Though billed as “Gourmet Thai Food Delivery,” Kow Thai’s takeout leaves something to be desired—the gourmet Thai food. The limited menu offers entrees “flavored” with curry, Thai dressing or sauce, but the dishes are mostly bland—even the $7 chicken pad Thai. Besides, a takeout that requires someone to “buzz” you in does not help make the wait comfortable. The chicken satay ($3.25) is the only must: Not too spicy but flavored with a zippy peanut sauce, this chicken-on-a-stick is the closest that Kow Thai comes to gourmet. (Open Tu-Sa 11a-9p.) 

Tucked away in a beautiful two-story, Victorian home, the Café can easily be missed in your quest for that romantic date-spot. Now you’ve got no excuse! The Café’s elegant, yet homey décor provides a lovely backdrop for any meal. Thanks to both American and Thai chefs, its kitchen cooks up a unique range of generously portioned lunch and dinner items. If your palate enjoys a spicy kick, the Café will not disappoint. Don’t skip the appetizers here: the chicken satay, spring rolls, and spicy soups are out of this world. Most dishes, like rack of lamb, filet mignon, and salmon, can be served in either an American or Thai style. The menu also features strictly Thai dishes such as delicious shrimp pad Thai, and chicken curry. You will definitely want to leave room for the frightfully tasty homemade desserts. At the end of the meal, the pleasant and knowledgeable wait staff will show you into a smaller room that acts as a pastry shop. Here you can choose from an array of cookies, cakes, pies, and tarts. (Open Tu-F 11a-2p, 5p-8:30p; Sa 5p-9:30p.)