Simply Thai's Tom Kha Talay

Type of Cuisine: Thai

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30 am-3pm, 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sun 5pm-11-pm

Seating: Total 70; partly handicap accessible

Price Guide: $$$ (Two can dine for $45+); all major credit cards accepted

Reservations: Strongly recommended

Chef Specialty: Goong Hom Pa (Prawns hiding in Blanket), Salmon Pa-nang, Scallop Prig Paow, Pla Lard Prig Trout, Gold Menu

Spirits: White wine Select wines from all around. B.C. list includes Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Dry Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc; Red wine Select wines from all around. B.C. wines including Pinot Noir, Merlot

The Scene: The finest Thai cuisine in town. Simply finest--Simply Thai. Located in the trendy neighbourhood of Yaletown, Simply Thai is a classy, grand and stylish restaurant.

Designed to look like the ones in SOHO New York, Simply Thai offers an intimate atmosphere with the help of its unique curvy layout.

On special request, couples can be seated at one of the semi-private tables, tucked away from the main seating area. Hanging on the walls are the finest Thai contemporary paintings, which are available for purchase if you cannot resist their beauty.

The chef uses only the finest ingredients. She explains that because of that, her Tom Kha Talay (seafood soup in creamy coconut milk) is flawless. It is light and freshening, yet you can still taste the coconut milk.

Aside from the traditional Thai dishes, Simply Thai offers West Coast Fusion dishes such as Salmon Pa Nang (fresh wild salmon in a thick red curry with coconut milk, and bell peppers, topped with fresh Thai basil and lime leaves) and Scallop Prig Paow (sauteed scallops in sweet chilli paste with seasonal vegetables and fresh Thai basil). Their unique sauces are unbeatable--so tasty that you can enjoy them alone with their fragrant rice. Pla Lard Prig Trout, whole deep-fried trout with exotic ingredients and spices, is a must-try. In fact, everything is a must-try.

Simply Thai also has a wide selection of vegetarian dishes. Simply Thai also has an endless selection of wine and liquor. Their creativity is also extended to their wide range of newly invented cocktails and martinis, such as Passionate Grace: Rum, Passion fruit Liquor, Amaretto, and Passion fruit Juice.

If you're lucky, you might spot Jennifer Lopez, Wesley Snipes and other celebrities at this hot spot.