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LIFE in the Kitchen: Green Papaya firmly planted in Canton community

By Natalie K. Pollock

Staff Writer

Dirka Peirson, from Belgium, and his mother-in-law Suda Nunta, from Thailand, work side by side at the Green Papaya restaurant in Canton, where they feel supported by the community. Photo by Natalie K. Pollock

Suda Nunta emigrated to the United States from North Thailand, where she owns a factory. With just a backpack on her back, she came alone because she was told by her English language teacher that America is “open” to businesses owned by Asians. During her initial visit, she stopped in at the Green Papaya restaurant in Canton to talk with the owners. That was 17 years ago.

Nunta’s business in her homeland manufactures “saa” paper from the bark of mulberry trees. The factory has been producing and exporting the handmade paper, which is soft and translucent, for 30 years. The largest number of her customers are in Europe.

The specialty paper, a product of North Thailand for 700 years, is used in home décor projects and is often made into kites, as well as gift-wrapping paper, lampshades, parasols and greeting cards. At 62, Nunta continues to experiment with colors and techniques. She is in daily contact with the factory and its customers by telephone.

Seven years ago, Nunta bought the Green Papaya restaurant and eventually changed its style of cooking from Laotian-Thai to Northern Thai.

Northern Thai food is distinct from the other four parts of Thailand, all with their own style. Northern Thai is less spicy and more sour, and it makes abundant use of herbs such as Thai basil and the galangal root, similar in taste to ginger.

Tamarind duck features homemade tamarind sauce over crispy duck.

Dirka Peirsman, who is a native of Belgium, married Nunta’s daughter, Warangkana Nunta, who has a son, 12, and daughter, 14, through an earlier relationship. Peirsman met his wife in his native Belgium.

Suda Nunta wanted to get to know Peirsman. When he traveled to Thailand with her daughter, the mother invited them to stay for three weeks. It was his heart that she wanted to understand, she explained. Then she visited them in Belgium. She approved.

The two women are owners of the restaurant in Canton and Peirsman works alongside them, welcoming guests and helping with issues that require fluent English. His wife’s nickname is Net and she runs the kitchen. Her mother takes charge of preparing the appetizers and some of the house specialties.

The couple followed Nunta six months after her first visit to the U.S. and eventually moved here to be together as a family. They checked out the town and its schools before moving. They grew to feel like they are part of the community, donating food to the teachers party every year and handing out soup in the morning at times.

As for other restaurants, Covid was a difficult time for them. They lost their chef and five staff members. The daughter has since taken over all the cooking, and takeout orders sustained their business during the worst times. Nunta acknowledged her customers have been very kind to her.


Q. Thai cuisine is known for being hot and spicy, with some ingredients that are not all well-known in this country. How are you able to make it more approachable for American palates?

A. All of our dishes are made fresh, and we can vary the spiciness for each. My son-in-law buys all the ingredients for my daughter and me to cook. There is no MSG added. MSG aggravates a problem with my bones.

Q. How long have you worked in the food industry?

A. I learned to cook in Thailand. For me food is like art. I have worked here in this restaurant for seven years. At first, I bought 60 percent of the business, and I feel the love here. I did not think at first to invest in the United States. An immigration attorney gave me information how to do that.


Q. What is your most popular dish at the restaurant?

A. Pad Thai and Pad Thai with chicken

Q. What is your personal favorite dish that the restaurant offers?

A. I like lemon grass with mixed vegetables, stir-fried. And then you can add protein. I like tilapia fish.


Q. What’s your secret ingredient?

A. I have no secret ingredient. We just cook from the heart with love.

Q. What is the one cooking technique everyone should know?

A. Everyone should know stir-frying. We use a wok.

Q. What do you like to cook when having guests to your home?

A. If they are European, I cook massaman curry. If they are Thai, I cook more spicy meals, usually stir-fry fish. VL

The Green Papaya restaurant is located at 160 Albany Turnpike in Canton.

https://www.greenpapayathairestaurant.com/

Tel: 860-693-9322

https://www.facebook.com/TheGreenPapayaCanton/

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Valley Happenings

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or in advance at AVFD Headquarters, 25 Darling Drive, Avon (Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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