Passing on the Wok

 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2011) − Lexington’s premier Thai eatery is making it easier for loyal customers to enjoy their favorites, while also giving the kitchen’s mealtime muses some rest.

Thai Orchid Cafe will be closed for two weeks in November for vacation and some minor remodeling, including the installation of a new payment system, enhanced online ordering capabilities, a mobile phone ordering app and the addition of a customer loyalty program.

This break also marks a change in ownership, as owner Toa Green has taken full restaurant responsibility from her parents, Kat and Suda Veerasethakul.

“My parents taught me that the cure for everything is work,” she laughed. “But they’ve been at this long enough. They deserve a break!”

Green opened Thai Orchid in August 2006 with her parents, former owners of The Smile of Siam, in Frankfort, Ky. “I jumped in head first with my parents’ help five years ago,” she said. “I didn’t have a clue about the inner workings and how much work it really took to operate a restaurant.”

Green worked alongside her mother and father at The Smile of Siam until they sold the restaurant in 2000. By the time she returned to Lexington after college, the former Lexington Habitat for Humanity marketing coordinator realized that she missed sharing her native Thai dishes with others and the madness of the restaurant life.

“I’ve always felt the need to give back, from building houses with Habitat for Humanity in India, Thailand and Honduras, to introducing people to Thai food and culture,” Green said.

As Green’s first generation parents hand over the reins, Lexington Thai food fans need not worry. A tower of tranquility in a sea of lunchtime chaos, Green remains focused on feeding her hungry patrons and staying true to what has made the restaurant so successful – delicious, heartfelt food!

Each Thai Orchid dish, inspired by a Veerasethakul family recipe, is made to order and from scratch.

“These are the Thai dishes I had growing up,” said Green. “Our meals are made with the freshest ingredients we can find. Some of our appetizers take several days to make.  But it’s worth it because we know our customers can taste the difference.”

The family-owned and operated restaurant in Lexington is renowned for its fresh and home-style Thai food, as well as its stewardship of the community and the environment.

Customers can feel good in their support of Thai Orchid Cafe, as avoiding waste is engrained in the family philosophy. Going Green wasn’t a fad for the Veerasethakuls. It was common sense.

“Both of my parents came from large families and had to learn to be very resourceful. We’ve always saved and reused everything we can,” Green said.

Thai Orchid Cafe recycles with Live Green Lexington; participates in Seedleaf’s Compost Partner program; and uses local ingredients when possible. “Our employees are not allowed to throw away anything without asking,” Green said. “It’s a philosophy. We just don’t want to see anything go to waste.”

The Veerasethakuls will “Pass the Wok” at Thai Orchid’s Grand Re-Opening at 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5. Light refreshments will be provided. 

Thai Orchid Cafe has space for small groups, gatherings and parties during the holiday season, as well as gift cards.