The Purple Thistle is a local institution. The menu is extraordinary, the staff is friendly and the kitchen is dedicated to turning out fabulous cuisine.  The food is freshly prepared and very high quality. The menu is eclectic - ranging from cajun, to tempura, to vegetarian, to seafood, to organic steak.  They also have a list of local wines and beers to choose from and the atmosphere is cozy.  Every dish and each vegetable and vintage is selected from the finest the area has to offer and prepared and paired with the love and attention to sourcing and details that you would expect from a much haughtier establishment.  They are down to earth and down WITH the earth, and you WILL be down with the comestibles.  Prices average around $25/person for dinner (not including wine)