MANAYUNK

Chef Moon, owner and chef of Chabaa Thai Bistro, embraces the Manayunk lifestyle. She not only lives, but also works in the town she calles home. She loves to preare quality dishes for her customers, channeling Manayunk's positive energy into everything she prepares. We sat down with the spirited Chef Moon for a one-on-one interview to learn more about Chabaa Thai Bistro and her personal interests.

What are 3 words to describe Chabaa?

"Authentic, fresh and home cooked."

What is your favorite dish to prepare?

"My favorite dish to prepare is Thai Spicy Beef Salad."
 
What's the best cooking tip/secret you've ever learned?

"The timing for each ingredient... the timing to cook and when to put each ingredient in and how long it takes, it's all different."
 
If you could only eat (or prepare) one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

"Spicy Beef Salad! It's my favorite dish that I prepare."
 
Are there any foods you really dislike?

"So far, the one that I dislike the most is dried oysters. I didn't know that oysters could be dry, sundried or air dried... I don't know how they prepared it but then they sautéed with vegetables and put gravy on the top. So to me it's very strange... I love oysters but when they prepare it in that way I'm like, 'Oh no!!'"
 
What's the craziest meal you've ever had?

"The craziest doesn't mean I don't like it but it's crazy in the concept and unique and interesting... Pig ears! It's really interesting and the flavor is amazing."
 
What will I find in your fridge at home?

"There will be a lot of leftovers! Leftovers from what I cooked the day before or from the restaurant or what my staff prepared for staff meals. I hate to throw away food so I keep leftovers for the next day when I don't have time to cook. It's still good too, some dishes need more time to absorb the flavor."

Where do you want to travel to?

"Hong Kong, Paris and Tokyo to try different food and go sightseeing."

What do you like to do in your spare time?

"When I have spare time I love reading, of course! I like to do crafts and I love planting too."

What movie made you laugh the hardest? Cry the hardest? 

"Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me! I love that movie. The beautiful mind made me cry the hardest."
 
Why do you love Manayunk?

"Why? It's an old town mixed with young spirits. It's constantly changing and you can expect support from local people. I get energy from visitors of different towns, cities, states, countries - When they come to visit friends and family here, they come to visit Manayunk... I think it's a home for me, I live here and I work here. It's a destination for visitors, I love Manayunk!"