Ginger Pop pops out as top Thai eatery

Why: Ginger Pop is among the many family friendly Thai food options in Clark County. The restaurant stands out as a newer generation of Thai options with a modern look and pared down menu. Ginger Pop also provides a few local brews on tap. Conveniently located in the Grand Central Station just north of state Highway 14, it is easily accessed from surrounding areas.

What I tried: I settled on the pad thai with chicken, and my dining companion had the chicken yellow curry.

Both entrees arrived piping hot to the table. The pad thai was medium-spicy, as I had requested. The noodles, chicken, bean sprouts and green onion were flanked by a portion of crushed peanuts for mixing in. There was just the right amount of sauce to keep the noodles moist, and the chicken was tender and generously seasoned, which kicked up the appeal of the dish. It was the best pad thai I have had in a long while.

My dining companion thoroughly enjoyed the curry dish and noted the generously sized chunks of roasted carrots and potatoes in the sweet, coconut curry base.

Both of our portions were fairly large, and we both took home leftovers, which, we concurred were just as delicious the following day.

Menu highlights beyond what I tried: Tofu fries sounded intriguing, as did the sausage fried rice. Chili jam beef combines beef with mushrooms, broccoli, basil, onions and peppers. Garden green curry is made with fried tofu, broccoli, basil, carrots and bamboo shoots, and the geng pa nang consists of kaffir lime leaf curry with pork and long beans. The lard na, made with thin rice noodles, pork, egg, gravy and Chinese broccoli, sounded tasty. Custom cocktails, wine and homemade beverages are on the menu as well.

Atmosphere: Green, teal and dark-gray walls create a cool palette for Ginger Pop’s sophisticated, modern space. The decor includes an assortment of baskets, mirrors and paintings. A whimsical multitiered chandelier made of glass tea cups is featured in the center of the dining room. A roll-up door allows an open-air experience, weather permitting. Large chalkboards display the on-tap selections and other information. Seating consists of booths and tables and chairs.

Other observations: The waitstaff is very attentive and friendly. The atmosphere is inviting and comfortable, and the food is delicious and reasonably priced. Patio dining is available, weather permitting.

Cost: Starters and salads cost $5 to $10. Fried rice is $9 to $10. Entrees with rice are $9.50 to $12. Noodles and soup range from $8.50 to $11.50. Curries with rice cost $9 to $12 (add $3 for the family size).