This week's Community Eats takes us to Ari's Thai Eatery, located in Azusa's University Promenade.
It's a story of community, food and the courage to chase a dream.
Despite her fears about opening a restaurant, owner Arissara Sastaravaha did it anyway.
She was on track to become an attorney when she felt compelled to enter the culinary world.
"I was born and raised in Thailand," Sastaravaha said. "I came here for school. I went to law school, and I decided I just want to open a restaurant."
Ari and her husband Calvin met 15 years ago while working at a Thai restaurant.
Both received culinary training in Thailand, and now, they are proud owners of their own.
Here at Ari's Thai Eatery, the cuisine is delicious and rooted in tradition.
Each dish delivers on flavor and there's no such thing as a wrong order, even though Ari and I both recommend starting with the steak.
Curry noodles, traditional Thai soups and papaya salads fill the menu.
After only six short months in the San Gabriel Valley, Ari's Thai Eatery feels right at home in Azusa.
"We love the city, and we just want to be part of it," Sastaravaha said.
Ari's offers lunch specials and welcomes you in for lunch and dinner six days a week. They're closed on Tuesdays.
"We really care and we put a lot of effort, heart and soul into our restaurant," Sastaravaha said. "The fact that our customers see it, I think it means a lot. It definitely means a lot to us, so thank you."
Ari's Thai Eatery is located at 920 E Alosta Ave., in Azusa.
Thank you, Sanda Jaramillo, for the submission.
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