People in the outer burbs are always wishing they had more “authentic” food like they serve at hip-urban restaurants. Well, now Bristow residents can enjoy freshly made, authentic Thai food at Thai Peppers at Bristow Center.
Thai Peppers Bristow opened their doors in April of 2011 and have been growing ever since.
“It’s (a good location) because families are growing, and it’s a growing community. There are no real authentic Thai restaurants in the Bristow area,” said Tasneeya "Tas" Gordon, who is co-owner of the Thai restaurant, along with her mother, Ranu, and brother, Vatunyu.
The family opened the new location as a sister restaurant to Thai Peppers in Del Ray, where the family worked alongside Gordon's uncle at the trendy Alexandria staple for over 15 years.
Gordon said she and her mother decided to start their own restaurant, because living in Bristow and Gainesville, they grew tired of the daily commute. When space became available in Bristow Commons, they seized the opportunity.
Gordon believes they opened at an ideal time. Thai food has experienced a sharp rise in popularity over the past ten years, and customers were waiting for one to come to the area.
Gordon credits the popularity of Thai food to the bold flavors, fresh ingredients and light preparation, which satisfies health conscious people. She also believes the American palette has acquired a taste for spicy cooking.
Though some still shy away from more fiery dishes, Gordon has been pleasantly surprised to find that many of her guests actually prefer “Thai hot” and “twice Thai hot." While Pad Thai still remains a favorite, people are trying new entrees too, such as duck rolls, steamed dumplings and their "Seafood Paradise."
Gordon is encouraged at the quick growth the restaurant has experienced.
“We have a lot of regulars that really, really want us to stay,” Gordon said.
She believes those loyal customers appreciate how her second-generation Thai family produces authentic Thai recipes, right down to creating their own freshly prepared sauces, which is not something that can be easily matched at a franchise, Gordon said.
She also encourages people who have only tasted American prepared Thai dishes to try the real thing, which she believes is much better.
Not that everyone in Bristow is a Thai connoisseur just yet. Occasionally Gordon has a newcomer inquiring, “What is Thai food?”
For those individuals, she provides an education along with a well-prepared meal. She explains Thai is Asian food that also tends to be saucy and spicy. She and her wait staff are happy to talk people through the menu, and find out which meals best suit their taste. It is a service Gordon does not mind offering, hoping that one day people will be as familiar with Thai food as they have become with Chinese or Mexican.
“I think some people are afraid of Thai food, because it’s spicy, but we can alter it,” Gordon said.
In fact, Thai Peppers prides itself on being flexible and offering vegan and gluten-free food.
Gordon is also proud of the restaurant's atmosphere which is both warm and modern.
“We wanted it to be comfortable, so customers wouldn't feel rushed,” Gordon said, of the versatile decor, appropriate for both date night and family nights out.
The restaurant has a full bar and outdoor seating. Customers can also pick up or have their food delivered.
Now that Bristow has a authentic Thai restaurant, residents can feel a little more cosmopolitan. What's next for Bristow? Maybe Indian or Ethiopian?
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