Things in the West End food scene are about to heat up, as one of Vancouver's most celebrated chefs reveals he's at work at a new restaurant showcasing the flavours of northeastern Thailand.
Chef and restaurateur Angus An, who operates award-winning spots Maenam, Fat Mao, and Longtail Kitchen under the Full House Hospitality banner, is prepping his latest venture, called Sainam.
Sainam will be moving in at 1235 Davie St, taking over the space previously occupied by Davie Dosa Company, which shut down last fall.
For Sainam, An will feature the bold, bright dishes of Thailand's Issan region, with signature menu items on deck like Som Tum (Papaya Salad) and Gai Yang (Grilled Chicken).
Leading the kitchen is current Maenam sou chef Poom Sikarin Sirisupanon. The Isaan region native, hailing from Khon Kaen, will be in the role of Head Chef for Sainam.
An is a big fan of Isaan fare. "It's so distinct from other parts of Thailand with its robust flavours and rustic styles," An said in a media release announcing Sainam. In fact, An's home in Thailand is only about one-and-a-half hours from Isaan.
"I visit the cities there often, most recently Korat, Wechanburi, and Khao Yai this past December. I can’t wait to share our love for Isaan with everyone very soon at Sainam,” added An.
The new restaurant is 1,200 square feet with room for 40 seats, and An is working with his team on the interior design, though the plan is to lean on the expertise and success of a previous iteration of the space. Before 1235 Davie St was home to the Davie Dosa Company (which opened in 2017), the address was the longtime home of Café Luxy, a beloved West End Italian restaurant since the 1990s.
Café Luxy's interiors were the work of local architect Scott Cohen, with whom An worked on the designs of his restaurant Gastropod, which gave way to Maenam in the same West 4th Avenue spot. For Sainam, the team will restore "the room back to its former glory while giving it a playful and colourful enegery that reflects the spirit of Isaan," according to the opening announcement.
Follow Sainam on its road to opening this spring on Instagram @sainamrestaurant.
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