By Brooke Geery
A frequent staple at the Rutland Farmer’s Market, Pattanit Smansook opened a brick and mortar store front serving Thai food and sushi in Rutland on April 13, 2020. Little Bangkok Thai and Sushi Cafe, located at 162 No. Main St. in Rutland, in the Stonybrook plaza, is a welcome addition to the central Vermont dining scene.
Smansook has been cooking and serving Thai food to Rutland residents at the Farmer’s Market for a couple of years. When Covid-19 hit and the Farmer’s Market stopped being a stable source of work, Smansook decided to open the space. “Everything shut down, so I just needed something,” she said.
The restaurant offers seating for 20, so when Covid-19 related restrictions are lifted, people will be able to dine in, but the restaurant will remain take-out style, without servers. So far, she has been happy with the response. “It’s busy because it’s only me. I prepare everything fresh, just like I cook at home.”
Originally from Bangkok, Thailand, Smansook learned to cook from her family of chefs. Her sister is a professional, who taught her Thai cuisine. Rolling sushi was a skill she picked up along the way in New York. Smansook moved to the United States after finishing college and came to Rutland from Stowe in 2018, following her daughter who is attending college at Castleton University. She only plans to stay until her daughter finishes school, and then she will return to Stowe. “I follow my daughter,” she laughed.
In addition to the storefront, Smansook plans to continue to do the Farmer’s Market. “I love the Farmer’s Market,” she said. “I love cooking and I don’t like to cook the same thing every day. When we go to farmer’s market, I cook whatever I feel like.”
The restaurant’s menu is more extensive than what she offers at the market, but aside from occasional specials, it doesn’t change. She offers a variety of curries, noodles, stir fries, all authentic Thai-style, as well as a variety of sushi.
Little Bangkok is generally open for lunch and dinner every day except Sunday; however, hours vary slightly, so check Facebook for the most current information at Facebook.com/Rutland-Little-Bangkok-111995383781078. To place a to-go order, call Pat at 802-770-8062.
