38 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 2-8, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com The restaurant’s owner introduces himself as Nui. As for his full name, he prefers to spell it out on paper: Thapanapong Trongarchakaew. He gives out a laugh after almost running out of space on the page. “Thai people have nicknames because,” he says, gesturing at his writing to finish the thought. Curry Journey opened recently in what had been Bon Ton L’Roy’s Lighthouse Smokehouse for years. Those familiar with the old, dreary dining area will be surprised at the transformation. The room is bright and stylish, with seating based on a traditional khan toke but modified to suit an American setting, along the window. “I made that with my brother,” Trongarchakaew says. Despite its dapper appearance, the restaurant did not open with advantages. He sold his share of another establishment to get started. Trongarchakaew and his wife took on design and decor, with help from family members, some of whom reminded him that opening a place in the current market is a bit crazy. So a lot of handiwork—and a lot of family—went into Curry Journey and its menu, which features the colorful Thai staple, with yellow curry, the tangerine hue of Panang curry and khiao wan, the green version so named for its soft sheen. But there is also the fragrant, plush and crispy noodle dish khao soi from Nui’s native north. “I’m not good with cooking,” Trongarchakaew admits with a smile. “But lucky me, my wife is from a food market family in Thailand.” Rattanatiporn Trongarchakaew began cooking as a child, tasked with feeding the family as they tended to the market. For Trongarchakaew, the goal is genuine flavors in a homey atmosphere. Yet there are expectations bound to a Thai place in the U.S., such as spring rolls, cashew chicken, pad see ew, drunken noodles and (especially) pad Thai. “Are we going to open a regular Thai restaurant?” he says, recalling the central question guiding the menu. Zab Zab Thai Cuisine anchors a corner of Lighthouse, just a few blocks away. Pacific Thai is an established destination in neighboring Pacific Grove. Mai Thai and Love Thai are just a short drive up the hill. “She said, ‘Why don’t we do what we’re good at?’” So it’s a manageable list, with a few twists. Massaman, a curry celebrated in poetry, is presented in pot pie form. And perhaps the country’s most common dish, pad Thai, is nowhere to be found. “That hurt me a lot,” Trongarchakaew says, mimicking a wince and blow to the heart before bursting into laughter. A shared love for curry is the soul of the restaurant. The couple and their team create a friendly, enthusiastic vibe. And a sense of accomplishment is evident. Over the course of a March soft opening, they grappled with everything from contracting with food delivery app providers to extending family recipes for a day of restaurant guests. “The team is all new,” Trongarchakaew explains, noting that the issues that nag most new restaurants in their first weeks left him struggling for sleep. “But we already started. We can’t stop.” While curry is a passion, food service is somewhat foreign ground for Trongarchakaew. His introduction to the industry was through his aunt’s family, who started D’Anna Thai Kitchen in Marina before moving operations in 2015 to Ginger Thai Kitchen in Salinas. “She called me when I was in Thailand,” he says. Trongarchakaew spent 20 years as a mechanical engineer, working in his native country. But his stint managing Ginger Thai not only presented new challenges, it also stirred a determination to launch his own place. “An engineer tries to understand the concept,” he points out. “In a restaurant, it’s every little detail. When I started over there, I learned a lot. I like to do new things. That’s my nature.” The restaurant has been a bit of a journey for Trongarchakaew—from engineer to owner, from Thailand to California. He says that a few weeks after opening, more people are beginning to venture into the dining room, and that patience along the way will hopefully be rewarded. “I already fulfilled my dream,” he adds. “This is mine.” Curry Journey 794 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 582-8325, curryjourney.com. FIRST COURSE “Thai curry is very complicated—and very good,” says Nui Trongarchakaew. “We want to sell our food and our culture.” PIN PAL…Anne Parker Johnson and Yann Lusseau of Parker-Lusseau Bakery have announced that they are “passing the pin” to Jeanne Brooks of Bees Knees Bakery. Brooks has been popping up at local farmers markets for a few years, and if you’ve had the pleasure of trying one of her baked goods, you know this is not bad news. Keep an eye out for the opening date. 539 Hartnell St., Monterey. (831) 641-9188, parkerlusseau.com. beeskneesbakeryca.com. GIFT WRAP…The Mediterranean is coming to Marina with Habibi’s Kabab Restaurant. The new kitchen will fill the former English Ales space. Although the menu has yet to be released, expect the favorites—falafel, shawarma and, of course, skewers. The grand opening has not been set just yet, but the restaurant is currently hiring. 223 Reindollar Ave., Marina. (831) 901-3695, instagram. com/habibis_kabab. THROW NO STONES…The Glasshouse is officially open in downtown Salinas. The sleek and spacious sports bar stocks a lineup of craft beers, as well as wine and a full menu. 221 S. Main St., Salinas. instagram.com/theglasshousesalinas. MAKE A TRADE…Celebrate National Bake Week at Café Carmel’s recipe exchange event on Tuesday, April 7 from 5:30-6:30pm. Share a hard copy of your favorite baked good recipe and the story behind it while enjoying light bites and learning the recipes and stories of others. Space is limited so RSVP to secure your spot. Ocean and Mission, Carmel. (831) 624-3870, cafecarmel.com. DOG’S LIFE…Your four-legged friends like live music and small bites on a bustling patio, too. Well, maybe not cats or bunnies, but definitely dogs. George Woods plays the music, Shearwater Tavern at Carmel Mission Inn takes care of the rest on Tuesday, April 7. Dogs call the shots from 5-7pm. 3665 Rio Road, Carmel. (831) 624-1841, carmelmissioninn.com. A WEEK AHEAD…Mark your calendars and grab your tickets. Carmel Culinary Week is coming June 5-13. In addition to culinary celebrations all week long, there are four big events where you can really revel in the finest food and beverages Carmel has to offer. General admission or VIP tickets to each event are now on sale, or you can purchase the Ultimate Culinary Masterpiece Pass. carmelcalifornia.com. By Jacqueline Weixel MORSELS eatanddrink@montereycountynow.com “Why don’t we do what we’re good at?” EAT + DRINK DANIEL DREIFUSS Grand Tour Curry Journey ventures to the Thai staple, but keeps its menu manageable. By Dave Faries
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