West Seattle restaurants: Bang Bar’s pre-opening party

(Photos by Bill “Hutch” Hutchison for WSB)
Competition? It was all friendly at the about-to-open Bang Bar Restaurant and Lounge in The Junction last night, as owners Kay Fuengarom and Aom Tiacharoenwat were joined by (at right) Buddha Ruksa‘s owner Anucha Onongard. Before Bang Bar’s planned Friday night “soft opening” (dinner only) to the public – first reported here on Sunday – the new “Modern Thai” restaurant hosted family, friends, and fellow restaurateurs for an invitation-only party. More photos ahead:

Family members on hand to wish the owners well included Kay’s sister Ora and brother-in-law Jeff, both West Seattleites, and Kay’s parents, according to WSB contributor Bill “Hutch” Hutchison, who’s been reporting on this new venue since February. Speaking of parents …

That’s Scott and Tina Small, so proud of their daughter Jessica’s new job at Bang Bar that they drove down from Whidbey Island to join the party. If you missed our previous stories, Bang Bar is opening in the space that used to hold Tom Yum Koong, which closed this past Valentine’s Day (its ownership still runs Tangerine Thai on the eastside).

A neighbor June 7, 2011 (7:52 pm)

I am looking forward to trying it! I know that many of us in the area have been looking fwd to both Bang Bar and A Terrible Beauty. I have one request and that is that staff keep it down as they’re in the alley taking their break; they have been fairly loud the past few nights. Thanks!

Dan June 7, 2011 (10:14 pm)

I was fortunate enough to attend Bangbar’s pre-opening party. West seattle is in for a real treat. The interior is rich and beautiful, the staff is talented and friendly, and the food is amazing – unlike any Thai food I’ve ever had before (and I’ve had a LOT of Thai food). The food is a gourmet twist on ‘traditional’ Thai food. My understanding is that the chef is from Thailand, and was trained in Europe. I personally ate my weight’s worth in extra large scallops with lime foam, and the green tea tiramisu was a mind-blowing surprise.

Guess I’ll be spending lots of time driving between Ballard and West Seattle very soon.

Sandra June 8, 2011 (12:09 am)

I was at the open house party as well. I was very impressed with how the party was organized. Everything seems to be perfect, the food, the servers, the drinks, the wine, just everything. I’ll definitely be one of bang bar’s regulars. West Seattle is so lucky to have you here.

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