Pon Thai Bistro opened in late November in the former Stoli space in Brookline Village, according to the new restaurant's website, which promises three things: "Balance. Depth. Flavor." Also noted: "Bold Thai flavors" and wines that go well with food — "higher acidity, lower alcohol, not your typical varietals!"
Originally reported to be called Pon's Kitchen, the 30-seat restaurant ("and an intimate bar") is owned by Sivika "Pon" Hunter, who, according to the website, is "classically trained in French cuisine and sauces, but grounded in her native Thai cuisine."
On the menu, there are some familiar staples of Thai restaurants in America: grilled chicken satay, tom yum and tom kha soups, drunken noodles, pad thai. But diners will also find options like grilled marinated Thai-style cornish hen (cabbage slaw, sticky rice, tamarind sauce), seared duck breast and confit leg red curry (peapod, cauliflower, butternut, red pepper, Thai basil, jasmine rice), and tuna, fluke, and salmon crudo (avocado, chive, spicy chili-lime dressing).
The beer, wine, and cocktail list is meant to play nicely with Thai spices, and there's an emphasis on the lack of oak in the wine section. Cocktails range from the tea-infused vodka-based Pon Tea, a "robust take on Thai iced tea" to the Desert Sunset, a citrusy tequila-and-rum drink.
Pon Thai Bistro is open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday (lunch until 5 p.m.), and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday (lunch until 5 p.m.)
Pon Thai Bistro
213 Washington Street
Brookline, MA 02445
(617) 608-3593
