The options for ethnic food in Red Deer continue to increase.
Rueon Thai Restaurant opened on Friday in the Pineview Centre at No. 104, 6751 52nd Ave.
Owner Kim Sok vouches for the authenticity of the food in her new premises.
“I was born in Cambodia but grew up in Thailand,” said Sok, who immigrated to Canada 12 years ago and has spent about eight years in Red Deer.
She’s worked in the restaurant industry throughout her time in Canada, including operating the former Moni Thai Restaurant in the Lion Plaza at 7710 50 Ave. (now the site of the Phil-Thai Restaurant).
“We try to put (out) authentic as much as possible,” said Sok, explaining that “Rueon” means “house” in Thai.
Curry is Rueon Thai Restaurant’s specialty, with the ingredients homemade. She described the food as tending toward medium-hot, but pointed out that her kitchen staff will cater to the tastes of each customer.
“If you would like to have mild, medium, hot or really spicy. we can adjust that.”
Rueon Thai Restaurant is licensed and has seating for 50. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m., with lunch specials on weekdays.
Sok thinks Pineview Centre — which is also home to radio station Kraze 101.3 and the Canadian Cancer Society — is a good location, due to its proximity to busy 67th Street. The challenge now is getting the word out to local Thai food fans, she acknowledged.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com