Bites Nearby: The Elephant Walk

The Elephant Walk, at 663 Main St. in Waltham, has been a mainstay of elegant but casual dining in Waltham since 1997. It used to be a different restaurant, Carambola. There's something for everyone on the extensive and eclectic menu, from Cambodian soups and gourmet French salads, to specialty desserts and after-dinner drinks. Average entrees run $16-20. Reservations are recommended on weekends.

The Food: There are lots of interesting choices in three different cuisines: traditional Cambodian, such as lemongrass chicken and curried shrimp dishes; "original" Cambodian, which are dishes improvised by the chefs, such as trout in lime juice and garlic; and "original" French dishes, such as roasted chicken with herb fetuccine and sauteed leeks. It's not overly spicy and there's a solid vegetarian menu as well.

Vibe: Casual yet elegant, with tasteful decorations, quiet music and thick white napkins.

Cool Factor: Since 2009, this place has been a Benefits Restaurant, which means it gives 3 percent of its sales, not just profits, to a charity or nonprofit. It's a different charity each month, local, regional or national, dealing with issues like education, the environment and homelessness. The program is actually a better way of promoting the restaurants than advertising, according to manager Peter Khoury, since the restaurant gets publicized by the non-profit as well. "It's a win-win," he said.