Plenty of sweetness and spice make for a real treat in Clinton.
The Scene This small, plain-looking place offers a nice entry into the sweet, spicy and sour flavors at the heart of Southeast Asian cuisine. Though decor seems like an afterthought--a neglected karaoke machine hunches in a corner, a poster advertising Thai beer hangs from a wall--fresh-cut flowers set on the tables reveal an air of earnestness.
The Food Both the uninitiated and the expert will find much to like in Pam Real Thai's well-organized menu, which offers nice descriptions of each dish. Start with hae kern, a deep-fried, bean curd-wrapped shrimp paste spring roll served with a sharp plum sauce. Large course highlights include the yums, or salads. The crispy duck yum, for example, makes for a finger-licking melange of pineapple, duck, red onion, scallions and cilantro. A pleasant burn remains long after the last bite.
