Lili's Pad: 2010

For my Selby-inspired project, I chose to observe someone who has indirectly been a part of my life for quite a few years. I've been coming to Thai Pudpon for years. My visits were so frequent that when I walked in all that needed to be said was, "the usual?". After the tsunami in 2004, Thai Pudpon was affected greatly. People who worked there had family living in Thailand, and they were devastated. The entire atmosphere of Thai Pudpon changed. Even the food began to taste sad. Years past and I didn't visit as frequently to the Thai restaurant, but this project inspired me to go back. This is when I met Sutthi. Sutthi was the chef who had been preparing my favorite meals for years and I had never met him. I decided that we had to sit down and have a talk. You find out quickly that Sutthi is much more interesting than you first believe. He immigrated to Canada 36 years ago, a young man working in the restaurant industry. His mother actually worked as the chef for the king of Thailand for many years. Sutthi started Thai Pudpon about 8 years ago and it has been a smashing success, it's most recognized dish being the Pad Thai (which is delicious). The restaurant is dimly lit and quite small, but it's perfect for Sutthi. He took me into the kitchen and showed me how they prepared all their food, and I noticed a picture hanging above the room. Sutthi said it was his mother. I told him she was very beautiful and if it was a recent picture. He said no, she passed away 8 years ago, and that the photo was taken on her wedding day. I was truly touched by the love in his voice, and the idea that his mother always watches over his restaurant. That's what ended up inspiring me the most. It wasn't the atmosphere or the food really, but the love that Sutthi carries with his presence. He is one of the most caring and generous people I have ever met and you feel that the second you walk into Thai Pudpon.