Mango Tree restaurateurs Richard Sandoval and Pitaya Phanphensophon, CityCenter Senior Manager Timothy Lowery, and Capitol File Publisher Suzy Jacobs.
CITYCENTER -- Mango Tree DC, the latest dining destination to open on the posh grounds of
CityCenter, received a grand opening celebration on Thursday night befitting its status as the first U.S. outpost of the well-established, global restaurant brand.
![](http://www.danielswartz.com/revampdotcom/3284/4.jpg)
Indeed, the Mango Tree imprint already spans some 70+ locations around the world, a fairly powerful indicator of the popularity of the eatery's authentic Thai menu, which brings together all four of Thailand's main culinary regions.
![](http://www.danielswartz.com/revampdotcom/3284/2.jpg)
Famed restaurateurs
Pitaya Phanphensophon and
Richard Sandoval joined with
Capitol File magazine in co-hosting yesterday's event, which saw hundreds of the city's tastemakers fill both stories of the modern, glass-encased venue.
![](http://www.danielswartz.com/revampdotcom/3284/6.jpg)
And
Capitol File publisher
Suzy Jacobs had the honor of welcoming everyone to the by-invitation-only party and even introduced the crowd to the evening's surprise entertainment program, which consisted of a series of authentic Thai dances.
![](http://www.danielswartz.com/revampdotcom/3284/3.jpg)
Authenticity is rooted into Mango Tree's culinary DNA, with its presentation of traditional Thai menu items -- such as
Goong Mung Gorn Phad Phong Karee, which consists of a baked Maine lobster dressed in yellow curry powder with egg and onion -- a particular point of pride.
![](http://www.danielswartz.com/revampdotcom/3284/1.jpg)
The restaurant's beverage program is equally enticing and combines handcrafted cocktails with a curated beer selection and an approachable wine list -- all of which was made available to guests last night along with a healthy sampling of the venue's menu.
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kŏr hâi jà-rern aa-hăan!