With so many Thai restaurants in Chicago, finding a spot that truly stands out can feel daunting to any savvy diner. My tip: Plan a trip to the up-and-coming neighborhood of Edgewater to experience classic Asian cuisine in a serene setting with service that feels regal. Chris Limpinyakul, who named the restaurant after his son, runs the business with his wife, Penny, most often found whipping up dishes in the kitchen, and they never fail to treat diners like treasured friends.

The menu has a homemade gourmet flavor and covers a wide range of countries. "I used noodles and rice in the name because it's a staple of the Asian diet," says Limpinyakul. "We have Filipino cuisine, Japanese, Thai...even Chinese and Korean." Items on the menu range from $2.25 for the miso soup (an excellent concoction of salty, smoky broth with just the right amount of green onion) to $5.95-$8.95 for entrees.

Diners can order most entrees with meat or tofu (perfect in texture and flavor in the pad thai and pad see-eiw). Catfish and seafood specials provide nice options for fish-only eaters, and the daily lunch special features appetizer, soup and entree of your choice for only $5.95.

Light peach walls and simple wooden tables with spring green accents provide calming ambiance, and the place is spotless. Limpinyakul assures that prices will remain low at this "mom and pop," even as new dishes are added and the neighborhood continues to change. Future plans include adding a fresh sushi bar and opening a second restaurant named for his daughter: Amy Spice.

Centerstage Reviewer: Genevra Gallo