Thai Street Food By Chef Eddy: From Food Truck to Brick-and-Mortar in Pensacola
The vibrant culinary scene in Pensacola is about to get even more exciting with the anticipated opening of Thai Street Food By Chef Eddy as a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Located at 4400 Bayou Blvd. Suite 55, this new establishment is set to welcome diners early next year, bringing with it the authentic flavors of Thailand that have captivated food truck patrons since its inception.
The Journey of Chef Ratchakrit Wilertthada
Chef Ratchakrit Wilertthada, affectionately known as Chef Eddy, has been a culinary force in Pensacola since launching his food truck in 2023. With a rich background in five-star restaurants and hotels in Thailand, Chef Eddy has brought a wealth of experience and passion for Thai cuisine to the local food scene. His food truck quickly gained a loyal following, thanks to his dedication to quality ingredients and traditional recipes.
A Menu to Savor
The success of the food truck can be attributed to Chef Eddy’s signature dishes, which include drunken noodles, pad Thai, and a variety of flavorful curries. As he transitions to a full-service restaurant, Chef Eddy promises to expand the menu significantly. In addition to the beloved traditional dishes, he plans to introduce an array of seafood offerings that showcase the rich flavors of Thai cuisine. Diners can look forward to dishes featuring sea scallops, soft-shell crab, and New Zealand mussels, all seasoned with authentic ingredients imported directly from Thailand.
In Chef Eddy’s own words, “We have built our reputation by making every dish from quality ingredients. For this new restaurant, in addition to the traditional dishes that our customers love, we will also add seafood dishes with traditional Thai flavors that you have never found anywhere else.”
A Dining Experience Like No Other
One of the primary motivations behind opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant is to enhance the dining experience for customers. While operating a food truck has its charm, it also comes with limitations. Chef Eddy envisions a space where patrons can enjoy their meals in a comfortable atmosphere, complete with music, sports, and the joy of dining with friends and family. The new restaurant will initially feature 70 indoor seats, with plans to add an additional 70 outdoor seats in the future.
“Selling food from a food truck has many limitations that cannot meet the needs of customers,” Chef Eddy explained. “To give our customers more options, they can enjoy the atmosphere, music, sports, have fun with friends and family, and of course, eating your special food while it is still hot will make it more enjoyable.”
Exciting New Dishes on the Horizon
As the restaurant prepares to open, Chef Eddy is excited to unveil new culinary creations. Among the highlights will be his famous soft-shell crab with black pepper, shrimp and scallops stir-fried with curry powder, and red snapper with three-flavor chili sauce. With over a hundred dishes planned, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Anticipation Builds for the Grand Opening
Currently undergoing renovations, the new restaurant is on track to open its doors in January. Chef Eddy expresses his eagerness to reconnect with his loyal customers and welcomes new diners to experience his culinary creations. “I feel like everyone is waiting for me to come back, and I’m excited to see them again. And another thing is that this is my dream,” he shared. “To be able to do something that we’ve dreamed of, it’s so exciting that I can’t describe it.”
Stay Connected
For those eager to stay updated on the restaurant’s progress and opening date, following Thai Street Food By Chef Eddy on social media is a great way to receive real-time updates. Additionally, food enthusiasts can subscribe to the Pensacola Eats newsletter, which delivers the latest restaurant news directly to their inbox every Wednesday.
As Chef Eddy prepares to take this exciting step in his culinary journey, the Pensacola community eagerly awaits the chance to savor the authentic flavors of Thailand in a new, inviting setting. With a commitment to quality and a passion for food, Thai Street Food By Chef Eddy is poised to become a beloved dining destination in the heart of Pensacola.