Flying Star Café has become an old friend to many. It’s the kind of friend you hang out with all the time, even though you sometimes complain about him. The red stuff is too expensive, but you drink it anyway because it’s that good. The watery beans in the breakfast burrito may not be what gets you up in the morning. But just thinking about a tofu scramble with brown rice feels like a warm hug.

Cleveland journalist Michael Ruhlman has made a career of being a fly on the wall. His nonfiction books have covered subjects from pediatric surgeons to craftsmen boat-builders. But it was his research into the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., that launched him headlong into the seductive world of food.

Oompa loompa, doompety doo, we have a great all-ages event just for you. You’ve Got a Golden Ticket: Charlie & The Chocolate Tearoom happens April 21 and throughout the month of April between 11am and 6pm at St. James Tearoom. Tickets are available online, with adult tickets going for $45 and children for $33. With some offerings such as The Bucket Family’s Cabbage Pockets, Veruca Salt’s Pretzel Bun and Violet’s Blueberry Pie with Cream, there are a ton of great options to choose from. Oompa loompa, doompety dite, get more info on their website, stjamestearoom.com.

At some point down the line Thai food became synonymous with comfort food for me. It was my family’s favorite dining out cuisine when I was young, and now I have a lot of good nostalgia wrapped up in the smell of lemongrass and curry. Tom kha gai, papaya salad and pad see ew are my go-to orders when I’m sick or just craving something warming and familiar, so I’ve visited most of the Thai spots in town to find some of my favorites of each. That GrubHub bill is getting a little out of control at this point, honestly.

Here’s a few of my favorite spots to order Thai in the Duke City. May they bring you many spicy tears and great evenings.