Wendy DamonteChannel 2 News
In a gas station parking lot sits a small restaurant whose owners have huge hearts.
Inside Simply Thai, you are transported to the other side of the world. The décor is charming. Expressions of Thailand are everywhere. It's a place you want to sit and stay awhile.
Sai Halepe first opened A Taste of Thai in south Reno. He sold that to one of his employees back in 2004. He and his wife live in Spanish Springs and realized there wasn't a Thai restaurant for miles around. So they opened one.
"I talked to my wife. People don't have to go all the way downtown and spend money on gas. We have good Thai food in this area."
They make all their sauces in house. The food is all fresh and the flavors are crisp and bright.
The crab curry is creamy and mild. And the spicy noodles have a good kick at the end.
But the chef can make any dish as hot or mild as you like. And while the food looks like a diet splurge, it's surprisingly healthy. "Most likely they use less oil, lot of herbs and it's very healthy."
The food is as unique as the people who make it. Sai and his wife, Kai, were pen pals for seven years before they met. He lived in Burma. She was in Thailand.
Sai eventually fled his homeland because of the oppressive government. He traveled to Thailand and met Kai face-to-face. They fell in love and eventually moved to the United States. But Sai has never forgotten the Burmese children. He sends money back to an organization focused on education for children along the Burma-Thailand border.
He also supports American children - hosting school fundraisers for elementary schools in Spanish Springs. And when he's not here serving food, he's a substitute teacher helping kids learn math.
At Simply Thai, they're simply trying to make the world a better place.
Simply Thai is open daily from 11am to 9pm. They also have lunch specials Monday through Friday from 11am to 3pm. Simply Thai is located at 15 Eagle Canyon Dr. St. 101. The phone number is 775-425-5000.
