Aticha Lee Brings a Taste of Tradition with a Focus on Sustainability
Aticha Lee, a seasoned veteran of her family’s Thai restaurant business, is set to open her own establishment in South County this November. Her new restaurant, Thai Touch, will feature a menu that blends traditional Thai dishes with locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Here’s a closer look at the new venture and its origins.
The Family Legacy Behind Thai Touch
Aticha Lee’s journey into the restaurant business began in Thailand, where her family had a deep passion for cooking. Growing up in a household where food was central, she spent years helping her mother shop and prepare meals. After moving to Chicago in 1993, her mother, Saiyud “Sally” Lee, and stepfather, Art Lee, operated a successful Thai restaurant. Sally had built an impressive culinary career, including time working in the kitchen of Arun’s, a restaurant known for being the first Thai eatery to win a prestigious James Beard Award.
In 2004, the family moved to St. Louis, where they opened Blue Elephant in Clayton. While Blue Elephant has since closed, the family’s influence continues with Thai 202 in the Central West End, run by Sally Lee.
When Aticha expressed her desire to start her own restaurant, her 82-year-old mother enthusiastically jumped on board. Sally will serve as executive chef at Thai Touch, helping to bring decades of culinary experience to this new venture.
A Unique Dining Atmosphere
Thai Touch, located in Oakville, has undergone a significant year-long transformation, spearheaded by architect Helen Lee from TAO + LEE Associates. Aticha envisioned a minimalist design with the feel of a bustling Thai night market. The goal was to create a space that matched the authenticity of the homestyle Thai cuisine being served.
Aticha took extra care to support local businesses during the buildout, sourcing her kitchen equipment from Ford Restaurant Supply and preserving herbs from a family friend’s garden for use in the winter months.
Sustainability is a core value for Aticha. She plans to implement environmentally friendly practices, such as using biodegradable packaging and wrapping to-go items in banana leaves instead of plastic. “It’s more expensive than plastic, but it’s sustainable and looks beautiful,” she says.
Paying Tribute to the Family’s History
The name Thai Touch is a nod to the family’s Chicago roots, where the original restaurants carried the same name. Although her stepfather passed away three years ago, Aticha feels his influence in this new endeavor. She decided to keep the original logo, font, and the bright red color that represents the family’s culinary heritage.
What to Expect on the Menu
While the menu for Thai Touch is still being finalized, it will feature a blend of traditional favorites and some lesser-known Thai dishes. Popular staples like pad Thai, curries, and sticky rice will be offered, along with more unique items such as salmon choo chee, a mild red curry with coconut milk. Aticha explains that in Thailand, the dish typically uses a different type of fish, but salmon works well for the version she will serve.
Aticha’s menu is influenced by both the desire for authenticity and the practical challenges of sourcing ingredients in the U.S. She plans to introduce dishes like kao-moo-dong, a Bangkok comfort food featuring barbecue pork and boiled egg. Although the preparation is complex, Aticha is committed to bringing these traditional flavors to her St. Louis diners.
Additionally, seasonal dishes will be a regular feature at Thai Touch. This fall, expect to see two noodle soups—one beef and one chicken—on the menu, with more salads and greens planned for summer.
A Healthier Take on Traditional Thai Cuisine
Aticha is also incorporating her own twist on Thai dishes by offering healthier options. She plans to introduce items such as quinoa fried rice, steamed proteins, and an array of vegetarian and vegan choices. “More people are eating less meat,” she notes. “My challenge is to make those dishes just as delicious as the traditional ones.”
With the opening of Thai Touch, Aticha Lee continues her family’s legacy of serving authentic Thai cuisine while embracing sustainability and local sourcing. Her new restaurant will be a welcome addition to South County, offering diners a chance to experience the bold, fresh flavors of Thailand with a modern, health-conscious twist.
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