Tongdangjove and her chef/husband Pom Tongdangjove, opened Banana Leaf in early August, and already the restaurant has become known for specials like Banana Leaf Pizza and Spicy Mason Noodle.
“We cut the noodles for our dishes on site and we created the Spicy Mason Noodle in honor of the people who live here in town,” Tongdangjove said.
All dishes can be ordered in varying degrees of spice with a number three being a safe medium, for heat. The Spicy Mason Noodle features pan fried noodles tossed with egg, broccoli, onion, carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers, fresh basil, chicken and shrimp. In a surprising twist, the entree is then served on modern white china creating an urban feel as the classic flavors unfold in your mouth.
The Banana Leaf pizza is a healthier version of the American favorite as it’s covered with a homemade plum sauce instead of tomato, and is topped with cucumbers, bean sprouts, cilantro and marinated grilled chicken.
The extensive menu is rounded out with several curry choices, homemade Thai soups, lettuce wraps, and specialty desserts such as the Lychee Ice Cream which provides the palate with a distinctive taste of the tropics.
Diners will enjoy the atmosphere inside Banana Leaf, as the restaurant is housed in a historical home, built in 1877. Instead of one large dining area, there are several smaller dining rooms on two floors. Each room boasts traditional Thai decor such as teak artwork carved from the wood of the country’s Royal Forest and beautiful Thai tapestries that adorn the walls.
Outside, there are two eating areas with the sun patio in the back, overlooking a small garden and waterfall and the shade patio on the side that has the feel of an open breeze way at one’s home. While the shade patio sits close to Mason’s main street, decorative plants and ironwork block out much of the noise.
Although Banana Leaf doesn’t offer daily specials, they do have limited menu offerings and seasonal items which have proven to be customer favorites. There is also an upstairs lounge area and while the Tongdangjoves are still waiting for their liquor license, for a small corking fee patrons can bring their own bottle until the bar opens in a few weeks. Free WiFi is available on site and the small dining rooms can be rented out for private parties with advance notice. Reservations are accepted and recommended on weekend nights. Carryout is available except between the peak hours of 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
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