Three Stars for Pakpao Thai, & More Reviews

Leslie Brenner reviewed Pakpao Thai: In a city largely dominated by the same old tom kha gai and pad thai-laden menus, "the market is ripe for Thai taken up a notch," and this Design District spot from the co-owners of neighboring Oak somewhat seizes that opportunity with "a few terrific dishes" like bamboo shoot salad and duck in tamarind sauce. The usual suspects like green papaya salad and pork satay are here, too, and they're "ably prepared, if rather ordinary." Service could stand to improve, but overall, "a winning room" with top-notch Thai-influenced cocktails (yes, the very same ones Scott Reitz decreed as much too sweet) and "a likable vibe" is enough to earn Pakpao three stars. [DMN]

Scott Reitz went to Chennai Cafe: A ritzy West Plano shopping center is perhaps not where you'd expect to find wonderful Indian food, but Chennai in fact offers "some of the most interesting cooking available in the Dallas area." Forego the usual utensils and feast on dishes like Cornish game hen curry with your hands instead. Biryani is a dish that's often watered down when served in America, but the young goat version here is "intense and gamey, like the flavor of 30 baby goats has been distilled into every teaspoon." The stuffed crepe known as masala dosa is " a lot like every other dosa you've encountered, only better in every way." Be sure to bring friends so you can sample a variety of dishes, including the chile chicken and/or cauliflower fritters. [Observer]