Ask Woot!

     Hello, our curry-loving fans! Woot speaking. You know, as the owner of Ekamai, I get asked a lot of questions about the restaurant and what influences me, as well as questions about where I'm from and what I enjoy. Today, I thought I'd answer some of these questions for you. Here are some of my most frequently asked questions!

Where did the name "Ekamai" come from?

      As I am sure, many people wonder where the name “Ekamai” comes from. Well, back in Thailand, my family and friends actually call me “Ake.” I use Woot here in the US because I don't want people calling me Ake, and it is short for my real name – Wuthiphong. In Thailand, Ekamai is a small, trendy street where I love to spend a lot of time. There are bars, restaurants, a gas station, a grocery store, and clubs. I like to visit there whenever I go to Thailand. Also, I realized after coming up with the name that if you read Ekamai backwards, it spells “I am Ake.” I love that it actually has my name in it!

How long have you lived here?

     I first came to the US to go to school. In 2000, at the age of 19, I moved from a city of 15 million people to Ephraim, Utah, which only had about 5 thousand people! It was a huge change for my daily life. It was as if my backyard changed from a city to the outdoors over night. Four years later, I moved to SLC. It wasn't until two years ago that I started Ekamai. In the beginning, I really was the only person that operated the restaurant for the first few months. Those times were unique – but due to our loyal customers, we have grown, and I now have more people working along my side.

Do you have family that lives here?

      I have a sister that currently lives here in Utah and also my better half – my wife – and two kids who make me the happiest ever. Unfortunately, my Mom and Dad aren't living here, but they live back home in Thailand. I'm proud to be carrying on our Thai heritage here in the States. My aunt and uncle are here visiting for a little bit and have been helping out at the restaurant. I've been taking them around to show them Utah.

How did Ekamai pick its location (336 W. 300 S. Salt Lake City)?

      Ekamai found its location quite easily, as if it was meant to be. My landlord happened to own a building on 336 West Broadway where a coffee shop had just ended its lease. This became the future location of Ekamai – a perfectly snug fit.

      Downtown Salt Lake City has a hip culture of students and white-collar workers from all over the country, but if you take a look at the other Thai restaurants in the valley, they always have a traditional setting. If you've ever been to Ekamai, you can instantly see that Ekamai is no traditional Thai restaurant. I wanted to give our customers a new experience of Thai food, where everyone was free to wear what they wanted and listen to the music they wanted to. You won't find any of us wearing ties or listening to the classical music of Thailand.

Will the new Sugarhouse location and Rio Tinto Stadium location be the same as the original Ekamai in downtown Salt Lake?

      The food and service at the Sugarhouse location is going to be different during the evening. I want to make it similar to a sit-down restaurant, so that people can sit and enjoy the food. In the afternoon, the service will be the same. Ekamai's location in Rio Tinto Stadium will be similar. We'll have to be fast, though.

What's your favorite dish that you serve?

      I have a lot of favorite Thai dishes. That is why my menu changes daily. I love to have one or two favorite dishes every day along with the regulars and a few other delicious dishes.

Is the music you play in Ekamai your favorite kind of music?

      I got the idea of the music to play here from a restaurant I went to. I decided on 80's and 90's music because everyone can listen to and enjoy it. Young kids, older adults and everyone in between has heard this music. I don't really have a favorite band, but I do like Hawaiian and reggae music. Bob Marley and his son are some of my favorites. I also love sports. I didn't know much about Utah, but I did know the Jazz. I was a huge Bulls fan back in the day. My favorite athlete is Michael Jordan, of course. :)

Do you like to dance?

      I enjoy to dance occasionally. It's a fantastic way for me to relax and express myself.

      I hope that cures your curiosity! Do you have any more questions for me? Leave a comment below!