5 miles 1 mile half mile 3 blocks 1 block Juan Garcia Tropical shrimp curry is served in a pineapple boat. Allen's Samui Thai Cuisine got such a good review in the Plano Morning News when it opened last fall that we decided to check it out for Guide readers. We like it even better. The restaurant is owned by Salinda Setvanich, whose family has Chow Thai in Addison and Mango Thai and Pacific Rim , both in Plano. High ceilings are dramatized by tall, totemlike carvings and hanging mesh curtains that divide the room into cozy seating areas.
Colors are rich reds, purples and bronze.
The curtains act as a sound buffer, too, so that even on a busy Saturday night, the restaurant seemed quiet and peaceful. We only wish that the service station was screened off and that the path to the restrooms was better marked, so you wouldn't end up in the kitchen. He has since returned to Sea Grill, where he worked before, to help with that restaurant's move to Far North Dallas. But his influence can still be tasted at Samui. Strips of marinated flank steak were grilled medium rare and tossed with red onion, cilantro and other greens in a spicy-tangy vinaigrette.