Bright orange walls, white table cloths, and a row of oriental pillows greet customers to the newly opened Thai Tanic restaurant in Destin. The building, located at 107 Harbor Blvd, has seen many businesses in the past few years, but new owner, Pam Kyser hopes her new business venture, Thai Tanic, will garner staying power.
“We picked the name because we wanted something kind of catchy,” said Kyser. “I like it and you are supposed to do what you like.”
Kyser, originally from northern Thailand, has lived in the area for 20 years and also operates Mai Thai Lounge, a cocktail bar in Fort Walton Beach. Thai Tanic is Kyser’s first restaurant and she told The Log she opened it for the pure reason that she wanted to try her hand at something new.
“I do hair, Mai Thai Lounge, sell clothes, and now the restaurant. I wanted to try it out, I’ve done everything but restaurants and I enjoy it,” said Kyser.
When asked what sets Thai Tanic apart from other area Thai restaurants, Kyser gave a two-part reply saying it is both the food and the atmosphere.
“Everything we use is fresh,” said Kyser. “We put in a lot of fresh herbs and Chef Moo has been doing this all his life.”
As for the atmosphere, Kyser said she just wanted a place for people to come eat good food and feel relaxed.
“You can mingle here, come with your friends and just mingle and relax,” she said.
Thai Tanic’s lunch menu displays 12 meal choices for the price of $7.95 and most everything on the dinner menu is under $10. The menu is conveniently broken down into food styles such as curry and noodles and even offers a variety of vegan options. Items can be ordered at four different spice levels ranging from mild to Thai hot.
“We try to present good food, and we try to do upper class but at a good price,” said Kyser.
Thai Tanic seats about 40 people and offers both sit-in dining and take-out.
“Come out and try us out,” said Kyser, “Don’t order what you would always order, try everything and explore yourself.”
For more information visit www.facebook.com/thaitanicdestin or call 460-8314.