One of the best Thai restaurants in the country, Thai Place, has three locations in the Pittsburgh area. I visited two of them, starting with the restaurant located along trendy Walnut Street in Shadyside.

Customers are usually greeted by owner Santi Thamwiwat. Santi and his wife, Surin, opened the restaurant in 1991.

I was impressed with Thai Place's menu. The selections entice spicy palates.

I ordered the tom yum chicken soup, chicken satay for an appetizer and Pad Thai for dinner. Everything was excellent.

While I chose a five on the spicy scale for my soup and meal, customers can go with a 10 for an extra spicy taste. Santi told me the one isn't spicy at all.

The sharpness of the chilis and spices in a curry dish is toned down by the sweetness of cocunut cream, which enhances the taste of other delicate ingredients and herbs.

The second Thai Place I visited is the one located along Route 19 in Wexford/McCandless Township.

The beautifully decorated restaurant opened about two years ago and has already wowed restaurant goers in the area. While there, I watched several customers compliment the staff and walk out with smiles on their faces.

The Thamwiwat's third location is along Freeport Road in Fox Chapel. I hear it's just as good as the other two restaurants.

If you enjoy Thai cuisine, visiting at least one of the restaurants is a must. Thai place has been voted one of the top 10 Thai restaurants in the country and received several awards.