Sometimes strip malls yield tasty adventures in dining. Take Royal Thai Bistro in Fircrest for instance. Situated next door to Pint Defiance beer store and a slew of empty commercial storefronts on the cusp of the Tacoma/University Place intersection, you'll discover Royal Thai's intimate and classy dining space. Naturally they serve up Asian cuisine with an assortment of curries, stir fry and other specialties accompanied by adult beverages.

To start your visit off properly I recommend the Toasted Sesame Wraps ($10.95). This appetizer features your choice of chicken or tofu caramelized in a delightful sweet and smoky sauce - whispers of nuttiness with cashew nuts, sweetness from sweet mango and aromatic herbal tones with some basil tossed in for good measure. Envelop this well-balanced concoction into Royal Thai Bistros warmed buttery flaky pastry flatbread and you simply cannot go wrong.

Service is friendly and efficient to boot.

ROYAL THAI BISTRO, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, 2045 Mildred St. W., Fircrest, 253.564.9410