A new Northeastern Thai food joint is headed directly across the street from Lers Ros Thai's original location on Larkin Street this summer.



As we previously reported, the Esan Classic is the brainchild of Lers Ros owner and chef Tom Silargorn and his co-chef, Chanon Hutasingh. Esan is moving into 743 Larkin St. (between Olive and O’Farrell streets), which formerly housed the popular pizza and martini spot Olive.

The old Olive bar sign at 743 Larkin St. | Photo: Kathy V./Yelp

The pair intend Esan to serve specifically Northeastern styles of Thai food, Silargorn’s wife Sarah told us.

Food from Northeastern Thailand — also called Isan, Issan or Esan — includes soups and curries with clear broths, rather than ones with coconut milk bases, as well as grilled or roasted fish, meats and sticky rice. Another point of distinction is the fish sauce: the one most prevalent in Northeastern Thai dishes is thicker and more opaque, with a stronger taste than the better-known thin and clear fish sauce found in most Thai restaurants in the United States.



With a long relationship working together in the kitchen, Silagorn and Hutasingh have visited Thailand together many times, tasting different foods and developing their menus, Sarah said.

Lers Ros Thai's original location across the street at 730 Larkin St. | Photo: Kevin Y./Yelp

Esan will also offer hand-picked wines, draft and bottled beer options and sake.

There have been many changes made to the old Olive space, Sarah said, adding that “Tom will offer a new comfortable restaurant and great food.”

The renovations and changes were time-consuming since the restaurant will be taking up what used to be 739 Larkin St., as well as the old Olive space at 743 Larkin. PG&E had to install new power lines and gas meters, and there were also necessary changes to bring the kitchen up to code, including the installation of a new hood.



Many inspections are currently underway, but the plan is to open in Summer 2017, she said.

We will keep you posted on the new restaurant's progress. In the meantime, readers can also follow Esan Classic on Facebook.