Mission
"I want Americans to think of Thai food as one of the world's great cuisines, deserving a greater level of respect than it gets now. My hope is that as people realize there's more to it than what we get in the West, the demand will grow for a greater variety of high-quality Thai food in the U.S."
Empire
In Portland, OR: Pok Pok, Pok Pok Noi, Whiskey Soda Lounge, and Ping. Opening soon in New York City: Pok Pok NY, Pok Pok Wing (pokpokpdx.com)
Inspiration
A mushroom curry (made without coconut milk) that blew his mind during a backpacking trip to Thailand in 1987
Signature Drink
House-label Som drinking vinegars (available at shop.pokpoksom.com)
Marquee Award
The James Beard Foundation Best Chef: Northwest 2011
Tattoo
A traditional mortar and pestle, Thai herbs, and chiles on his right forearm