Thai Linda Cafe, Chicago

The chefs at Thai Linda Cafe like meals spicy, but aim to please by customizing the menu with a choice of mild, medium, hot, or Thai hot seasonings. Lemon-hued walls reflect the glow of glass hanging lamps to evoke bright, tropical sunshine, and tables are draped in white linens to showcase colorful curry dishes studded with morsels of chicken, shrimp, and tofu. Noodle stir-fries absorb the flavors of pineapple, garlic, and mint, whereas three duck specialties crown the bird in sauces such as ginger honey. During warmer months, the kitchen serves cool cups of Thai custard and hosts a buffet of fresh air on the outdoor patio.