Arun's

Arun's Restaurant Review:

Beautiful Thai art and antiques set the stage for seven-, 10- and 12-course prix-fixe dining ($75, $85, $100) with or without wine pairings ($50) at chef/owner Arun Sampanthavivat's Northwest side restaurant. A customized procession of multiple appetizers, entrées and desserts arrive at the table artfully prepared and served family-style. Starters have included flower-shaped purple dumplings filled with shrimp and shallots, dainty fresh crab spring rolls and spicy roast duck salad on a bed of Thai basil and cilantro. Possible main courses range from lobster tail with two jumbo shrimp in garlic-ginger sauce to beef tenderloin in a red curry-peanut sauce infused with star anise, and classic panang beef curry. Sticky rice topped with egg custard makes for a simple yet elegant dessert. Match the dishes with a diverse selection of wines, including many Alsatian and Austrian choices with enough subtle sweetness and body to complement the full-flavored, semi-spicy fare.