Looking for a different dining experience? Try the new Thai House in Gastonia. From the warm, ornate carved wooden décor, to the brightly colored Thai costumes of the staff, it’s an experience fresh and unique to Gaston County. We spoke recently with the manager, CK, and asked her about the Thai house history, cuisine, and new restaurant across from hhgregg in Gastonia.
GA: This is something new for Gaston County. We are glad you are here.
CK: We’re so glad to be here, and feel privileged to serve Gastonia and the surrounding community.
GA; Your restaurant is lovely, I especially like all the warm wood and carvings, and the servers colorful dress. Are they authentic Thai?
CK: Yes, they are. All carvings, teak woods, colorful dresses were imported from Thailand. My stepfather Udom assembled the woodwork all himself by hand.
GA: We had talked about you trying to give your customer an authentic Thai experience when they are in your restaurant. Can you tell us about that?
CK: We have tried our best to deliver not only the freshest ingredients and the brightest flavors but also the best Thai dining atmosphere. We do this by playing enchanting Thai music, our staff wears authentic Thai dress, and we have amazing Thai artworks that we brought from Thailand. We have won numerous rewards including “Best of Asian food in Charlotte” and “The top 50 Thai restaurants in the US”. I believe this is the result of what we have tried to accomplish over many years.
GA: Some folks may not have tried Thai food yet-is it similar to Chinese or Japanese food?
CK: Most of Thai dishes use herbs and spices which have beneficial medicinal properties. Thai foods are also famously known for the blend of sour, sweet, creamy, salty and spicy taste.
GA: I see you have a great looking sushi bar-the Thai House rolls are delicious, and the Rainbow Sushi is almost too beautiful to eat!
CK: Thank you, we have a great Sushi Chef, and we make sure to use only the very freshest ingredients.
GA: I am fairly new to Thai food. Your servers were very helpful in helping me choose. I like the choice of how much or little spice is added.
CK: First of all, There is a misunderstanding that Thai food is always spicy. Depending on dishes, our foods have difference tastes and of course level of spiciness.
GA: The Thai House is a family affair; tell us about that. Do you have a restaurant background?
CK: We are still a very family business. It started by my Mom (Dr. Kaye) 20 years ago. Although my mom is a retired mathmatical professor from the Universtiy of South Carolina, she has over 45 years of experience preparing authentic Thai food. Her passion about Thai food started when she was a teenager helping my grandmother prepare meals for my grandfather’s guests. He was a governor of Thailand, so I am sure she had many opportunities. The restaurant business is a tough business but it has been a labor of love for all of us.
GA: How many restaurants do you have and how did you get started?
CK: We now have three locations – University area, Pineville Matthews and Gastonia.
GA: Tell us a little about yourself. Are you from the Metro Charlotte area? Children? Sam: Yes, my husband Sam and I presently live in Charlotte, but we are planning to move to Gastonia. I have 2 wonderful kids – May and Maytee.
GA: What do you do when you are not at work, hobbies, etc.? Have you been to Thailand?
CK: We enjoy time with our kids. Yes, I have been to Thailand-we try to go back every other year.
GA: What made you choose Gaston County for your new restaurant? CK: Our customers have been requesting this over many years. They drive 30 – 45 minutes or more to dine in with us. We have already had customers come from all over Gaston County, plus Kings Mountain, Lake Wylie, Huntersville and more. It is very gratifying-we have a had a wonderful welcome to Gaston County and feel like we are off to a great start for 2010!
