Tucked away in Kalama Valley is my favorite Thai restaurant. Not because it's close to home or the chef's name happens to be Carole, but because she is one of the sweetest chefs I have ever met. Carole Thirakoun is the owner, chef and matriarch of Thai Valley Cuisine restaurant. I first met her about eight years ago, while working on a show called "Tasty and Meatless." I was immediately taken in by her aura of graciousness, kindness and generosity. These qualities are infused in her food and bring a refreshing friendliness to her family restaurant.

Unlike other commercial establishments, I felt as if she was cooking for me in her own home. She has decorated the dining room with golden Buddhas, imported tapestries, and other interesting Thai collectibles. She told me that she and her family have been working hard building this restaurant for the last 16 years. As an experienced cook, starting back in Chiang Mai and then at some of the finest Thai restaurants in Hawai'i, she has cultivated her own "family style" of cooking. She believes in freshness, shopping in Chinatown every day and growing vegetables and herbs in her backyard.

She cooks many types of food: Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotian, even Italian and local dishes. She also caters, and a great part of her business is takeout. The night of our interview, I became a student of her considerable culinary skills. She whisked me into her kitchen and whipped up this amazing pad thai. One of her waiters quickly wrapped it up for my dinner. This is just a small example of her huge heart.

She gives of her time and money to the Thai and Laotian temples in Hawai'i and on the Mainland. She also helped the victims of the Phuket tsunami, back in 2001. Each year she donates her time to the Thai Festival in Kapi'olani Park. This year she will be there to celebrate Thai New Year on April 18. She will be serving her famous pad thai. She believes noodles bring you good luck and long life. I believe that Carole's attitude and perseverance brings her much happiness and success.

You can purchase most of the ingredients for Thai Valley Cuisine pad thai at any supermarket. The Thai rice noodles and the Thai black soy sauce can be purchased at the Asian Grocery on Beretania Street. Or take a fun trip into Chinatown and buy everything you need there. I have used a package of whole wheat udon noodles from the health food store instead of the rice noodles.

THAI VALLEY CUISINE PAD THAI