Steve Dolinsky Picks His Top 5 Best Thai Spots in Chicago

If it's not sushi, it's french fries. Or pizza. Or date places. But this week, Steve Dolinsky focuses his attention on Thai food. There's certainly no shortage of great (and not-so-great) places to get pad siew, pad thai and, for the more adventurous, spicy make-you-cry-and-hiccup papaya salad (believe us, it can be super hot). So it's no surprise that Dolinsky, who has been to Thailand a couple of times, focused on places that serve dishes with flavors, both sweet and spicy, that pop.

At the top of the list is Amarind's, whose chef spent a number of years at Arun's. This is followed by Sticky Rice, an unassuming little spot near the intersection of Irving Park and Western. It's one of our faves, too.

The rest of the list comprises incredible places: Aroy, Spoon Thai and, what we feel is possibly the best place for Thai in Chicago, TAC Quick, where you can order off the secret Thai menu. It was at TAC Quick where we, along with Dolinsky, had our ass kicked by the aforementioned papaya salad. Think you can't make a Hungry Hound's eyes water? Just give him a little bit of papaya salad.
· Top 5 Thai Restaurants in Chicago [WBEZ]

TAC Quick [Photo: Bluelight]