I was the first person to walk into Yai for lunch, only to find that one table had already been set with food.
It wasn't for me or any other customer. It was an offering to the Buddha, placed so that it faced his shrine.
Offerings in Thai and Chinese businesses are usually less conspicuous, placed on the floor, or on a ledge. This was the first time I had seen one arranged as if the Buddha himself had made a reservation for lunch.
It was a nice, light meal--a bowl of noodles with chicken and soup, a fat green apple and a bright drink of red syrup diluted with water. Another glass held incense sticks.
Thais are so devout, they wouldn't think twice about giving up space that could have been occupied by at least four paying customers for a religious tribute.
It was a good sign that my lunch would be prepared by cooks with such spirit. The food, crispy pork, jungle curry, grilled shrimp and stir-fried noodles, was delicious. But that is usually the case at Yai.
Yai Thai-Chinese restaurant, 5757 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028. Tel: (323) 462-0292.
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