About Payathai Restaurant
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| Jimmy Nozaki crafts his famous sushi creations |
Payathai is a family operation, owned and operated by Noi and Jimmy Nozaki, who have more than 30 years experience in pleasing palates with their Asian delights!
At Payathai, neighbors become friends, and friends become family.
The Payathai Story
"Jimmy" (Tetsuo) Nozaki, is from Okinawa, Japan and came to the US when he was 18.
"Noi" (Jaruwan) Nozaki is from a surburb of Bangkok, Thailand. She also came to the US as a teenager.
Both Jimmy and Noi were living in West Virginia when they met at the Thai restaurant where Noi was working. Jimmy loved her cooking and they soon started dating, eventually marrying and moving to Illinois.
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| Noi Nozaki with her four-legged best friend |
Jimmy and Noi opened their first restaurant - Kikuya Japanese Restaurant - in Chicago. Later they opened Hinode in Champaign, Illinois and Bua Thai in Tinley Park, Illinois. It was during this time that they developed their unique own style, starting with the best Asian dishes, and making them even better.
After years of running these great Asian restaurants and raising their two daughters, Jimmy and Noi decided to retire. The plan was to move to Florida and take it easy.
But the quiet life was not for them! Wanting an outlet for their culinary creativity, Jimmy and Noi soon opened Payathai in Atlantis, Florida.
Payathai has quickly become famous for Jimmy's legendary sushi creations and Noi's out-of-this-world Thai curry dishes. Their signature dishes include Pad Thai, Sex On The Moon, Lobster Monster, Lovely Duck, Holy Snapper, Volcano Shrimp, and Red & Green Panang Curry Specialties.