September 23rd, 2010 by Staff – Comments (46)
When we think of Tulsa as a diverse city, we can practically pick a culture to immerse ourselves in. This week we decided to immerse ourselves into the Thai culture, primarily in the areas of food and relaxation.
The Thai people are very simple, yet mysterious to many foreigners. A majority of the Thai people take relaxation very seriously. Unlike many parts of the world where time is considered money, the Thai people believe that time is not something that should be chased. They believe in hard work but believe that it is not important enough to become a workaholic. Spending time out with friends or family (or enjoying a traditional Thai massage, which is indeed a very popular form of Thai relaxation) is a typical thing to do during the week and on the weekends.
Thai massage, one of the world’s oldest healing modalities, is a popular form of relaxation in the Thai culture. It is a blend of massage, acupressure, energy work, and gentle yoga stretches. Benefits from a session may include: releasing tight joints, stretching muscles, increasing range of motion, and reducing stress. Thai massage has its roots in a spiritual tradition, and its purpose is to heal a person physically, emotionally and spiritually. Spa Lux, a luxury day spa in Tulsa is one of the few spas that offer true authentic Thai massage. Specifically trained in Thai massage is Spa Lux’s newest team member, Phonthip “Tip” Moreno. Tip is a native of Thailand with previous experience at prestigious spa resorts in Thailand and Guam, making her a great addition to Spa Lux. Thai massage is both deeply relaxing, energizing and takes place on a futon mat on the floor while wear loose fitting clothing. Some spas, like Spa Lux, provide you with an outfit to wear. You start by lying on your back, and the therapist uses gentle compression and stretching techniques to open up your body, beginning with your legs. Some people say Thai massage is a little like doing yoga without any effort, because the therapist will push your body into various positions without any work on your part.
Food is also a huge part of any gathering in most cultures. Unlike western culture, where a normal meal in any restaurant consists of an appetizer, main entrée and dessert, in Thailand the custom is a little different. Instead of ordering a few dishes, most gatherings consist of sharing one main dish together. Most dishes in Thailand contain sweet, sour, salty and spicy. The food is considered satisfying when it contains all the four tastes. Thai dinners primarily include meat, fish, noodles, vegetables and soup followed by desserts including fresh fruits and colorful rice cakes.
Lanna Thai Summer Rolls
A very popular Thai restaurant right here in Tulsa is Lanna Thai. Family owned and operated since 1998, this hot spot has been nationally recognized as one of the top 50 Thai restaurants in the country along with many local awards. Specializing in fresh ingredients, bold flavors and family recipes, Lanna Thai is an experience in itself. My personal favorite dish is the Ba-Mee Mhoo Dang(below) consisting of Egg noodles with Thai style BBQ pork, bean sprouts, green onions and cilantro. This dish can be made with or without chicken broth. Another local favorite are the summer rolls which are filled with jumbo shrimp, chicken, noodle, bean sprouts, carrots, sweet basil, Romaine lettuce, and cilantro served with sweet chili and peanut sauces.
Lanna Thai Ba-Mee Mhoo Dang
The Thai culture is like I said, very simple. They are very grateful people that love the earth and care about family. Tulsa is full of Thailand culture; we just have to seek it out! Step out of the box today and enjoy a Thai Massage at Spa Lux or go to dinner at one of Tulsa’s many Thai restaurants. We are sure that you will be taken care of!
For more information about SPA LUX visit www.SpaLux.org or call (918) 615-3339.
Spa Lux Day Spa
8922 S. Memorial Drive, Suite B
Tulsa, OK 74133
(918) 615-3339
www.spalux.org
Lanna Thai
7227 S Memorial Drive
Tulsa, OK 74133
(918) 249-5262
www.lannathaitulsa.com
Tags: Asian · South Tulsa · Thai
46 responses so far ↓
haley Sep 23, 2010 at 5:58 am
I love Thai food! And really… who doesn’t love a massage??
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Boot~C Sep 23, 2010 at 6:50 am
I’ve only been to lana thai once & it was great,looks like I need a repeat trip.
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Shawna Sep 23, 2010 at 7:19 am
I could SO use a massage, especially in the next few weeks. This marathon training is killer!
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Cathie Sep 23, 2010 at 8:48 am
Haven’t been to Spa Lux yet, but I LOVE Lana Thai.
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mandi simmons Sep 23, 2010 at 8:49 am
Love it! Could use the night out!
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Monica DeSpain Sep 23, 2010 at 8:50 am
Looks yummy and relaxing!
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Lisa Mitchell Sep 23, 2010 at 8:53 am
Looks enticing!
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Paula Sep 23, 2010 at 8:54 am
I could really use a massage!! Please pick me!!!
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Kellyology Sep 23, 2010 at 8:58 am
Ooooo….Now this is a giveaway I could get into.
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Machele Sep 23, 2010 at 9:00 am
Massage AND food…what’s not to love!!!
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Marla Zumwalt Sep 23, 2010 at 9:05 am
Looks wonderful!
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Tahnee Davis Sep 23, 2010 at 9:15 am
Awesome giveaway! Those summer rolls look uhh-mazing!!
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Ashley Sep 23, 2010 at 9:18 am
Always wanted to try Lanna Thai, and I love massages!
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trista Sep 23, 2010 at 9:20 am
Ive never had a massage or thai food and would love to try both. i most def need relaxation im a single mother to three beautiful children under the age of 8.
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Lauren Sep 23, 2010 at 9:25 am
I love spas.. And Thai food! this sounds like a great pairing. Thanks
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Angie Sep 23, 2010 at 9:28 am
I would like to take relaxation seriously. A Thai massage would be a great start!!
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George Sep 23, 2010 at 9:28 am
Oh, my gosh! Could I use a great meal and a relaxing massage! This year, I got divorced, lost one of my jobs and have filed for bankruptcy. Stress, stress, stress. Won’t give setails – but I would REALLY appreciate winning this giveaway. Thanks, and good luck to all who enter!
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Mama Sep 23, 2010 at 9:28 am
I have not had the pleasure of eating here but sure would like to try it. Also, never had a professional massage but am betting that would feel great!
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Annie Sep 23, 2010 at 9:41 am
PLEASE Lanna Thai, reopen a mid-town location. I can’t stand to drive to 71st and Memorial.
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Amanda Sep 23, 2010 at 9:47 am
This stressed college student could totally use a massage and some food.
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Melanie Lawson Sep 23, 2010 at 9:56 am
That sounds heavenly!
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Stephanie Sep 23, 2010 at 10:15 am
Sounds amazing! I’d love to win!
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Brian Schwartz Sep 23, 2010 at 10:20 am
NOT A CONTEST ENTRY. I used to eat at Lanna a lot years ago. They had learned to “dumb down” their dishes for Americans (!) so I had a long conversation with the owner and in that conversation I inserted the fact that I’d spent many months in Thailand and wanted the real thing. And after that, I got some excellent Thai food every time I visited.
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Jym Brittain Sep 23, 2010 at 10:43 am
thai food and a massage? sounds wonderful!
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claireses Sep 23, 2010 at 10:44 am
I was introduced to Thai food in 2003 and have been an addict ever since… and Thai iced teas are quite possibly the most awesome drink in the universe. I imagine Thai massage transcends these basic necessities.
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Kasey Sep 23, 2010 at 11:07 am
I <3 Lanna Thai!
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Mona Sep 23, 2010 at 11:21 am
I’d love to win!
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Rob Sep 23, 2010 at 11:22 am
Yeah!!! Pick me!!!!
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Candice Chinsethagid Sep 23, 2010 at 11:30 am
Thailand is one of the most fascinating countries. I encourage everyone to take at least one trip there! Best food I’ve ever had!!! Thanks for sharing!
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Susan Sep 23, 2010 at 11:52 am
WANT
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Melissa Sep 23, 2010 at 12:16 pm
This would be a new experience for me. And we can never have enough of those!
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Tom Sep 23, 2010 at 12:23 pm
I love Lanna Thai. Plus the massage looks great!
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Hungry Mama Sep 23, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Well, I have a 4 month old baby and am now expecting a second (WHAT??) so i could definitely use a massage and I am having some vicious cravings for Thai food and Lanna Thai is the best!
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David Costa Sep 23, 2010 at 1:41 pm
I love the Thai people!!
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Sam B Sep 23, 2010 at 1:42 pm
I joined the facebook page and commented… Pick me!
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Jodi Law Sep 23, 2010 at 1:42 pm
I love Spa Lux!
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Steve Sep 23, 2010 at 1:43 pm
My wife hates me right now. Help me make her happy.
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scott Sep 23, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Glad to read the post about having a chat with the Lanna Thai owner to make the food authentic. I stopped going to Lanna years ago because it is “Americanized.” It is American food, not Thai food. Thus I found it quite boring compared to food I had when I was in Thailand. I’ll have to go back now and try asking for authentic!
Had good massages in Thailand, and it’s time for another!
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Lesley Sep 23, 2010 at 3:41 pm
I LOVE Thai food and just tried the Ba-Mee Mhoo Dang! It was great. So yeah, I’d love to win the massage!
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Chew Sep 23, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Hmmm… Thai foods. I need a glass of ice cold Thai coffee too!!
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janine Sep 23, 2010 at 4:51 pm
I adore Lanna Thai! I would also really love a massage!
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Tina Sep 23, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Love Lanna Thai! And a massage would be wonderful…
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Stefanie Sep 23, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Thai food is delicious!!
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Lisa Sep 23, 2010 at 10:47 pm
A massage sounds wonderful.
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Alisa Sep 23, 2010 at 11:35 pm
Great giveaway!
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Malinda Sep 24, 2010 at 9:58 am
I definitely want to try the tai summer rolls!
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