Historical March–April 2013 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Fork and Stix is a welcome addition to the dining scene on Delmar. Located just “off Delmar” on Rosedale, near the Forest Park Condominiums, the new restaurant marks the hard work and entrepreneurism that has brought new life to this area of Delmar. Just around the corner is Tavolo V, Gokul, Horseshoe House, and another restaurant coming soon. Nearby Regional Arts Commission and Pageant Theatre are the anchors of our own Delmar success story.
The owners/operators of “Fork and Stix” are sister/brother Pat and Ken Wanna. Their mom performs magic in the kitchen. Natives of Thailand, the family also spent several years in Japan, hence their expertise in many Asian cuisines.
The menu includes such familiar favorites as Shrimp and Veggie Tempura ($6) and Thai Stix ($4), their version of the Chinese Restaurant staple, crab rangoon.
But the menu also introduces us to new flavors and some especially spicy sauces. Pat Wanna mentioned that among the most popular entree choices are the “Chiang Mai Classic” Khao Soi ($8), a Thai curry noodle soup that comes from Chiang Mai, the family’s home city in Northern Thailand. Pat said that most Thai restaurants in St. Louis feature southern Thai dishes, so this will be a somewhat different taste.
A very different but also popular dish is Hung Lay Curry ($8), a pork curry served with Jasmine rice.
A recent Friday night saw our family enjoying many of the tasty dishes at the Fork and Stix, ranging from Red Curry ($8) to several stirfry dishes, including Pad Thai ($7), a lovely noodle dish, to Crispy spring rolls ($3) and Tempura ($6), served with an interesting tentsuyu sauce.
The grandkids enjoyed everything, especially the appetisers and the plentiful Fried Rice ($7). Next time, they plan to try the Hoy Jaw ($5), described as “deep fried dumplings served with sweet chili sauce”.
We were also inspired to learn that Pat is planning to add “Thai Ice-Cream Sandwiches” to the menu when the weather warms.
The new restaurant will also be obtaining a liquor license in the near future. Drink choices at this time include Thai iced teas and coffees as well as juices and soda, and hot tea is also available.
The restaurant’s decor is open and bright, with one wall a chalkboard decorated with welcoming sayings and impromtu art. Pat mentioned that she is eager to include the work of other artists as time goes by, and invites others in our neighborhood’s arts community to stop by and talk to her about this opportunity. Pat is a charming host, and you’ll be glad you stopped by to enjoy her family’s cuisine and learn more about not only Thai culture, but also the growing diversity of our own dining choices on Delmar. Fork and Stix is located at 549 Rosedale, with parking on the street (or just walk over!).
The phone number is 863-5572. They’re open every day for dinner and for lunch Tuesdays through Sundays.
Original photograph caption
Fork and Stix owner Pat Wanna with paintings by artist and teacher Michael Anthony.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, March–April 2013.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2013_02.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
