New energy, new recipes, and a new name are coming to longtime local Thai restaurant
By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Northborough – A full rebrand and renovation of Yoong Tong Thai Restaurant (278 Main Street, Northborough) will finish, this spring. The restaurant will bring a new attitude to its appearance and menu all while also launching a new name — La Miette La Mai Thai Bistro.
Executive Chef Wachira “New” Sittikong started at the family owned business in 2000. He found his passion in culinary arts and hospitality. He received a culinary arts degree from Le Cordon Bleu and obtained Harvard University’s Nutrition and Diet-Based Studies certificate. He worked at several Boston renowned restaurants and world class hoteliers following that achievement.
The pandemic presented restaurants with a challenging year. As such, Chef New is appreciative of the community’s support through the tough times. Now, the family is ready to give something back by presenting a brand new experience.
The new look
The renovation will be an improvement to the restaurant’s overall atmosphere.
The dining area will have a modern feel with hardwood floors, natural wood and an open kitchen concept. It will offer a cocktail music lounge with local talent and immersive experiential component including chef tables, wine tastings and pairings, and cooking classes.
The walls will feature local artist murals with Thai designs. The sunroom area will accommodate small parties. Outdoor seating is planned.
“We want you to feel a full Sensatori experience for all of your senses,” Chef New said.
The menu
The “classic menu” is not going anywhere. But a new French and Thai fusion menu will also be incorporated.
“We don’t want our guests to think 20 years of Thai recipes people have loved will be changing,” said Chef New. “We are keeping our recipes, but adding innovative dishes.”
He loves to customize dishes for customers and can cater to any special dietary requirements.
Partnerships with local farms will particularly bring the freshest locally sourced ingredients to a dynamic scratch kitchen.
Signature dishes include Kalon Farm’s grass-fed, pan-seared ribeye over a traditional Thai Panang sauce and the classic pan-seared rack of lamb over a spicy Thai basic Grapow sauce.
A full sushi menu infused with Thai flavors will be available.
Executive Pastry Chef Gloria Gabriel is creating a one-of-a-kind Thai tea infused crème brûlée, Thai coffee Tiramisu, and a traditional Thai homemade pandan-coconut ice cream sundae. will have wine pairings for each dish and a brand new repertoire of specialty wines.
Guests are like family
The focus of all this is to keep a genuine connection with loyal customers, while meeting new ones.
“You don’t have to go to the city to have an exciting time,” said Chef New. “Northborough has been evolving and we have been listening to our guests. They have been asking for something like this.”
Take-out only will be available during the renovation for lunch and dinner, Monday-Saturday. Order on line www.YoongTongThaiNorthborough.com or call 508-393-7714. Catering, private reservations, delivery and dine-in will also be offered after the renovation. Follow Facebook or Instagram for all updates.
Photos/submitted
