OK, so this summer's budget doesn't include vacation airfare to the Caribbean or the South Pacific. At least we can get a taste of the tropics at these area restaurants.
Dos Taquitos Centro
106 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh
835-3593
Cuisine: Mexican
Fonda y Birrieria Jalisco
1600-107 Ronald Drive, Raleigh
790-1999
Cuisine: Mexican
Havana Grill
404 W. Chatham St., Cary
460-8662
Cuisine: Cuban
Lotus Leaf Cafe
969 N. Harrison Ave., in Northwoods Market, Cary
465-0750
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Merlion
410 Market Square, in Southern Village, Chapel Hill
933-1188
Cuisine: Singaporean
The Palace International
1104-A Broad St., Durham
416-4922
www.thepalaceinternational.com
Cuisine: East African
Saigon Grill
2929 N. Roxboro Road, Durham
220-5979
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Sawasdee
Two Raleigh locations: 6204-120 Glenwood Ave., 3601-107 Capital Blvd. 781-7599 (Glenwood); 878-0049 (Capital)
Cuisine: Thai
Thaiphoon Bistro
301 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh
720-4034
Cuisine: Thai
Tropical Picken Chicken
2010-406 S. Main St., Wake Forest
435-6812
Cuisine: Caribbean
