Mid Rivers Newsmagazine Thai D'Lish Review

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It's About Caring For Guests At Thai D'Lish

By Mary Ann O'Toole Holley

At Thai D'Lish, menus are just for ideas and preparation comes from the heart.

This is not your ordinary restaurant.

Long before O'Fallon's newest Thai restaurant opens each day, owner and Chef Siwapron Sirisithi is busy shopping at the local farmer's markets to select fresh produce - vegetables, herbs and spices in season. Then, she will cross town to pick up fresh fish and return to plan for her "guests."

For Sirisithi, there is no such thing as a customer or patron. Everyone at Thai D'Lish restaurant is a guest.

Sirisithi says cooking is part of the psyche of a Thai woman. She learned to cook at her parents' side in their family-owned restaurant in Thailand. After her father passed away, her mother went on to work at a five-star hotel, preparing the finest of culinary creations in a land where one caters to each diner with a special insight.

Sirisithi followed her mother's lead and learned that there is more to a dining experience than preparing an order.

"One must please the people," Sirisithi said.

Now, after working everywhere from airport fast food to being a personal chef to managing the most high-end of Seattle restaurants, Sirisithi says she has found her niche in a delightful little restaurant with gently flickering candle light and bamboo beaded curtains.

Each table is set to perfection. Simple white plates to enhance the food presentation, burgundy napkins are perfectly folded and clear long-stemmed wine glasses wait for each guest's arrival.

Menu ideas include curry entrees of chicken, beef or tofu in a variety of flavors ($5.95). There are noodles and fried rice entrees with a choice of chicken, beef or tofu ($7.95), and a long line of specialty items like Thai Steak, a New York Strip steak marinated with garlic and pepper with a side of jasmine rice or salad ($16.95).

Fish is popular at Thai D'Lish, especially the prawns and halibut. Unique items like pineapple fried rice feature egg, onion, carrots, pineapple and cashew nuts with a touch of curry powder ($8.95).

"It was time," Sirisithi said, referencing her chic new restaurant in 4-Seasons Shopping Center in O'Fallon. "I like to do new things. I like a challenge. I know I like to cook and take care of guests, so it's not hard at all. It just seems natural."

Sirisithi arrived in the United States eight years ago, landing in Seattle where she learned about the finer ways of cooking with seafood.

She came to the St. Louis area after receiving a job offer from a friend who opened a Thai restaurant in Creve Coeur. However, when she arrived, she found it was a buffet, and that just did not fit with Sirisithi's love of finer Thai creations.

"It is just not my style," Sirisithi said.

So, she searched for an appropriate location and selected the O'Fallon spot for its cozy interior.

"I like change. I like to come out and talk to my customers, and I think after six months since we opened, it's becoming customary," Sirisithi said. "Many don't know about Thai food, so I educate. It's kind of like being a personal chef at my own restaurant."

A menu is what other restaurants have, Sirisithi said. In her restaurant, she believes in personal attention and preparing food to accommodate the tastes of the individual. If someone wants a vegetarian dish, she will prepare it that way. If someone likes a spicy entrée, she will kick up the flavor.

"It's like having company. I come out and talk with customers first and try to match the preparation to the likes of the individual," Sirisithi said. "We talk, I learn, and I prepare the dish to order. If they want, I'll match the wine with the food for them."

For those who are not knowledgeable about Thai cuisine, Sirisithi recommends something. She says she would not recommend a duck dish for someone who has never eaten duck because of its strong flavor. If a guest is new at acquiring a palate for Thai cuisine, she may mix up some noodles, stir in a little meat, garlic and spices and "introduce" them to the taste. She believes in letting guests become acquainted with Thai cuisine first, then move on to something else on their next visit.

"Sometimes we have to educate to let guests know what we do," Sirisithi said.

Thai food, generally, is best described as being between Chinese food and Indian food, Sirisithi said. Thai food is flavorful, but not overwhelming," Sirisithi said. "Thai is about balance. of spices, herbs and ingredients.

Sirisithi provides a full bar and a fine selection of California and Washington wines. There is a full bar, but you will not find Budweiser flowing from a tap. Sirisithi fully believes in a meal and libations that complement one another.

"It looks like a lot of work, but I love it," Sirisithi said. "I love to care for my guests."

Reservations and carryout orders are accepted by calling 636-692-4747.

Thai D'Lish is open Mondays 5-9:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 1 p.m. to midnight and Sunday from 1 to 9:30 p.m.