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Authentic Takhrai Thai Focuses on Enjoyable Dining Experiences Takhrai Thai At A Glance Owner: Nikki Bubpha Year Opened: 2005 Address: 12265 Scripps Poway Parkway #116-118, Poway, CA 92064 Website: www.takhrai.com Phone: 858-549-1848 Hours: M-Th, 11am-3pm; 5-9pm Fri, 11am-3pm, 4:30-9:30pm Sat, 11am-9:30pm Sun, 12-9pm
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pecializing in authentic dishes to suit any taste, Takhrai Thai offers an intriguing and varied menu, a soothing ambiance, and a warm, welcoming attitude. “We treat our customers as guests in our home with friendly service and delicious food,” said owner Nikki Bubpha. “And we try to expose our guests to Thai culture through our exquisite food and special events. For example, earlier this year, we featured Thai musicians and dancers performing at the restaurant. We also had a large display of our famous carved fruits (to resemble beautiful, colorful flowers).” Conveniently located in Poway at 12265 Scripps Poway Parkway #116-118, Takhrai Thai focuses on providing excellent service in an upscale – yet familyfriendly – atmosphere. “Our inspiration was to serve authentic Thai cuisine to the busy working people in the area, and make the restaurant a great destination for a “date night” any day of the week for the 92064 and surrounding communities,” said Nikki, noting that guests are greeted at the front door with decorations imported from her native Thailand. “The décor is traditional Thai, but with a modern feel. The fountains and music provide a soothing atmosphere to enjoy our delicious food.” Superb service begins with Nikki, a hands-on owner who actually cooks in the kitchen to ensure the food meets her high standards for taste and preparation. “Takhrai Thai offers an array of musttaste items – such as the Satay Chicken (grilled, marinated chicken breast tenders served with peanut sauce and cucumber dip); Crispy Calamari (fried Thai-style with sweet and spicy dipping sauce; Black Mussels (sautéed with garlic and basil curry sauce), and a wide variety of delicious soups,” she said. “In 48
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addition, our Green Papaya salad, Yum Nuah (beef salad) and Yum Ta-Lay (chilled mixed seafood salad) are a few of our popular Thai salads.” Nikki specifically mentioned that Panang curry – a mild yet flavorful curry in coconut milk with bell peppers, carrots and topped with kaffir lime leaf, as the most popular curry dish at the restaurant; and the Phad Thai noodles, a dish that tickles diners’ tastes buds with thin flat rice noodles, stirfried with bean sprouts, eggs and topped with crushed peanuts. The extensive menu also includes a variety of unique beef and seafood entrees. Takhrai Thai – opened in 2005 – features a large wine list, a special children’s menu, and a selection of party trays for special events and affordable catering services, Nikki said. A busy mother of a 5-year-old daughter, Nikki holds a Masters degree in finance and worked as an assistant vice president for Goldman-Sachs and GE Capital in her native Thailand before moving to San Diego and starting her restaurant career 15 years ago (her first restaurant, Lai Thai, is a popular spot in National City). According to Nikki, though, her top priority is ensuring that all guests enjoy their visit to Takhrai Thai. “I want to ensure that everyone has an excellent, enjoyable dining experience,” she said. ¢ Takhrai Thai is located near the Scripps Poway business parks and the residential neighborhoods of Scripps Ranch, Poway and Sabre Springs at 12265 Scripps Poway Parkway #116-118. Call 858-549-1848 or visit www.takhrai.com for information. Special Advertising Section
photos by Zeena Gregg Photography