Today I got some delicious details from Moon Krapugthong owner and Chef of Mango Moon and Chabaa Thai Bistro BYOB. I asked her a few questions about what she’ll be dishing out at the Dish It Up Event tomorrow evening! She’s got her ingredients and yes, she’s sticking with her roots. She sounds super confident about her dish and is excited to be a part of this special event and is looking forward to the competition!
MV: Have you decided on your purple ingredient- is it of Thai origin?
Moon: Yes. It will be authentic Thai ” Purple Eggplant Salad with Coconut Milk–mild spicy” and ” Green Curry Beef with Purple Potato–medium spicy”. Key purple ingredients will be Thai Eggplant and purple potato. Thai Eggplant is long and skinny looking.
Original recipe for green curry calls for bamboo shoots, but I substitute the bamboo with purple potato to fit in with the color theme. However, the cooking method of the curry will remain original.
MV: Any more hints you can give us as to what other ingredients you are going to use?
Moon: Fish Sauce and Thai Chili Peppers—don’t try it at home!
MV: Sounds Flavorful and Spicy. Yum!
MV: In your culture, does the color purple have any significance?
Moon: It is very interesting of how the color purple could relate to woman. In my country, purple is the color that symbolizes ” widow”. Somehow, I feel sad when it comes to this color and its signifying.
MV: Was it challenging to create a dish based on a color?
Moon: Heat from the cooking process tends to reduce the natural richness of color. I try to be candid and true to the key ingredients. The freshness of lime juice, the herbs used for salad, and vegetables in the green curry- will not last for hours…both dishes can easily lose the texture and taste with the heat.
MV: Sounds like it will be important to try your dish as soon as it’s plated for maximum flavor, brightness and freshness.
MV: If your dishes are a success and win the competition, will you put one or more on your menu at either Mango Moon or Chabaa Thai?
Moon: I will offer the salad as a special item. The green curry beef is always there at Chabaa
MV: So I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m looking forward to a taste of your spicy purple dish. And even though I’m not cooking, I’ll be wearing purple for sure.
Moon: I will be purple as much as I can be at the event.
The Women Against Abuse Dish It Up Event happens tomorrow, Thursday Oct 29th from 6-9pm at the Moore College of Art and Design (20th and the Parkway) Get your tickets here! And I’ll see you there!
Filed under: Bites, Events Tagged: | Chabaa Thai Bistro, Mango Moon, Moon Krapugthong, Philly Food Events, WAA Dish It Up Event
