Openings: Tuk Tuk Real
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
Thai-Mexican and a battle for head chef.
Okay, so Tuk Tuk Real is a new Thai-Mexican concept coming to 429 South Street next month. The concept is pretty straight forward, "a taqueria that merges Thai and Mexican influences and ingredients" according to the press release.
But Tuk Tuk Real is a little more complicated than South of the border meets Southeast Asian fusion.
The restaurant is a collaboration between Circles Thai chef Alex Boonphaya and his sous chef Silvestre Rincon. The name stems from a mash up of Rincon's favorite soccer team (Real Madrid) and Boonphaya's preferred Thai ride (a tuk tuk).
Boonphaya and Rincon have decided to make it interesting and battle for the title of head chef in a culinary competition that they're calling a Knife Fight. Here's the info:
Chefs Boonphaya and Rincon will showcase their new menu during a Knife Fight at Circles (812 N. 2nd St.) in NoLibs, where 45 diners will judge each of the chefs' dishes during a 6-course dinner for $40 per person, on Thursday, July 24th at 6:30 p.m. The chef whose dishes score the highest points wins a Korin Japanese chef knife and the title of Executive Chef at Tuk Tuk Real. Guests will not know which chef conceived which dish until after the ballots are tabulated and the winner is announced.
Here are the ingredients that will be used for the Knife Fight (each chef must use each of the ingredients in their menu):
Oregano
Tarragon
Cactus
Poblano Peppers
Lemongrass
Thai Chilies
Coconut
Maitake Mushrooms
Tortillas
