Not long ago, we got a note from “Chef Pop,” introducing himself as new owner of the former Boontin (and before that, Olarn) Thai restaurant across from West Seattle Nursery, saying he was new to West Seattle and trying to find out more about the community. His is one of the few restaurants open Christmas Day – list here – so it seemed like a good time to introduce you to him.
Story and photo by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
“Pop,” the owner of the new Thaitan Restaurant (formerly Boontin Thai), explains that the name of his restaurant is pronounced “Titan,” like the powerful mythological deities. This cross-cultural playfulness finds its way onto the menu as well, where Pop, whose wife is Vietnamese, offers pho along with the usual Thai dishes. He notes that offering pho has led to “a good combination for what people want.”
Pop came to the Puget Sound region in 1998 to study automotive technology at Lake Washington Technical College. He came to this area because his mother, who owns a restaurant in Thailand, had friends here. It didn’t take long for him to realize he really disliked automotive technology, and really loved working in restaurants. Taking his skills from working in his mother’s restaurant, he worked in a variety of Thai restaurants in Seattle, Bellevue and Ballard. His goal however, was to “cook my own food for people.”
When he found out the Boontin Thai restaurant was for sale, he grabbed the opportunity to become a restaurant owner.
He bought the building in November of this year, and in three days was moved in and ready for business. His vision is to take the best of what he’s learned over the years to create a tasty and enjoyable dining experience.
He notes that his “specialty” is Pad Thai, but insists that everyone should try the salads as well—especially the spicy beef salad. Though they may change a bit, he promises they will always be “authentic Thai.” He does a vegetarian version of the Larb salad—normally made with lettuce leaves, lemon, mint, peppery spices and ground lamb, Pop replaces the lamb with tofu. Other vegetarian options are also on the menu.
Notable is that Thaitan offers free delivery service within an approximate 3-mile range. For larger orders, they’re willing to go a bit further for delivery.
Thaitan’s hours are 11 am-9:30 pm daily and they are keeping those regular hours Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Pop is clearly excited about his new venture and invites everyone to “come and try the food!”
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