A little taste of Thai

Everyone needs a spicy pick-me-up now and then. If you like ethnic food, Thai Pepper is a fantastic choice.

Thai Pepper is great for eating out or picking up, and you will definitely be served delicious and tantalizing cuisine. In the middle of Franklin Mall, Thai Pepper is probably a bit too far to walk, but don't let that get in the way of a great meal.

Ambiance: The restaurant is on the small side, making you feel like you're eating on a side of a hallway. But the Thai decorations give it an ethnic feel. This place isn't for a candlelight dinner, but for a fun meal out. The waiters are nice, but many items on the menu are difficult to pronounce, so the pointing skills you've accrued from our fine university might have to come into play.

Dress code: As long as something is on your feet, and the rest of you is fairly covered, you will not have a problem.

Bonuses you won't find on the menu: The lunch special between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. everyday that they are open (Monday through Saturday) is a great deal. You can substitute your favorite meat into any dish or choose from the chef's suggestions to make sure you get the good stuff.

Downfalls: The odd shape of the restaurant can make you a little claustrophobic, so groups of more than four might want to just do pick up. The restaurant might be tough to find because it's not visible from the street, so park in the lot across from the Park Central Apartments.

Service: Adequate service, the servers will help you figure out which dishes are spicy, but don't expect in-depth suggestions. The entrance is a little funny because there's no front desk area -- you kind of just step in among tables. However, the awkward feeling will quickly be assuaged by the perky hostess willing to seat you.

Recommendation: If you have never had Thai, start with Thai Pepper. I have never met anyone who didn't like the Pad Thai, and they have got enough curries to satisfy the pickiest of tastes.

If you're ordering a dish that is mostly dry or with noodles, compliment it with a dish that has sauce -- and don't forget rice. Thai food makes for perfect leftovers if you need something to hold you over when you're cranking out those final papers. Enjoy this gem of a restaurant.

--Written by Teru Olsen