Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Sriprasert.
Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro and Bar opened in Portsmouth, NH in 2015.
Growing up in Thailand, Dan was inspired by the food of his childhood. His mother owned a small restaurant where he would accompany her in the kitchen at a young age. Dan was in charge of peeling shallots and prepping other ingredients that his mother would transform into curries and other traditional Thai dishes. He came to know each dish by it’s smell. A spark was ignited in him, he would go on to recreate all of the dishes he learned to make through smell and sight, the way family recipes are passed down. After moving to Portland, Maine Dan along with his business partner, Bob Wongsaichau, purchased Bangkok Thai in 2005. Taking over an already popular Thai restaurant and sticking to the menu that guests had come to expect. Dan noticed that he was selling a remarkable number of vegetarian dishes and that the request for those dishes was increasing. They decided to start working on a new concept. In 2007 the pair opened the Green Elephant in Portland, ME. Dan recreated all of the dishes from his childhood with a new twist. Reveling in the creative freedom of a personally authentic menu and new restaurant, they decided to close Bangkok Thai in 2009 and reopen as Boda. Boda gave Dan even more opportunity to showcase all of the foods from his childhood in a very authentic way. After many requests to open a 2nd Green Elephant further south, the 2 decided to open in Portsmouth, NH in 2015.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many challenges opening 3 new restaurants from the ground up. Keeping up and catering to our guest dietary preferences and restrictions is something that is constantly changing and we are constantly working on. Keeping up with market challenges and the ever-evolving service industry world, has kept us on our toes.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro and Bar – what should we know?
Green Elephant specializes in Asian inspired vegetarian and vegan cuisine. The inspiration for food began in Thailand and grew quickly to include many Asian influences as Dan and Bob sought to bring a spirit of equality and inclusiveness to their menu. No borders, no hard lines. They unite flavors form Thailand, Malaysia, China, and India into a meat-free menu with something for everyone.
We work with local purveyors to bring our guests the highest quality ingredients. All of our tofu and tempeh come from small organic operations in Maine. We have an exceptional bar program that complements our mindful menu. Showcasing local, seasonal, and housemate ingredients in our craft cocktails. We offer an awesome selectional of local craft beers, sustainable and organic wines, and local coffee and tea.
The Green Elephant offers to it friends and patrons a degree of culinary balance that is often elusive in today’s world; compassion and indulgence, health and gratification, for vegetarians and carnivores alike. We offer an elevated dining experience with no pretense. Come as you are, we offer a comfortable and lively environment that is welcoming and inclusive to everyone.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Dan and Bob are both incredibly hard working and business minded. They are both very adaptable and open to change, which has led to their continued success in all of the restaurants.
Pricing:
- Appetizers $7-$10
- Entrees $12-$17
Contact Info:
- Address: 35 Portwalk Place
Portsmouth, NH 03801 - Website: www.greenelephantnh.com
- Phone: 603-427-8344
- Email: info@greenelephantnh.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenelephantnh/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenelephantnh/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/green-elephant-portsmouth
- Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g46209-d8657507-Reviews-Green_Elephant-Portsmouth_New_Hampshire.html
Image Credit:
Dan Sriprasert
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