ANAJAK THAI in Sherman Oaks is named Los Angles Times Restaurant Of The Year
Opened in 1981, this family owned Thai restaurant has transformed itself over the last several years thanks to the 2nd-generation owner and son, 30-something chef Justin Pichetrungs, who left his job as a concept artist at Disney years ago to take over his father’s restaurant. During the early months of the pandemic the restaurant focused on take-out to stay afloat. One night, Chef Justin wanted to try something different for his staff meal and since most of his staff are from Oaxaca or Mexico City, he tried his hand at tacos. ABOVE: Fresh albacore is prepared with spicy nam jim and lime—call it Thai aguachile. And topped with boon sauce, essentially salsa macha, and avocado slices. One of Anajak’s regulars — an Instagram-famous nail artist — stopped in at the right moment and was able to sample the tacos, which blew her away… and Taco Tuesday was born. The night I went to Taco Tuesday last year, the tables were in an alley next to the restaurant and a DJ was spinning house-ish music. ...