This California restaurateur is among the best new chefs in the US, Food & Wine says
_fitted.png "Food & Wine released its list of the best new chefs in the country. Chef and owner Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai in Los Angeles was included.")
A California chef made Food & Wine’s best new chefs in 2022 list for a restaurant he grew up working in.
Food & Wine released its list on Monday, Sept. 12, and it features 11 chefs across the U.S. “whose food is highly personal, unapologetic, and extremely fun.”
Justin Pichetrungsi, chef and owner of Anajak Thai in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood in Los Angeles, made his mark.
Anajak Thai initially opened in 1981 by Pichetrungsi’s father. Pichetrungsi grew up working in the Thai restaurant, so he eventually took it over when his father was unable to run it, according to Food & Wine.
He has kept some of his father’s recipes, like cashew chicken and garlic pad siew, but has also added his own touch and recipes to the place.
For instance, Pichetrungsi started Thai Taco Tuesdays after the pandemic.
The restaurant also offers a 14-course outdoor omakase every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the alley.
“A meal here is sensory overload, in the best of ways,” according to the the restaurant’s website.
The dinner menu includes pineapple-glazed pork ribs, Southern-Thai fried chicken, haw mok — a steamed fish curry custard — and pad Thai.
The Los Angeles Times recognized Anajak Thai as restaurant of the year in July.
This story was originally published September 12, 2022 at 2:36 PM with the headline "This California restaurateur is among the best new chefs in the US, Food & Wine says."
