It’s a sign of how messed-up ... umm, everything has been everywhere lately that I was unaware of Thailand being beset by major flooding over the past few weeks. Cyclone Senyar has caused massive damage to Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, specifically the Songkhla province.
I was blissfully unaware when my phone rang last week, and Arnold Myint of International Market showed up on my caller ID. I answered with, “Hi Arnold, what’s up?”
“Well, Hat Yai is underwater!” he responded.
I recognized the name of the Southern Thai city specifically from the International Market’s menu, where Arnold’s version of their famous fried chicken has been a highlight of the latest iteration of his family restaurant. I also knew that Chris and Emma Biard fry up some amazing Hat Yai-style chicken at their restaurant SS Gai.
Arnold shared that he wanted to put together a quick benefit opportunity, specifically to help the Red Cross of Thailand with rescue and recovery efforts. Within a few phone calls, he had already organized TN Chefs for Thailand, an epic chicken dinner at International Market on Belmont set for Monday, Dec. 15.
Reservations are available for the evening starting at 5 p.m., and about half the restaurant will be set aside for walk-ins — so don’t be afraid to give it a try even if you don’t snag a table in advance. The cost of the dinner is $65, and it will feature the Michelin-recommended chicken from International Market and SS Gai along with a third helping of chicken courtesy of Hattie B’s. In addition to the triple threat of chicken, guests will enjoy a buffet of side dishes courtesy of Turkey and the Wolf Ice House, Arnold’s Country Kitchen, Henrietta Red, Curry Boys and St. Vito’s Focacceria and sweet treats from D’Andrews Bakery, Café Cheeserie and Buttermilk Ranch. Plus, Arnold promises a live som thum and sticky rice station.
If you’ve ever enjoyed the chicken from any of the three main plate stars, or heck, any fried chicken at all, you should help these talented chefs from one of the chicken capitals of the world in their efforts to aid another poultry powerhouse!
