CLOSED: Bahn Thai Cafe

Downtown Detroit's only Thai restaurant is a modest little spot but one with a competent kitchen turning out all the favorite dishes from tom yum soup and crispy rolls to Thai fried rice and the noodle dish Pad Thai. In just a few months, it has become popular with downtown workers who crowd the place at lunch. The curries are very good, especially panang curry, the coconut tempered dish with chicken or shrimp and slices of red pepper. It's a spinoff of the original Bahn Thai on East Walton Road in Pontiac. That one offers alcoholic beverages and has a smoking section. The downtown spot is free of both.

- Molly Abraham