A Tour of Tom Yum District, Coming in Late June

Grid View

• Tom Yum District owners Mel Oursinsiri and Aulie Bunyaratapan.
• Table design at Tom Yum District.
• Photographic mural at Tom Yum District.
• Bathroom wall at Tom Yum District.
• Bathroom wallpaper at Tom Yum District.
• Dining room area under construction.

The next Chipotle-esque fast casual restaurant to hit the district will be Tom Yum District, the anticipated Rosslyn Thai restaurant from the owners of Bangkok Joe's and Thai Shirlington. The husband and wife team, chef Aulie Bunyaratapan and restaurateur Mel Oursinsiri, are working to get the restaurant at 1515 Wilson Blvd. open by the end of the month.

They've relied on Collective Architecture, the company behind the recent, splashy Range in Chevy Chase, for the design work. Architect Alex Hurtado says the restaurant is a bit more design focused than many of the fast casual restaurants out there. The color scheme uses yellow and pink accents, both of which are associated with royalty in Thai culture. The bathroom has a number of festive icons, such as an elephant, that are being used in the restaurant's branding. Collective incorporated soft lighting, a wood-heavy design and a mural with photos taken in Thailand expressly for the project. The restaurant seats 49 people.

Customers who have lunch or dinner at Tom Yum District will have their choice of four bases (think noodles or greens), four proteins, five sauces and a dozen toppings to accent their dishes. Lunch prices range from $6.75 to $7.95. The menu will also include beverages such as imported green tea and roasted coconut juice. "I think some people might find this a more approachable way to try Thai flavors," said Bunyaratapan.
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