If we had to rank food genres we love, Thai food would make our top 5, which makes us feel all the more foolish for not knowing about Nong's Thai food right here in Dripping Springs! Thanks to the Sculpture Challenge on Saturday, we discovered this local Thai treasure. Plates laden with food from Nong's booth at the event, we plopped down at the Carved Stone picnic tables where our chopsticks happily plucked and shoveled pad thai and yellow curry, while fingers dipped and shared fried eggrolls (served with a ridiculously good dipping sauce), and light, fresh spring rolls bursting with vegetables.

But if you want to Thai one on in Dripping, there's just one night a week to do so, and that is Thursday. For dinner or lunch, Nong's Thai Gourmet is available on Thursdays only (other than for catered events). All orders must be placed before Thursday by phone or email, and group orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance of pick-up (food is delivered to a mutually convenient location). 

The menu changes based on the Thursday of the month. There is a menu for first Thursday, second Thursday, etc. For just $7 per person ($8.75 if you opt for the shrimp choices), you get the appetizer for the week (tomorrow looks like steamed dumplings), and a choice of one several entrees (this week promises Panang Curry or Glass Noodle Salad  or Phad Khao Rad Na or Curry Noodle Delight).

For more details, including the downloadable menu with complete description for each entree, and ordering instructions, plus information on catering and appetizer trays, visit nong-thai.com.