Local Eats: Rice and Noodles Thai Gourmet

You drive around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Kingstowne Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

Rice and Noodles Thai Gourmet-- It's hard to avoid eating at a chain restaurant in Kingstowne. Nothing wrong with that, of course--Chipotle can hit the spot. But if you're looking for a smaller vibe, come up to Franconia's Rice and Noodle Thai Gourmet, which handles all the Thai standards successfully. Word to the wise: the dishes come drowned in sauce, so be prepared. This month's specials are a shrimp basket and pad cha seafood. 

6111 Franconia Road. 703-313-0330. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Prices: $7.95 - $11.95 for an entree