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Old 08-05-2009, 10:41 PM   #1
garysanfran
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Default Wonderful food at Choa Pra Ya!

I tried Choa Pra Ya late last June. Docked at The Weirs. I was the only customer there at about 6:30 (Thursday, I think).

I ordered a sea food dish and was suspect that, with so few customers, the seafood would not be fresh, but I was wrong! This dish (don't remember the name) was exceptional! Scallops were sweet, the shrimp was perfect. And unlike most Thai restaurants, they don't use a lot of coconut milk. I don't think my dish had any. It is unique and well prepared food.

I complemented the staff on the wonderful meal and they lamented they didn't think they would remain open long because of lack of business. I'm happy to see they are still there. I will return in September.
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Old 08-18-2009, 09:59 PM   #2
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Thumbs up Great Food But No Customers

My wife and I finally had a chance today to try Chao Pra Ya for lunch. It was really outstanding. From the Lunch Specials we had the Squid Pad Ginger for $9.95 and the Chicken Pra Ram for $7.95. Both came with a ginger salad, pot stickers and rice. The squid was tender and flavorful as were the veggies they were stir fried with. My wife was very happy with the Chicken dish although I was so busy with mine that I never tasted it.

Even though the food was great we were the only ones there for the entire meal. When we left we asked them how business was and they said that we were the only customers they had today. They are open for lunch from 11 to 3 and we left around 2:30. Not good.

Trying to find some good news I asked if they did well with take-out business but they said no. We also suggested that they should be open on Sunday but they said they tried that and no one came in.

I think one of their problems is that they do little to draw in all the drive-by traffic. There should be changeable sign at the curb with a daily special and their message board on the pole should say "Lunch Specials". Instead you hardly notice the place as you drive by.

If you like Thai I highly recommend that you try it. You'll get great service and food. Just do it soon, unless they somehow attract customers very quickly I don't see how they will survive.
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Old 08-19-2009, 05:52 PM   #3
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Default This is a special and unique place...

I love the food here. It's not overly-sweetened with coconut milk like so many Thai restaurants. Very fresh! The well spiced food makes up for the somewhat bland environs.

Although Waldo Peppers survived here for years, it's not a good location. Very bad visibility, but they do have parking and it's very walkable from The Weirs docks. It's a nice bit of culinary diversity for the area.
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Old 08-19-2009, 07:10 PM   #4
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Default too bad

Quote:
Originally Posted by Don View Post
My wife and I finally had a chance today to try Chao Pra Ya for lunch. It was really outstanding. From the Lunch Specials we had the Squid Pad Ginger for $9.95 and the Chicken Pra Ram for $7.95. Both came with a ginger salad, pot stickers and rice. The squid was tender and flavorful as were the veggies they were stir fried with. My wife was very happy with the Chicken dish although I was so busy with mine that I never tasted it.

Even though the food was great we were the only ones there for the entire meal. When we left we asked them how business was and they said that we were the only customers they had today. They are open for lunch from 11 to 3 and we left around 2:30. Not good.

Trying to find some good news I asked if they did well with take-out business but they said no. We also suggested that they should be open on Sunday but they said they tried that and no one came in.

I think one of their problems is that they do little to draw in all the drive-by traffic. There should be changeable sign at the curb with a daily special and their message board on the pole should say "Lunch Specials". Instead you hardly notice the place as you drive by.

If you like Thai I highly recommend that you try it. You'll get great service and food. Just do it soon, unless they somehow attract customers very quickly I don't see how they will survive.
What a sad post.
I mean, someone invested time, money, and hard work...and to watch it fizzle out must be tough.
Based on this post, I would assume we will see three businesses in this same location close in three years. Not good.
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Old 08-19-2009, 11:01 PM   #5
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Default Sushi

I assume they still serve sushi? I dont feel that great about going there for it now....
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Old 08-20-2009, 08:56 AM   #6
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Default

I've had the sushi a few times and it has always been very fresh.

They must have done a little better yesterday then when you were there the day before. When I went to pick up take-out there were 2 tables full and someone else waiting for take-out. Not a great day but not as bad as one customer all day.

I mentioned in another thread on them but I'll mention it again here, they are now providing free salads with the lunch specials. It's the best ginger dressing I've ever had!
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Old 09-02-2009, 06:09 PM   #7
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Default Best kept secret in The Lakes Region!

My family and I have been to the Thai and Sushi restaurant many times this summer and love it.* I have not seen it really busy but have been in a couple times when people were coming in for take out.* We think it is great.* The food is fantastic, the atmosphere is quaint and the prices are in line with other Thai restaurants.* They really should do some advertising.* I have talked with locals who say they have never heard of it.* This place has the potential to do a great business, but they have not advertised.* Well worth a visit and you will be hooked too!
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Old 08-19-2009, 11:49 PM   #8
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Default I Wouldn't Count Them Out....

Quote:
Originally Posted by sa meredith View Post
What a sad post.
I mean, someone invested time, money, and hard work...and to watch it fizzle out must be tough.
Based on this post, I would assume we will see three businesses in this same location close in three years. Not good.
From where I can see, they are serving a great product, #1! Last time I checked, Gas Stations were #1 in the top ten in new businesses to fail within the first year. #2 were restaurants.
My hope is that they knew the land, so to speak, before they opened, and have the financial resources in place to make it over the hump, and including this horrific economic climate.
I wish them the best, and if I still lived right down the street from them, I would be in to help them out!
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