never been dissatisfied by its quality. The chicken is always fresh and never rubbery like the chicken you get at many of the chain restaurants. The sauce is sweet and savory, but not thick. The bell peppers and basil fuse with the other elements of the dish to create a cleansing, satisfying entr�e that will not leave you stuffed or feeling guilty for having eaten it.

For dessert, go for the coconut ice cream, a staple at most Thai restaurants. Surin's coconut ice cream is light, rich, sweet and mild all at the same time.

Please do not ask me to explain myself any further� you just have to try it for yourself. Go to Virginia Highlands near the intersection of Virginia and North Highland Avenues in Atlanta. Buy your girlfriend some shoes at Bill Hallman (on the same block, right down the street) and then go to Surin of Thailand� your taste buds will thank you for the experience. Vegetarian selections are also available.

Pricing: Moderate. Surin of Thailand is located at 810 North Highland Avenue, Atlanta, Ga.

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