January 14, 2011 THAI TIME By AMY NICHOLSON Standard-Examiner correspondent Raphagsa Somcharee said she loves to cook, but running a restaurant is a different story. Before coming to Utah in 2007, Somcharee owned a restaurant in Thailand. She did not think she would open another restaurant in America because of the long hours of work involved, but changed her mind after visiting with a friend who owns a Thai restaurant in Salt Lake City. In September 2010, Somcharee opened the doors to Aroy-D Thai Cuisine. She uses her own recipes, but says she modified them to be more suitable to local preferences. She prepares dishes less spicy than she normally would — unless the customer requests more spice — since traditional Thai food is very hot. Somcharee's menu includes an assortment of soups, such as Chicken Spicy and Sour ($6), with mushrooms, cilantro, fresh chilies, tomatoes, red onions and lime juice; Chicken Coconut Milk ($6), in a creamy, spicy base; and Clear Soup ($5), with glass noodles, fresh tofu, Napa cabbage, cilantro, pepper and garlic. The Green Papaya Salad ($9) is a big hit, served with shredded green papaya in a spicy Thai chili sauce over sticky rice and fresh cabbage. Lunch combination plates ($7) include a cup of Clear Soup, steamed rice, a spring roll and choice of two entrees. For those who enjoy a little spice, popular picks include the Basil Stir Fry Chicken, made with fresh hot peppers, green beans, zucchini, bell peppers, onions and Thai basil; or Ginger Stir Fry Chicken, with ginger, onion, soy sauce, mushrooms, green onions and bell peppers. A more mild option is the Sweet and Sour Stir Fry Chicken, with tomatoes, pineapple, baby corn, onion, green onion, bell pepper and cucumber in a sweet and sour sauce. Customers also enjoy Somcharee's red and green curry dishes, such as the Gang Dang ($10), featuring a choice of meat in coconut milk with bell peppers, zucchini, bamboo shoots and Thai basil. For dessert, she recommends the Sticky Rice with Mango ($4), a sweet sticky rice prepared with coconut milk and topped with fresh mango, or the Fried Bananas with Ice Cream ($4). Somcharee is committed to using fresh natural ingredients and says she does not use monosodium glutamate (MSG). 210