Do you know my friend Bryan? The tiger prawn king? Tiger Prawns are a delicious crustacean that’s common in south east Asia. Thai dinners have been munching on it religiously and it’s a exploded in popularity. For the uninitiated a tiger prawn most closely resembles a giant shrimp or a tiny lobster. They range in size but a large one can measure the length of your forearm from tail to the tips of it’s claws. Their flavor is rich much like a lobsters flavor and they’re often served in much the way that lobster is slathered in better or oil.
I’ve known Bryan for many years through his various restaurant ventures. He had a restaurant in Sunny Side Queens that served Thai food and doubled as an all day cafe. A large espresso machine dominated the entryway whipping up tasty macchiatos and lattes. And in the back the kitchen was busy preparing papaya salads, dumplings and curry noodle dishes. This location unfortunately was the victim of a fire in 2019. An entrepreneur at heart and one never to be deterred Bryan opened a new restaurant in Williamsburg Brooklyn that would later become Tiger Prawn. Rather than being met with an espresso machine diners are welcomed by a ten foot tiger prawn hanging from the ceiling. Walk past the well stocked bar and the restaurant opens up to a wide dining room with friends laughing and sharing claw meat.
And I of course can never forget Bryan’s other restaurant venture Eats Khao Man Gai. I found him standing in a small restaurant storefront in the East Village. This small joint with only a handful of seats had a very specific modus operandi. I distinctly remember Bryan proudly proclaiming that he only served one dish at this restaurant. “Only the one!!!” He would proclaim over and over again for the hour plus that I was there photographing his one item. It was chicken over rice. A popular dish in southeast asian and a staple for many working people looking for a hearty meal to keep them full throughout the day. In whatever he does I’m always happy to say that I know that guy.
