Thai Restaurant Now Has A Twin
Illawarra Mercury
Wednesday June 25, 2008
Jasmine Rice II offers the same great food and service as the original eatery, but with a modern twist, says KILMENY ADIE.
One of Wollongong's most popular Thai restaurants has opened a second eatery to keep its ever-expanding customer base happy.Jasmine Rice owner Pawin Sukapojana recently opened Jasmine Rice II on Flinders St after he found he was constantly turning patrons away from his original Corrimal St restaurant.The new restaurant boasts a dramatic new modern look, outdoor seating - and in a departure from the popular style of the original eatery - no floor cushions.At least, there is no floor seating yet. If Jasmine Rice II is successful, Sukapojana says, there is a plan to expand the sister business further and add a cushioned section."We have been in the business for about 14 years now and the first business just grew up and so we decided to open a second one," Sukapojana says. "This is more like a modern Thai restaurant and something special."The menu has been revised for Jasmine Rice II and it boasts a number of new dishes to suit the restaurant's modern look. Among the new options are dishes like Siam salmon ($19.90), a char-grilled salmon fillet topped with crushed cashew nuts, chilli paste sauce and mixed vegetables, and black pepper and garlic scampi ($19.90) which are battered, deep fried and cooked with a garlic and black pepper sauce."I tried to make the menu a little different," Sukapojana says. "About 60-70 per cent of the dishes are the same but we've created new dishes as well. About 30 per cent are new dishes."The restaurant - located in front of the Flinders Motel - is also opening for breakfast on weekends offering a range of continental and traditional English breakfast options for hotel visitors as well as Jasmine Rice II customers. Sukapojana, whose sister McKenzie Thompson manages the restaurant, says the location in front of the motel was idea for Jasmine Rice II as there were not many other eateries along the Flinders St strip. It was also ideal for patrons of the North Wollongong Hotel, university students and nearby residents.In planning the restaurant's interior decoration Sukapojana says he knew exactly what look he was trying to achieve and is pleased with the dark chocolate and timber finish.The outside seating, he says, on a balcony overlooking Flinders St, is certain to be popular all year round as there are blinds and heaters installed to keep off the winter chill.Jasmine Rice II19 Flinders St (in front of Flinders Motel).Ph: 4228 8811.Licensed and BYO (wine only).Open: Tuesday-Sunday from 11.30am-2.30pm and 5.30pm-10pm. Breakfasts 6.30am-10.30am weekends.
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