DC Gets First US ‘Mango Tree’

Prolific restauranteur Richard Sandoval is expanding his DC empire, this time partnering with Founder and CEO Pitaya Phanphensophon of Mango Tree, for some revolutionary Thai.   DC’s Mango Tree — the first in the United States — is on track to open this December in CityCenterDC.

“We’ve planted a flag for Mango Tree in the US capital and secured a site in the very stylish CityCenterDC alongside the many luxury brand icons at this landmark development,” Phanphensophon said in a statement.

“Furthermore, our new partnership with Richard Sandoval is the result of an accidental meeting, a long conversation and the realization that we are culinary soul mates with very similar philosophies and passions for our respective cuisines. What Richard has done for Mexican and Latino food, we have done for Thai cuisine in terms of creating brands and continuing to push the envelope with innovation.”

Mango Tree serves genuine Thai dishes from each of the four main culinary regions: rich and fully flavored dishes from the North, spicy cuisine from the Northeast, more mild dishes influenced by the Chinese cooking style from the Central region, and hot and spicy cuisine from the South.  Menu highlights include Tom Yum Lobster; Red Curry with duck breast and apricot; Char-Grilled Prime Steak with spicy tamarind sauce, as well as the Spring Chicken Satay.

There are currently 40 Mango Tree restaurants in cities like Hong Kong, London, Dubai, Tokyo, Jakarta and Manila.  The original Mango Tree is located in a historic house in Bangkok built during the reign of King Rama VI, almost 100 years ago.  The restaurant’s name is derived from the ancient mango tree planted in front of the house.

Mango Tree DC will be located at CityCenterDC at 929 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001