Passing things can be one of mankind's most enjoyable experiences, be it blame, college-entrance exams, or attractive strangers. Today's deal gives you the joy of passing plates: for $30, you get $60 worth of Thai tapas, noodle dishes, and creative libations at Silk Elephant. The Squirrel Hill eatery offers creatively plated Thai in a cozy, comfortable space.

Norraset Nareedokmai, acclaimed chef of Bangkok Balcony fame, helms the ornately edible wheel that steers this cozy and creative eatery. Small plates include everything from rolls to dumplings. Try the fresh rolls ($5.50 for two), which hug crispy tofu, rice noodles, and veggies inside rice paper, or the salmon-stuffed dumplings ($4.50 for three). Chicken kabobs ($5.50 for two), banana-leaf cups of curried tilapia ($6.95), and chicken and beef satay ($4.95) round out the tapas menu. Service a heartier appetite with Silk Elephant's curry selections (from $12.95) or classic noodle and rice dishes (from $9.95).

Oenophiles can tip their grape-skin caps to Silk Elephant's modest and well-edited library of wines served by the glass and bottle. Alongside fermented libations, the bar also serves fruity cocktails such as mai tais ($7) and mojitos ($8), draft and bottled beers, and specialty martinis. Authentic down to its interior roots, the ambience is built around exotic opulence, a soundtrack of the classical folk music of Siam, and a machine that simulates the gravity of Thailand. Or, drench your own home in worldly wafts by redeeming this Groupon for carry-out.

Reviews

Local press, including Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh City Paper, are digging Silk Elephant's exotic creations.

• The impressive menu, authentic flavors and fresh ingredients make Silk Elephant an important addition to the Asian dining scene in Squirrel Hill. And don't forget to try those corn fritters. – Elizabeth Downer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
• At the sleek Silk Elephant, in Squirrel Hill, there are flavorful "Thai tapas" plates for both vegetarians and flesh-fanciers to share, an impressive wine list and a cozy lounge for grown-and-sexy types looking to celebrate. Melissa Meinzer, Pittsburgh City Paper

Yelpers give the restaurant four stars, TripAdvisors give it 3.5, and 84% of 137 Urbanspooners recommend it:

• Having lived in places like San Francisco, Hawaii, NYC and Los Angeles I have had the luxury to eat at many fine Thai restaurants. The food at the Silk Elephant was the best I've had in many, many years. – New Hope Food Snob, TripAdvisor
• I'd definitely take a date here, it's a really impressive place that wont hit your wallet too hard. If you have a few friends that enjoy culinary adventure it would be fun to order a bunch of things and pass them around. – Jake Zigler, Urbanspoon