New Partnership, Same Authentic Thai Experience

By Meredith
Knight

Mike Wilson is a busy man.
Not only a retired military veteran and current Arlington Detective (over the
busiest retail district in the city) he’s also a real estate investor,
financial-education teacher, published author, and entrepreneur. But it’s his
newest venture that’s really put a spring in his step. It all began when Mike
developed a professional relationship with Om Amaratana, daughter of local
restaurateurs Kenny and Ooy Amaratana, founders and owners of the
award-winning Blue Mint Thai and Asian Cuisine restaurant. When Om mentioned
that her parents had reached a point in life where they’d like to step back
from their hectic 60-hour-a-week restaurant schedules and possibly take on a
partner, Mike the policeman made way for Mike the restaurateur and, to
paraphrase an American classic, it was the beginning of a beautiful
partnership.

A Family
Legacy

There’s good
reason Blue Mint Thai and Asian Cuisine has remained one of the most popular
restaurants in Greater Mansfield. In a word—authenticity. The family started
their first Thai restaurant in New Jersey in 1989. Later, Blue Mint founders
Kenny and Ooy relocated to Mansfield from their native Bangkok, Thailand.
They brought with them generations of culinary know-how and original family
recipes. Kenny left behind his authentic Thai restaurant in Thailand.
Eventually, they found a perfect spot in growing Mansfield and would open
Blue Mint in 2008. Ooy and her sister, Randy, who also grew up cooking
alongside their parents and owning her own Thai restaurant in New Jersey,
were more than ready to join their efforts to offer an authentic Thai dining
experience to their new Texas
neighbors.

Same
Authentic Thai Experience

Even as Mike has come in and made some
significant changes at Blue Mint with partners Randy, Ooy, and Kenny, they
are still very much involved day-to-day in carrying on the family legacy and
sharing their award-winning family recipes with loyal customers and newcomers
alike. While the menu has stayed the same and the same highly capable chefs
and wait staff are still on hand, the new atmosphere and vibe are noticeable
including large-screen TVs, hit music and a menu of choice beers, wines, and
seltzers. The website has undergone a facelift and high-tech new neon signs
direct the way to the best Thai and Asian cuisine in town. Diners now enjoy
online ordering and delivery service (within five miles), a popular happy
hour with drinks half off, and $10 lunch specials Tuesday through
Friday.

“If you haven’t tried Blue Mint’s Crazy
Noodles, Golden Pouch, Drunken Fried Rice, Blue Mint Dumplings, Pad Thai, or
one of our hot and creamy curry dishes, do yourself a favor and just visit
the website or call (817)
453-1999,” Mike said. “We look forward to serving
you.”