Wednesday, July 16, 2003

To Thai or Not to Thai

Papaya Thai chef Narit Keesiri, Nick to the staff, would like to invite Fayette County to a party. It's Papaya's Seafood Party, and it's Keesiri's favorite dish to cook and eat. With a fresh seafood mix of shrimp, calamari, red snapper, mussel and scallop sauteed with broccoli, snow peas, carrots, basil, ginger and hot peppers in a slightly spicy sauce, this is a party worth attending.

Papaya's Seafood Party is one of server Christian Spring favorite dishes, as well, but he's also partial to the scallops and shrimp. Among customers, "The duck is popular."

Papaya Duck has a mild curry flavor, sweet with coconut milk. It's crispy texture, along with the mix of flavors provide for fulfillment of several taste sensations.

Last Friday, regular customer Crystal Huempfner, who works nearby in the Kedron Kroger pharmacy, dined on Masaman Curry. Huempfner says, "You should try their Papaya Crab and Salmon. That's one of my favorites. I've been to other Thai places, but I like to come here."

While there are dishes like Seafood Party, the cool patio-like tiled atmosphere at Papaya Thai is better suited to conversation and relaxation. "It's quiet, but really nice. I like a lot of their food. It's nutricious. It always tastes good. I've never had anything I didn't like. And they recognize me when I walk in the door," says Huempfner.

Because owners Tom and Tina Chen have lived in Peachtree City for the last four years, they know many of their customers. Some of their neighbors are regulars.

With over 20 years in the restaurant business, both in their native country of Taiwan and here, the Chens are pleased to be able to offer service and delicious cuisine locally. Shares Tina Chen, "We like this area so much. It's a good location with good people and good schools." The Chens have two sons in high school in Peachtree City.

"It's a very relaxed city. I like it here," explains Tom Chen. That relaxed environment is what Tina Chen set out to do when she personally decorated her restaurant. The tropical floral upholstery with cherry wood and tile walls, was meant to invoke Thailand and an indoor dining experience that feels like a sidewalk cafe.

More important to Tina than the decor is the food. "Everything is quality. We get deliveries straight from the farmer's market."

The name and logo of Papaya Thai have special meaning for Tina Chen. "Papaya is a fruit, but it's good for you. We want customers to know that our food is healthy. We don't use MSG."

She continued, "It's great for dieters, because it is low fat and has a lot of vegetables. It doesn't sacrifice any flavor, because of our Thai spices."

Papaya Thai customers do return. Last week, one customer was in for four visits, bringing different friends or family with him each time. "He always orders Masaman Curry," shared Tina Chen. Tina likes to recommend specials and her favorite, Papaya Sea Bass, to customers.

Papaya Thai is open seven days a week, and offers free delivery on orders over $10.00. It's located in the Kedron Kroger plaza at the corner of Peachtree Parkway and Highway 74 in Peachtree City. Call 678-364-0775 for information or to place a to go order.

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