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Coming Soon: Tom Yum District Recognized throughout the Washington, D.C. region for their modern take on Thai cuisine, Chef Aulie Bunyaratapan and Restaurateur Mel Oursinsiri announce the opening of Tom Yum District this June. Tom Yum District will offer fresh casual dining with a menu featuring customizable, made-to-order rice and noodle bowls rooted in authentic and traditional Thai flavors served in a modern way. The restaurant is located at 1515 Wilson Blvd. in the heart of Rosslyn, just three blocks away from the Rosslyn Metro stop. Guests will choose from four bases, four grilled proteins, five sauces and 10 toppings designed to be mixed and matched to create countless menu combinations. Highlights of the menu include their signature Tom Yum chili paste as well as other house made marinades and sauces including their exclusive green Sriracha sauce. The open design of the kitchen will allow guests to see their meal being cooked in a traditional stir-fry wok or on a plancha (flat top grill), which cooks proteins faster and more evenly than an open flame grill. A specially curated beverage menu includes roasted coconut juice typically found exclusively in Asian markets, toasted rice flavored green tea, as well as Thai tea in bottles, Thai beers as well as fountain drinks. Prices for the bowls range from $6.75-7.95. The restaurant is designed to immerse diners in the culture of Thailand in a fresh and high energy, modern setting while going beyond the typical casual dining experience. Modern influences of dark and light colored woods, exposed drop lighting, cast concrete and raw metal are playfully set off by accents of magenta and yellow, two colors prominent in Thai culture. A geometric mural of black and white original photos depicting iconic Thai imagery and textured architectural elements inspired by a popular Thai carving are just a sampling of the East meets West influences evident throughout the restaurant. The restaurant will seat 49 people via individual tables and high-top communal seating. Environmentally-friendly materials include renowned designer Philippe Starck’s Emeco chairs made of recycled Coke bottles and WaterSense certified water faucets designed to reduce water usage. Aulie and Mel are the husband and wife duo behind two of the region’s most successful Thai restaurants, Bangkok Joe’s in Georgetown and T.H.A.I in Shirlington in Arlington. They have elevated the reputation of Thai food that rivals fine-dining restaurants in taste and presentation. Chef Aulie is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, the organization for women leaders in the culinary world, and has served as a Culinary Advisor to the Royal Thai Embassy. Visit www.tomyumdistrict.com or call 703-528-THAI (8424). Tom Yum District will be open daily from 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.