March 25th, 2006 | The lowdown by Gordon Candelin

Tamarind Bar and Restaurant.

Tamarind is a classy Mediterranean restaurant on street 240, and one of my favorite places to eat in Phnom Penh.

Maybe it's because I'm married. You see, sometimes I like to go out with my beautiful wife and have some delicious food, a few glasses of wine, and some intimate conversation, and there is nowhere better suited for such good times than Tamarind.

Why? Maybe it's because the tables are spaced just far enough apart so you're not obliged to listen to your neighbor's pontificating (and they're not obliged to listen to your own.) This is definitely a problem in a place like Shiva Shakti, which has the look, but lacks the space.

To take full advantage of it at Tamarind, head right up to the roof-top terrace, where the serene view of tree-tops, rooftops and sky is a rarity in Phnom Penh.

As for the delicious food, hummus, couscous, tagines and chwarmas, very good steak and great duck (when they have it) are all on the menu.

A dinner for two (as described above, but the beautiful person and conversation are up to you) will cost around $25-$35 including drinks and dessert.