Craig LaBan takes a look at Chabaa Thai on Main Street in Manayunk. He discovers the spot has come a ways from its original muffled flavors.

The two-year-old Chabaa Thai Bistro has blossomed into a beautiful space, a bilevel room draped in silk fabrics, with gold-leafed walls and art that pays homage to the culture and spiritual life of Thailand. From the earth plow and Buddha imagery on the first floor to the silken lanterns, bamboo fishing traps, and floating market photography on the larger second floor, Chabaa exudes exotic serenity – even when the space hums

Two Bells – Very Good

Chabaa Thai Bistro [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Chabaa Thai Bistro [Official Site]

City Paper does what you do to interns, enter them in a spicy food eating contest.

Sam Tremble enters Chabaa Thai’s Spicy Contest and sets about training for the contest.

Training began Dec. 14, leaving me exactly two months before the registration deadline, plus a practice week before the final round. I started off with a handful of small green Thai chilies, a few long greens and two jalapenos raw while my roommate filmed my reaction with his digital camera. (I needed a stony expression if I wanted to win this thing.) But the kernel of my eventual failure was already planted: I had no poker face. Still, my ability to endure increased, and I built my tolerance for pain like a circuit drunk builds his route.

Could Sam win? Read on to find out.

Hot Pursuit [City Paper]