Twenty years after establishing itself as the go-to Thai restaurant in Dana Point, Thai This has opened a sister location in San Juan Capistrano – Thai Juan On. Clever bilingual wordplay on both marquee and menu touts a solid collection of traditional dishes with a creative flair.

Fresh off its victory at Taste of San Juan 2010, Thai Juan On’s “Appethaizer” menu is a true crowd pleaser. The Curry Pocket - a delicious deep fried pouch filled with curried chicken and diced potatoes is a perfect place to start. FYI, menu items are numbered for easy reference: light and crunchy do-it-yourself cabbage wraps with minced chicken, onions and cilantro are called #17 Clumsy Cluck. My all-time favorite is #6 Golden Thaiangle - a crispy fried flour tortilla stuffed with diced shrimp, fish and avocado accompanied by a crisp, fresh, cucumber sweet & sour sauce.

The main course offerings are a tour of all five Thai flavor zones (spicy, sweet, sour, salty and bitter)! Top of the list is #31 Red Devil – this red beef curry has the perfect slow- cooked, tender pot roast texture and the deep red curry sauce is silken perfection. Another sensation is #52 Roadside Cuisine- prawns, scallops and rice noodles alongside freshly steamed vegetables in creamy green curry sauce. Beer lovers will be delighted by the unique selection of Thai beers including Singha and Nakhon Lemongrass — a Belgian-style wit beer brewed with jasmine rice and citrusy lemongrass.