Bangkok--11 Aug--Sheraton Hotel & Towers Throughout August, Thara Thong, the renowned Thai restaurant at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers presents diners with a special selection of exquisite dishes featuring a wide variety of local herbs and spices. Known as samun phrai, herbs and spices play a central role in Thai cuisine, not only due to the distinctive flavours they impart to each dish but also for the well documented health benefits. Chef Charoensri Vatanayut has prepared an exceptional menu that draws on the rich Thai culinary traditional infused with her expertise and creativity to delight those new to Thai cuisine and connoisseurs alike. Sang wa poo nim tord, or deep-fried soft shells crab with shrimp and a herb and spice salad combines mouthwatering flavours with the crisp texture of the crab, making it a delicious appetizer or accompaniment with other dishes. Another great salad is the yam poo kab kao grob, or spiced crab meat salad on a crispy rice cracker. Fish lovers should try the pla kapong tord kap hom phad khing, or pan-fried marinated snapper fillet with turmeric, cumin, fresh coriander, lemongrass, lime, onion and ginger. Fragrant and delicately flavoured, the dish is deeply satisfying and pairs beautifully with the piquant and spicy tom yam har zien, or hot and sour soup with vermicelli, fish, shrimp, tofu and mushrooms. Other fabulous dishes include goong mae nahm pad kee maow, or fried river prawns topped with hot chili, hot basil and tomato, and gai yang takrai prik Thai dam, or grilled marinated minced chicken with black pepper, lemongrass and coriander on a lemongrass skewer. Discover the special herbs and spices menu at Thara Thong restaurant from August 1st until 31st, 2008. Thara Thong is the ideal venue for discerning diners in search of authentic local cuisine prepared with care and served with the creativity and style befitting of the Royal Court. Comfortable floor seating at low tables graced with celadon tableware and bronze cutlery add to the elegance of this truly Thai dining experience. Choose to dine in the air-conditioned of the teak pavilion or alfresco on the patio. In the evening, guests can savour exotic cuisine while enjoying the gentle sound of live Thai classical music, and take in the inspiring views of the Chao Phraya River. Thara Thong is open daily for lunch from noon to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. For more information or reservations, please call 02 266 9214 or e-mail [email protected]