Quote: Surin West is in the hip Five Points South district of Birmingham and upon first glance this large restaurant was decorated with photographs of Thailand and its people, making the atmosphere authentic, even if the music was not all Thai all the time.

The restaurant is not all Thai in fact. It has a comparable sushi menu and the specials (average price $12.95) are eclectic. The appetizers ($3 - $6) include satay, spicy basil leaves and other tasty polynesian bites. There Spcy Shrimp Coconut Soup is highly recomded. The main menu is full of your standard stir fry and Pad dishes with choices of tofu, chicken, beef or pork ($7.75) and shrimp ($10). There is an entire curry section, which I tried once and thought it could use a little more spice.

The portions are big so expect to take away your leftovers. And if you are smart, set your sights on the desert case in the back of the restaurant near the kitchen. We tasted the Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake topped with whip cream and chocolate chips (with a to go box on the side) and the Bread Pudding, which was also tasty and covered in a light caramel sauce. Deserts run from $2.50 for homemade ice cream to $7.00 for a desert bar assortment. Delicious!!!!

There is a full bar complete with the tasty Japanese Sapporo beer and warm Saki. And to this restaurant's credit, it is the first place I have eaten that has not asked if I want "Sweet or Unsweet" Tea to start off with. It kept true to its asian flavor when I asked for a hot tea during desert and was given a small pot of green tea, freshly made.

Check their hours of dining for they open for lunch, then close for a siesta of sorts. And be prepared for a line. There were people waiting before the doors opened at 5:30 and the joint was jumping not an hour later. Surin West is normally a 3-4 star place with a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. I'm going again next week!

From journals Exploring Alabama