By: Vaughn Lowery
About 24 years ago, Tom Wynter moved from Thailand to America with a dream to open his own commercial enterprise. He started working at Thai Dishes restaurant, the old location. And moved on to a California Pizza Kitchen location for almost a decade and became a licensed bartender where he functioned at a popular bar in Hollywood. After becoming managerial staff at various establishments, he begins to act in tandem with Thai Dishes in Santa Monica when it was located on 2nd Street. The owners decided to call it quits as the rental for their location was coming up for renewal. Wynter decided to extend the legacy of this authentic Thailand franchise and discovered a vacancy at 123 Broadway in Santa Monica which fulfilled his imagination – a restaurant with a bar and patio which mimicked the likes of cafes in Paris. This time around he wanted to make sure that his restaurant had all of the key ingredients which he really felt engaged him as a patron – great food and drinks with a decor to match.
Soon After, Thai Dishes on Broadway was born. An unassuming and unpretentious venue which would be perfect for a quick drink/bite or a spot where you celebrate your birthday. Wynter obviously struck gold being a half block away from Ocean Boulevard, the newly renovated mall and the last stop on the Expo Line. For this area, everything is moderately priced and holds all the right offerings for a romantic date or simply a place to recharge your batteries while you people watch in the sidewalk seating. The ambiance is stellar: mosaic tiling near bar, warm fall colors, bespoke wall paper, faux ostrich wrapped table tops and unique Thai ornaments sprinkled throughout. The most sought after menu items include: BBQ pork over rice, spicy green bean tofu, roasted duck over rice and red curry chicken (presentation is very reminiscent of an authentic Thai dining experience).
Specialty handcrafted cocktails like their Mai Thai cocktails made with Thai whiskey will keep you coming back, but customer service contributed by his general manager, Leila Regalado, is a key component to TDOB’s success. She will have you seated within seconds and constantly will check in to see if you require anything else. If her smile isn’t enticing enough, serving size, happy hour specials and bottomless mimosas on Saturday/Sunday from 12 to 3 pm) should reel you back in.
Wynter asserts, “I’m constantly checking on the quality of food that comes out our kitchen and my staff sometimes needs me during holidays and weekends, which leaves little or no time for a life outside of this place.”
One thing’s for sure, Tom Wynter and all of his personal sacrifices have made Thai Dishes On Broadway a slam dunk within the Santa Monica Pier/Downtown area.
For additional info, please visit http://thaidishessantamonica.com
