- Credibility:
EAST VILLAGE — Tai Nang’s patio quietly opened along Damen Avenue over the weekend, offering Thai and Vietnamese fusion dishes in a peaceful landscaped setting with lanterns and candles.
Tai Nang, 937 N. Damen Ave., shares a yard with neighboring Sabroso Mexican Grill, which occupies the back half of the patio, while the new spot uses the front portion closest to Damen Avenue.
On Saturday, chef/owner Ong Satangmongkol said that word is gradually getting out about the new restaurant, which was first announced last month.
Credit: Alisa Hauser/Block Club Chicago“We’ve had a lot of take-out orders so far,” Satangmongkol said.
Satangmongkol’s personal favorire dishes are Haad Yai Chicken, a Southern-style fried chicken appetizer, a grilled lemongrass pork chop entree, Pad Thai and crispy coconut shrimp. The restaurant’s pho broth takes 13 hours to make.
Prior to Tai Nang, Satangmongkol, who is Thai but also has experience studying and preparing Vietnamese cuisine, worked as a chef for a restaurant group that also operated Silom12 in Bucktown, the Tsukiji Fish Market in West Town and the now closed Le Duck in Wicker Park.
The South Loop resident said the name Tai Nang translates to the words “talent, skill” – things he hopes to show off with this menu and staff of eight.
Hours of operation are 4-10 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, noon- 10 p.m. Saturday and noon – 9 p.m. Sunday. Tai Nang is closed on Mondays.
Credit: Alisa Hauser/Block Club Chicago
Credit: Alisa Hauser/Block Club Chicago 
Credit: Alisa Hauser/Block Club Chicago 
Credit: Alisa Hauser/Block Club Chicago 
Credit: Alisa Hause/Block Club Chicago
Credit: Alisa Hauser/Block Club Chicago 
Credit: Alisa Hauser/Block Club Chicago
