Cheap Eats: Larb

This hidden gem in Brunswick helps educate Thai cuisine novices with a few visual aids. Plastic examples of every dish are displayed on a table right near the entrance, making it easy for customers to see what they’re about to order. Made in Thailand, the artistic presentations illustrate traditional meals such as the chicken, tofu or vegetarian drunken noodles ($11.95). A must-try, the extra-wide noodles are full of flavor after being stir-fried with a mixture of chili peppers, onions, tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. We even like to splurge every now and then for the tender shrimp version ($13.95). Make sure you order the larb gai ($7.95): a Thai tradition that brings luck. But really, any day you eat this minced chicken dish is a lucky day. The spicy lime dressing adds a tang that brings the whole entree together. No matter what you choose, be generous with the spicy soy sauce: It’s a family recipe that will make you wish they’d adopt you. Also Try: Pho lovers will fall for the beef soup ($11.95) made with a bright, complex broth. The fried bananas ($5.95) takes on a custard-like texture and is topped with just enough syrup to bring out the sweetness of the fruit. 452 Pearl Road, Brunswick, 330-460-6213, larbohio.com