Thai Gourmet Restaurant, O'Fallon

Even though Thai Gourmet Restaurant has become a lunchtime staple for workers in the O'Fallon area, the eatery's expansive dinner menu more than holds its own. For each dish, chefs spin fresh ingredients into authentic, health-minded Thai creations, including duck curry loaded with pineapple chunks, tomatoes, bell peppers, and basil. Delicate glass noodles arrive at tables stir-fried with fresh seafood, while sliced beef simmers in a hot plate alongside brown gravy, straw mushrooms, and green beans. Many of the restaurant's entrees also pack a fiery punch, but don't worry: you can indicate your preference by specifying a spiciness level or by showing a server the miniature sprinklers installed on the roof of your mouth.