Pure and simple. Those two words encompass Bangkok Five’s stunning ambiance and world-renowned cuisine. A loyal army of repeat customers flocks to the quiet sanctuary year in and year out to savor authentic Thai recipes showcased with lime, coconut, lemongrass, ginger, and other fresh aromatics. Food writers from Estelle Shanley of The Desert Sun to Steve Cuozzo of the New York Post have sung the restaurant’s praises, citing Bangkok Five’s brilliant use of spices such as tamarind, garlic, cilantro, and chile to provide layers of sensual appreciation to otherwise straightforward meats and vegetables. Food is cooked to order with the customer controlling the degree of heat. While the spices tickle your taste buds, Bangkok Five’s crisp and contemporary décor offers up a clean palette for your other senses. Almost as if by magic, when the sun goes down, Bangkok Five comes alive with diffused ambient lighting gently washing over terra-cotta pottery perched against crisp white walls. The effect is serene elegance. The restaurant’s distinctive architecture and interiors are by noted Los Angeles designer Kerry Joyce, selected for six years running by House Beautiful as a Design Star. The signature look he created is what Metropolitan Home Magazine calls “a juxtaposition of elegance and restraint that still feels inviting and casual.” Owners Lucky and Jan Teachanarong are proud of their legions of “wonderful customers” who have become friends after frequenting the restaurant since the doors first opened in their original location 17 years ago. Each year in April, the couple quietly invites regulars to donate to a needy public school they support in Thailand. This year, their fans contributed $15,000 more than last year for a total of $57,000! Not only do customers welcome being asked, some are hurt when they are not included. Lucky swears he’ll put everyone’s name on an e-mail list for next year. The restaurant features a full bar, centerpiece outdoor atrium, and chic indoor dining spaces. Dinner is served seasonally from 5:30 p.m. until closing. Reservations are suggested. | 
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