More info on new Thai Restaurant, Mango Tree, coming to CityCenter this December

929 H Street, NW

From a press release:

“Founder and CEO Pitaya Phanphensophon of Mango Tree, the global restaurant group behind a revolution in modern Thai dining hotspot, is partnering with acclaimed Chef/Owner Richard Sandoval of Richard Sandoval Restaurants to bring his innovative Thai restaurant to Washington, DC. Mango Tree DC will open this December at 929 H Street, within the cutting edge, new mixed-use development CityCenterDC. The restaurant will offer contemporary Thai cuisine with a bold new twist, along with authentic essential classics. Those dining at this welcoming, upscale restaurant will enjoy the second floor 140-seat main dining room and the 24-seat seasonal outdoor terrace. Mango Tree will also have a vibrant first floor 45-seat bar and lounge for those looking forward to sipping classic cocktails and innovative libations while listening to expertly curated music.

Founded in 1994 by Pitaya Phanphensophon and based in Bangkok, Mango Tree is one of the world’s most innovative and best-known Thai culinary lifestyle brands. It has over 40 restaurants in key cities to date, including Hong Kong, London, Dubai, Tokyo, Jakarta and Manila. The original Mango Tree is located in a beautiful Thai house in Bangkok built during the reign of King Rama VI, almost 100 years ago. The restaurant’s name is derived from the ancient mango tree planted in front of the house.

“We’ve planted a flag for Mango Tree in the US capital and secured a site in the very stylish CityCenterDC alongside the many luxury brand icons at this landmark development,” states Mango Tree Founder and CEO, Pitaya Phanphensophon. “Furthermore, our new partnership with Richard Sandoval is the result of an accidental meeting, a long conversation and the realization that we are culinary soul mates with very similar philosophies and passions for our respective cuisines. What Richard has done for Mexican and Latino food, we have done for Thai cuisine in terms of creating brands and continuing to push the envelope with innovation.”

Guests in Washington, DC will soon discover that Mango Tree uses only the freshest ingredients sourced from the world’s best suppliers, both locally and abroad. The restaurant will serve genuine Thai dishes from each of the four main culinary regions: rich and fully flavored dishes from the North, spicy cuisine from the Northeast, more mild dishes influenced by the Chinese cooking style from the Central region, and hot and spicy cuisine from the South. In each dish one will find the artful blending of sweet, sour and spice which delivers the harmonious taste in each bite, and Thai food is naturally medicinal, bringing health and vigor to the meal. Menu highlights include Tom Yum Lobster; Red Curry with duck breast and apricot; Char-Grilled Prime Steak with spicy tamarind sauce, as well as the Spring Chicken Satay. Some of the dishes are refreshed for contemporary tastes while others are classics, to be continuously enjoyed for generations.

Lázaro Rosa-Violán, winner of the coveted 2013 Architectural Digest España Prize and one of Spain’s most dazzling design talents, is responsible for designing the 6,800-square foot space, which draws inspiration from Thailand with a twist of European sophistication. Mango Tree’s sleek design scheme makes it an ideal gathering place for meeting with friends or entertaining clients.

“The restaurant is an airy space that is fresh and bright,” says Rosa-Violán of Lázaro Rosa-Violán Studio. The usage of dark wood mixed with cement tiles, highlighted with decorative flowers and multi-color fabrics “is in tune with Mango Tree’s culture and also reflects the beauty and abundance of Thailand.” Decorative lighting fixtures are also a key feature, and a must in terms of drawing attention at night. “You must ensure the restaurant is spectacular even from the outside.”

Mango Tree DC is located at CityCenterDC at 929 H Street, NW, three blocks from the Metro Center Metro accessible on the Red, Orange and Blue Lines, and three blocks from Chinatown Metro accessible on the Red, Yellow and Green Lines. Mango Tree will open for lunch, dinner and late night and then add weekend brunch in the coming months.”