My friend, Jenn, and I walked into Panasia and encountered a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere filled with soothing music.

Panasia is located at 500 St. Charles Ave.

It advertises traditional, authentic Thai cooking.

Panasia is one of several family-owned Thai restaurants in the area.

Panasia is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and stays open late.

The few decorations and soft white curtains on the windos give the place a natural feel.

We enjoyed the entertaining view of verdant Lafayette Square and the streetcar line.

The large front window provides sunlight during the day, and candles and fresh delicate flowers give evening ambiance.

There is a small full-service bar, a quiet waiting area, and a clean bathroom.

The waitress was very friendly and entertaining, but allowed us to enjoy our meal without constant interruptions.

Panasia provides an immersion into Thai cuisine, but the helpful service eases newcomers into the expansive flavors.

However, as fans of Thai food, we found it offered something new to enjoy, adding a bit of a fusion with Cajun food.

We began with appetizers, which were $6. The appetizers are stuffed with shrimp and crawfish, and the sweet-and-sour spicy sauce was delicious.

We also had the grilled chicken, with peanut sauce.

The dish had a unique flavor which exceeded our expectations.

The plates were a work of art, adorned with different colors and small details to complement each dish.

All of the entrees at Panasia sound enchanting, much like the small restaurant itself.

The most expensive entree on is $9, and all are available mild, spicy and hot, and they can be made vegetarian.

The duck breast ($9) is prepared with a Chinese five-spice and served with thin Thai noodles.

Apparently popular are the grilled pork chops ($8) marinated with Thai spices and lemon grass, served with coconut sticky rice and papaya salad.

I ordered the Pad Thai ($7). The rice noodles were stirred in with shrimp, chicken and bean sprouts.

The sauce was a family recipe, and the crushed peanuts not only adorned the plate, but added that special Thai flavor.

My friend had the yellow tuna with jasmine rice.

She said she enjoyed the plate.

The spicy shrimp over the rice added a touch of Cajun flavor.

For dessert we ordered the Pecan Chocolate Cluster and the White and Dark Chocolate Mousse Pie ($5).

The cluster was more rich and warm, while the pie was light and delicious.

These desserts were the perfect end to a lovely evening.

Panasia, located at 500 St. Charles Ave, offers Thai cusine morning, noon and night. The large front window provides sunlight during the day, and candles and fresh, delicate flowers give evening ambiance. Through the window dinners can view Lafayette Square and the streetcar line. (Crystal Schouest)