Restaurant description:
It'll be a trendy Thai food (American style) restaurant located in a
area where most young professionals live. A bar area will also be installed
in the restaurant for people to hang out. I would like a trendy
western kind of names, could be mix with a bit asian flavor. Thanks

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Clarification of Question by jchung-ga on 19 Aug 2005 10:37 PDT

Thanks for the names, but it's bit too asian. As it's for an western
upscale Thai restaurant. Can you recommend something more trendy and
westernize.

ps: Single word preferred. Thanks

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Clarification of Question by jchung-ga on 19 Aug 2005 10:44 PDT

Be more specific, the name has to be in English, meaning the westerns
must understand the word or meaning. I'm not Thai and I wouldn't know
the meaning of it w/o description. Few names I like, Lotus, Blade,
etc.. Thanks

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Clarification of Question by jchung-ga on 19 Aug 2005 12:11 PDT

Any other name?

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Clarification of Question by jchung-ga on 19 Aug 2005 14:01 PDT

Guys,

Before you suggest the name, please consider the following conditions:

1. One ENGLISH word if possible. Don't have to related to Thai or Thai
food as long as it's trendy and unqiue, etc...
2. The name will be accepted by everyone, meaning all races and prefer taste, etc
3. Try your BEST!

Thanks many!!!

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Clarification of Question by jchung-ga on 20 Aug 2005 09:04 PDT

I'm deeply appreciated all the names you guys come up with. This is
definitly a great tool to use and I'll keep supporting it. From my
point of view, brand name is very important, but not as important as
how to make the business sucessful. However I would be much more
appreciate if you guys can throw me a few more to think about.

PS: nothing about weapon, please. I made a mistake for indicating
'BLADE'. Sorry for confusion. Thanks many!!!

Yuppy Kai Thai (couldn't resist) or (more seriously) Yippy Kai Thai.

Thanks for the names, but it's bit too asian. As it's for an western
upscale Thai restaurant. Can you recommend something more trendy and
westernize.

ps: Single word preferred. Thanks

Thai-Rack ?

I know you want a single word.... but how about   ha?at cat?    ha?at
means beach in Thai and cat well, everybody likes kitties ... ;-)

or you could try  o?k food    as in 'OK food' except in Thai  o?k
means breast... lol

English/Thai dictionary
http://www.thai2english.com/search/beach+

It's nice to have a thai word mixed in the name. ha?at cat? Sounds
better, but is there any meaning between cat and beach or it just
sound different? Thanks

ps: I skip 'ok food' as I don't think westerns just like ok food. :)

I prefer w/o word 'Thai' in the name. :)

Why don't you name the restaurant "Farang" ? 

It isn't an English word but it is a single word that sounds nice to
the ear and is easily pronounced. The word "farang" (as you may
already know) is a generic Thai term tyhat can mean many things, but
most commonly it is the word for "white foreigners", "white
westerners", or "non-asian europeans". I think the word would look
nice as a name on a billboard and it would essentally be an invitation
to those who would patronize your business (i.e, the name "Farang",
would be a commercial message similar to "All Farang Are Welcomed
Here", or "This Is The Metting Place For Farang").

WIKIPEDIA
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farang

THE THAI LANGUAGE
http://www.into-asia.com/thai_language/farang.php

The Baheyeldin Dynasty
http://baheyeldin.com/linguistics/thai-word-farang-variations-in-other-languages-arabic-origin.html
 
Please let me know if you select my suggestion.

tutuzdad-ga

Haha.. I think we're getting closer. I like this name, but I don't
want to piss off other races neither. The area is very diverse.

How about "Tie"? 

Plays on "Thai". Connects in English with being both upscale and professional.

- Hammer

I don't want to be suit by anyone because of the name, so please make
the name diverse as well. Thanks many...

I don't like to hear waiters say 'welcome to tie'... sounds weird..

When I think of Thai restaurants, the first thing that comes to mind
is the delicious spiciness of the food.

How about "Spice Bowl" or "Spice Rack"?

I won't go for that name as it will limit out people who doesn't like
spicy. From business point of view, the name should suitable for
everyone. Thanks

'Spicy MONGKUT' 
- mongkut means crown

"Taste of Siam" has a classy sound to it.

How about Scimitar?

Definitions of scimitar on the Web:

"a curved oriental saber; the edge is on the convex side of the blade." 

"The term scimitar refers to a sword with a curved blade from western Asia." 

://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&c2coff=1&rls=GGLD%2CGGLD%3A2005-18%2CGGLD%3Aen&q=define%3A+scimitar+

'Spicy MONGKUT' has a 'spicy' in it, which would rule out people who
don't like spicy food.  Scimitar is a bit scary...

How about just "Siam," which of course is the old name for Thailand?

Sorry, I'd rather go for a non Thai related name.

How about 'Khing'?

It's the Thai word for 'ginger'.

"Sorry, I'd rather go for a non Thai related name."
But you're looking for a name for a Thai restaurant that somehow suggests that.

"Bangkok Inn"  Whoops!  No good.   (Or maybe ;)

"Golden Triangle"

"Celedon"  (a fine ceramic typical of Thailand and China)

"Joiner's Bar"  for the the bar area.  Your guests who have been to
Thailand will appreciate the name as appropriate for a meeting place.

Following on from your original suggestion of 'Blade', how about 'Sai'?

It is a type of oriental dagger. See picture:  http://ecmas.com/Sai/1531.jpg

If nothing else, it would make a great logo!

Ok, let's think simple. Let's think of a single English word. Let's
think contemporary and hip. Let's think about cultures, and foods and
customs and people of all kinds all coming together in a common place
for a common thing...indulgence (in food, in drink, in relaxation, in
culture, in one another, etc).

...then let's call your place ' Merge '

Perhaps your logo could be a Y shape with an arrow on the common end
where all things come together. Similar to this one:
http://www.bartlettcommunications.com/images/stock/concepts/merge.jpg
I picture your ads, brochures and logo saying simply, "Merge" -
because that's all it "has" to say. You see, it's more than just a
"word" or a "name" isn't it? It's a theme, it's a buzzword, it's a
brand, it's a CONCEPT! If done cleverly, when they come to see you,
customers (whther singles or families) will literally merge, or blend
with one another, and the "experience" and "atmosphere" will be just
as meaningful and memorable to them as the food and fellowship.

What do you think?  

tutuzdad-ga

There's a nice little Thai restaurant that opened up a few blocks from
my apartment called "Thai One On" --of course the drinks are great!

Schmooze
http://www.answers.com/schmooze

"To converse casually, especially in order to gain an advantage or
make a social connection."

Just call it: J Chung
- and be done with it

Clever names don't make clever products
- clever products /establish/ names ... Hoover, Heinz, Dyson, Marconi, Ford

You don't need the name to advertize the product
- you can do that separately
- the trick is to establish a brand 
- which is why I recommend the J as well as the Chung
  Of course the logo is JC ... purely accidental :-}

Names matter less than products
- best of luck - may your Money Cat smile

I'm deeply appreciated all the names you guys come up with. This is
definitly a great tool to use and I'll keep supporting it. From my
point of view, brand name is very important, but not as important as
how to make the business sucessful. However I would be much more
appreciate if you guys can throw me a few more to think about.

PS: nothing about weapon, please. I made a mistake for indicating
'BLADE'. Sorry for confusion. Thanks many!!!

Denco-ga,
Are you thinking of the famous "Yiddish-Thai-Inn" 
(no doubt with the only kosher Thai food in town).  :)

IF you just didn't insist on ONE word, Jchung:

"River Kwai"

Immediate recognition as Thai-oriented;  reference to the cult film -
that should appeal to young professionals, who can identify with the
lead roles and see their business adversaries as the occupying force.
  (The Bridge on the River Kwai, David Lean, William Holden, Jack
Hawkins, Alec Guinness, Sessue Hayakawa, James Donald, Geoffrey Horne,
André Morell, ...)

(If anyone requests the theme song to be played, it costs a round at the bar.)

Names for new mixed drinks:  Yellow Peril, Kwai Water (Kahlua with a
little cream, maybe), Stiff Upper Lip (something very strong, 80%
Straw Rum with papaya juice, perhaps), ...

Myoarin

Anakena

Anakena  is the name of a Thai restaurant located in the Htyatt
Regency Hotel in Santiago, Chile.

http://santiago.regency.hyatt.com/santi/restaurants_01.html

http://www.wcities.com/en/record/,38621/102/record.html

Good one, Myoarin!

The questioner did say they wanted a "western" kind of name, so that
was the "inspiration" for my initial suggestion.

I do like the idea of a Middle Eastern name though.  Kosher Thai food
indeed!

Could a high protein and greens place for young professionals be called
Yuppy Kale Whey?

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

Thanks, Denco-ga!  
If I were investing in a restaurant, I might not appreciate our humor so much.
Pity it isn't going to be a Chinese fish restaurant:  "Junkfood" ... 
Tutuzdad-ga's waxing lyrical about a traffic sign motif seems rather
appropriate in light of his profession.  Actually, I liked the idea,

JChung, my "River Kwai" suggestion was seriously meant, even if I got
a little carried away with the details.

Do let us know what you decide on.  If it is one of these suggestions,
you can offer a free meal to the poster  - who will have to figure out
how to identify him/herself.
Myoarin

Guys,

By end of next Friday, I'll be picking one of the names from the list
as I can't figure out a better one myself. :) I like myoarin-ga's
'free meal' idea and I've figured out how to identify him/her. Once I
open the restaurant, I'll send an evite to the name winner base on the
userid (e.g. jchung-ga), you may come anytime for a nice meal. Rest of
you will also get an evite as well for a free drink on the house! I
promise...

PS: the restaurant will be opened sometimes next year or the year
after since I need to be fully prepared. It will be located in NYC I
hope you're not too far from there. :)

Cheers

JC

A friend of mine used to operate a small restaurant called Orchid
Garden. I think that namr has a very classy, relaxing sound to it.

Jee-whiz!  It will have been forty years since I got a drink on the
house in NYC.  Of course, I probably haven't been there a dozen times
since then.  My local bar on 2nd ave (at 72nd?) used to give regulars
a free one after two or three  - and four or five ...  And a beer
still only cost coins.  The canoe still hanging from the ceiling was
looking very dusty in '96.

JChung, I'll be there one day, straight from Germany!

Myoarin

Myoarin, 

You got it! It'll be my pleasure...

oh my, it's Thai!

me34634763735, 

any suggestion?

dear Sir, I have a real good co-worker that works here at FAA in Atlanta. He's
from Thailand; sometimes we go eat Thai food & i liike it a lot. His first 
name is Benjapol .... so, how about naming your new restaraunt...

BENJAPOL'S BISTRO

hmm...sorry, zodiacman. I don't think it's a good idea as I'd rather
not to use anyone's name for the restaurant. thanks for the suggestion
though.

There's a very trendy hotel in Barcelona called 'Omm' and their
fusion-style restaurant is called 'Moo'.

I personally prefer 'Omm' to 'Moo'. It doesn't really mean anything,
but it sounds funky and cool and it kind of has a bit of an oriental
zen-sound.

Good luck on your restaurant! I love Thai Food and I'd love to return
to NYC in the near future!

I just thought of something. Perhaps you don't want to copy an
existing name, but I kept thinking about the 'omm' sound and I came up
with something perhaps even better:

'ZOOM'

You can make all kinds of word plays with 'zoom in' or 'zoom out' like
'come in' or 'chill out' or for entrance and exit signs. Also in the
menu you can use close-ups of dishes or satellite images of NYC as
'zoom in' or 'zoom out' factor.

And I think it still sounds funky and a bit zen-oriental.

Noname

stardust79,

I like the word 'Zoom' as you can do something with it. First thing I
thought about was attaching the 'zoom' mirror to the wall all the way
in the back. When the customers walk in they would think it's deeper
than the fact. Oh well, I definitely keep that name in mind.

answerfinder, 
I think 'noname' is definitely bettert than 'nogood'...haha

What about "GA-Named", and get/use GA to help announce the grand opening?

NO, I will stick with my previous suggestion.

Hey jchung,

You said you'd make your final choice by Friday and it's Saturday by
now (even in the USA), so I was curious if you had made your decision
yet!

stardust79,

Certainly I didn't forget my promise. Until yesterday I was still
thinking about the right name to choose. As I need to think about how
the name will reflect the restaurant layout. So, do you have any sense
who'll be the winner? :) Well, let me tell you, this time the winner
goes to ..... U. :) I agree 'Zoom' is pretty trendy and hip. I thought
about Anakena, but it sounds too classic. Maybe that's why it used by
the hotel. Therefore you'll get a free dinner on the house or on me.
:) Same treatment also goes to myoarin as you've been working hard on
my question. Rest of you'll get a free drink of course! I'll send out
the email to you guys once the restaurant open. I hope to see you all
one day and thanks for all the great ideas.. Take care, guys

Great :-) If you need any more brainstorming about the design, let me know!

Well, this certainly gives a reason to come to NY next year! Any
chance you'd feel like paying for a plane ticket from Belgium and
accomodation in NYC as well? ;-)
I'm not sure if the e-mail thing with the nicknames will work though?
At least my nickname isn't the same as my gmail login. Well, don't
worry, I'm pretty sure I'll find you through the yellow pages and I'll
just show up one night :-)

Good luck!

Please DO NOT post your email address here. If you do, the Editors
will remove the post.

How about the name of a common and decorative Thai food ingredient
like Lime or Pomelo?

I see. So, let's better follow the rule then. I'll stick with the name
'zoom' for now. If any changes, I'll be posting another question like
'what's better than zoom?' here. Hopefully you guys can see it. As I
mention before, I'm planning next year or year after. You shall see
the web site as well. Anyway, take care, everyone..

barwanted

Hi jago8,

Thanks for the comment. You certainly get a free drink on the house
one day. :) I thought about your suggestion, good thought. but I'd
rather pick something more hip and trendy.

By rule, restaurant with simple or stupied name will alway get
attracted. Example would be: Panda Panda, Burger King, KFC, Boston
Market.

My suggestion is that you need to have the word "Thai" in your name to
indicated what you cook. Another word is to show the uniqueness of
your restaurant. Since your restaurant is in a westernize neiborhood
and you have a bar installed to adapt the environment. Your restaurant
will become the place to show off the sprite of Thai culture. That is
the only word "GLAMOUR" could discript the uniqueness of your
restaurant. Hence, your name of restaurant would be

"Glamour of Thai"

When people see this name, their only though is to experience what
glamour of thai is about. Hope you like my stupied opinion.

Hi, siwei

I like your humor and agree with your point. Another perfect example,
IBM. Inter... However I prefer less words, 1 or mostly 2. Any other
thoughts?

So...you want 1 or 2 words. That's even simplier. What is the most
common food in Thai? IT IS COCONUT! That is the name of your
restaurant "Coconut" or "Coconut Thai". Simple enough?

How about "Thai-Me-Up"?

Oh, ya... if you use Thai-Me-Up you will have to send me the $20.00! :o)

what about these ones:

GLIMPSE

THEYE (thailand eye, the eye, they )

HERE

Ivory (w/ Elephant being Thailand's national animal) is a good name
for a bar. Lotus is too common and played out.