By Kevin Collison
Crossroads diners beware, here’s an insider warning to the new Baramee Thai Bistro that just opened in the former Pizzabella space at 1810 Baltimore: don’t order your first dish hot.
“I recommend starting mild,” said co-owner Douglas Hoffman. “For 90 percent of the people, medium is good for them.”
He looked over at his wife, co-owner and chef Nutnisa, whose recipes from her home province in northeast Thailand comprise the menu.
“She eats stuff that even when I’m sitting next to her make my eyes water. Those chili’s will melt the plate.”
And you can always add spices to heat up house specialties including Pad Ka Prao, Labb Isaan, Pad Thai and Panang Curry to your liking.
Each plate is garnished with a carved carrot crafted by Nutnisa.
“We want people who’ve been to Thailand to say this is what it’s like,” Douglas said. “Her concept is to make it the way here parents taught her.”
Baramee Thai left the stylish interior of former tenant Pizza Bella relatively intact.
This is the second location for the Hoffmans, their first Thai restaurant opened in Lee’s Summit about 4 1/2 years ago.
The couple met through mutual friends. Nutnisa moved to the U.S. from Buriram, a Thai province bordering Cambodia, in 2007 and they married in 2008.
People urged them to expand and Douglas said a great opportunity to come downtown occurred when the Pizzabella space became available. The gourmet pizza place closed in March 2018.
“We’ve always like the area,” he said. “The city is just alive now, it’s booming…This place came up and it was just too good. We were eager to jump in upfront.”
The Hoffmans have done little to change the contemporary rustic design except add Thai-themed artwork. There are counter seats where customers can watch the cooks and the outdoor patio facing Baltimore remains.
On First Fridays during nice weather, Baramee Thai plans to offer street food including crab rangoon and drinks such as Thai iced coffee and bubble drinks.
Hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant is closed Sundays.
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