I live in the armpit of the country.....therefore, I don't have access to authentic ethnic cuisine of any type. The eating establishments around here are of the cookie-cutter type (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Ruby Tuesdays, O'Charleys, etc.) and quite boring.
The best food in the area is BY FAR the meals I create in my own kitchen. I never ever use recipes and don't have access to many "regional" ingredients. I'm quite surprised that I ever have a contender in the throwdowns because of that.
I'd LOVE to have some good Thai food.....or any other type for that matter!