Amarind’s

Chef Rangsan Sutcharit’s Thai creations draw faithful crowds to his charming eatery on the border of Oak Park and Chicago. Panang curry is the perfect balance of spice and tang. The pad kee mao (“drunken man’s noodles”) are tender and flavorful. And the chef isn’t shy with the presentation skills he perfected during nine years turning vegetables into works of art at upscale Arun’s. Once you become a regular, you can call ahead and make off-menu requests, and parents appreciate the kid-friendly plates and utensils.