City: Birmingham, AL

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (205) 324-1928

Description: After getting his start in Atlanta, Georgia, Surin Techarukpong moved to Birmingham after opening what is now a Five Points South dining landmark, Surin West. Continuously expanded, the original Southside restaurant Surin West is the destination for most residents when they think of Thai food. With three large dining areas, plus the bar, seating is amble, and unless you arrive right at noon, there is not typically much of a wait. Spicy garlic scallops, chicken masaman with avocado, spicy beef salad, and of course, Thai noodle (pad Thai) are among the favorite dishes. A full sushi bar adds to the offerings: Try the Super Crunch for a delicious treat of smoked salmon, tempura, masago, and special sauce. Menus vary from location to location but expect most of the popular dishes to remain similar to the original Surin West location. Additional locations include: Surin of Thailand, 64 Church St., Mountain Brook (205-871-4531); Surin 280, 16 Perimeter Park South, Inverness, (205-968-8161); and Surin Thai Bowl, 2100 3rd Ave. North, #100, Birmingham (205-297-0996).