Viet-Thai Taste owner holds cultural feast to bring luck to Newton’s newest, yet-to-be-opened restaurant

Even though her restaurant hasn’t opened its doors to the public or installed the gas line for kitchen equipment, Theresa Hoang was still able to serve a meal this past weekend that was as delicious and hearty as the food menu she hopes to unveil soon at Viet-Thai Taste, which is still under renovation.

This particular feast had even more significance for the Newton business owner.

Not only was it a chance for her friends and family members to enjoy plate fulls of sticky rice, spring rolls and a whole barbecued pig, the traditional meal acted as a good luck charm for the new business. And if her guests’ positive reviews were of any indication, luck is certainly on Hoang’s side.

One attendee described the pork and its cracklin’ crunchy skin as a “meat cookie.” Of course, Hoang, the operator of Viet-Thai Taste, said a whole barbecued pig probably won’t be on the menu. This was a special occasion. Hoang was happy to see people get together to celebrate and enjoy her food.

It was also a chance for her family and guests to see the progress of Viet-Thai Taste, which is being historically rehabilitated from a more than 100-year-old county garage building. Local real estate developer Goldfinch Growth purchased the building at 115 W. Second St. S. last year, intending to transform it into a local bar or restaurant.

Bryan Friedman, co-owner of Goldfinch Growth, said at the Saturday feast the building is approaching its final month of construction. New windows have been installed. Booths are being built. Concrete slabs on the southern exterior of the building have hardened for an outdoor patio space.

“We’re excited for all of the pieces to be coming together,” he said. “The kitchen equipment is all here. It just needs to be assembled and hooked up. It’s really exciting to see the effort that Theresa is making to run a really successful restaurant with delicious food.”

Friedman is unable to pinpoint an exact opening date for Viet-Thai Taste just yet. However, both he and Hoang are anticipating a July opening is some capacity. Much like whole barbecued pig, Hoang thinks Viet-Thai Taste will feature food Newton may not have seen or experienced before. She is confident they will.

“I’m sure they really will like it,” Hoang said.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com