Yesterday I went again with my friend to the Ubon Thai Victorian Restaurant and Inn in Staunton, Virginia!
I know the name of the place is enough to make you smile!
We had been there before for lunch on one of our “outings” but were hankering again for the ultra delicious Thai food.
And we were once again greeted by the happy energetic Mrs. Ubon Herlong. She was born in Nakonsawan City, Thailand) and is the eager-to-please owner/chef/server who insists demands you enjoy yourself. She loves telling stories of her life in Thailand and will even call you “Baby!” And her cheerful presence actually enhances the authentic Thai dining experience.
“No MSG here!” she said. “All organic! You want MSG? You go Chinese!”
And we are immediately grinning.
Our big smiles begin in the parking lot in back and escalate as we follow our noses down meandering garden steps. Somehow we wander into a Thai inspired world of kitschy ethnic charm. The restaurant is in a building 150 years old offering succulent food inspired by Anna and the King of Siam! The name of the place is cause enough for smiling, but merging the Thai culture and cuisine with a splendidly elegant Victorian atmosphere is totally unique.
And then there is Dan Herlong (Ubon’s husband) who graciously took us on a tour of the Inn the first time we were there. This time he showed us a cell phone tracking device that helps you find your misplaced phone. It beeps louder when you are heading in the right direction!
And of course the building is a beautiful example of the Victorian age in Virginia. Within blocks of downtown Staunton it was once called The Belle Grae Inn and was built in 1870 as part of a 200 acre farm at the edge of town.
Today’s version of the Belle Grae Inn in Staunton’s historic “New Town” is now the Ubon Thai Victorian Restaurant and Inn. It’s a pleasant walk to shops and museums and an easy drive to Colonial and Civil War history, a little tricky to find, but patience and a bit of circling around Staunton got us there just fine with “ample parking.”
But the irresistible draw of the Ubon Thai Victorian Restaurant
and the cause of so many smiles is the attention and the food!
Ubon makes you feel you are visiting her in Thailand and the food?
Well, the food is simply delicious!
I thought that picture looked familiar; we stayed there once years ago. OK, this is just great info. We LOVE Thai food and this sounds right up our alley. But, Dor, what did you have? Papaya salad? Curries? Do fill us in!
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THIS POST SHOWS WHAT YOU CAN DO! Brilliant, engaging writing.Lol
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I am so delighted with your comment Cindy! Thank you!
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Wow! You actually stayed there! I should have taken a picture of our meal but as we dove in to that delicious fare, I forgot! It was a stir fry though. I added chicken pieces to mine and a tiny bit of a hot chili/vinegar sauce. Soooo good. There were also some dipping chips made of rice that I loved and they took the bite off the chili sauce. 🙂 I’m making myself hungry again. 🙂
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Hi Dor: Liked your Thai experience. The family name “Herlong” is all over this part of SC. Did you get any background on the husband??
Laura
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Great post Dorann – very special meeting this couple and the restaurant.
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Thanks Mary. I wish it was closer to home. I am wishing for that great food again!
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I love it when you visit the blog Laura! But no, I didn’t get any background on Dan Herlong, but I will because we will surely go back for lunch or dinner. When you finally move back here, we have to put it on our “to-go-to” list.
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Sounds good I love Thai. Thanks so much for your visit. Hope you have a nice weekend making new discoveries 🙂
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So far I am homebound moondustwriter… just taking it easy and catching up on life. Maybe there will be new discoveries tomorrow though! 🙂
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My eyes popped out of my head when I saw the building – I have a recurring dream of a hotel that looks like that place. Who knows, it may be that place…but I have never been to Staunton. Past life? 😉 One thing for sure, I share your love of Thai food!
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How strange that you have been dreaming of such a place Eliza! If you come for a visit, I will take you there so you can inspect the rooms. I hope the dreams are pleasant ones though. 🙂
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Oh, yes. I am visiting and there are so many rooms and staircases. The veranda is large – a classic Victorian hotel. I keep thinking some day I will come upon it and won’t that be strange!
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There is no doubt you will come upon it Eliza! I would like to be a fly on the wall when you do.
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🙂
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You had me at the name of the Inn! What a lovely old building…who would think it would house a Thai restaurant?? Definitely unique!
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Glad you visited this one Cindy. I think you would love the strange combination of thai food in a Victorian parlor. 🙂
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