Intimately involved with food throughout her entire life, Kae Bailes was born and raised in northeastern Thailand before moving to Santa Cruz 22 years ago. She learned to cook at a young age from her mom, who had a home-based mini mart that specialized in selling papaya salad, noodle soup and chicken.
Wanting to actualize this heritage knowledge, she always dreamed of having her own Thai restaurant. She met her current business partner, Nuni, while working together in town. They began looking for a space all their own, a collective aspiration manifested when Coconut Thai opened in September. Bailes says their spot’s ambiance is modern, yet homey with wood floors and dark, warm colors complementing an authentic Thai food menu.
Highlighted appetizers are vegetarian sweet potato curry pops with special seasonings and cucumber sauce, crispy garlic Thai-style pork jerky, coconut shrimp with sweet spicy plum sauce, and a Laos-style spicy papaya salad. Main dish bests include a very traditional fermented spicy soybean paste curry with minced chicken and shrimp, a ginger prawn clay pot with silver noodles, and a deep-fried branzino fish filet with green apple salad, mint, basil, cilantro and cashews. The do-not-miss dessert is fried banana ice cream.
What inspired your immigration to the U.S.?
KAE BAILES: It’s kind of like the American dream, right? For me, I didn’t expect to come to America until I met my husband. We met online and talked for two years until he flew to meet me in Thailand and it was love at first sight. He has since passed away, but without him I wouldn’t be here. And now I am living the American life I only dreamed about, I have no regrets and am surrounded by a great group of friends.
What do you hope Coconut Thai brings to the community?
We want to bring happiness, good food and good service to this wonderful area. Our slogan is “come as guests, leave as family.” We have plenty of parking, an open newly renovated space and a second large event room where we can host private parties. We love to have fun, celebrate and party, and love creating a space for guests to do that. We strive to work hard and enjoy it at the same time, appreciate customer feedback and always seek to improve.
3555 Clares St., Suite RR, Capitola, 831-476-4688; coconutthaisc.com
