What keeps me motivated is not the food itself but all the bonds and memories the food represents. -Michael Chiarello

Authentic Lao food is so rare in the bay area and I am glad to finally find a place that I could return to and enjoy as I reminisce about my youth. A time when playing chess and checkers with my hispanic neighbors in the slum part of town was a happy time and my family was with a Laotian granny who taught me love and respect. Remembering the taste of sticky rice pulled from a bamboo container with my hands, the dried meats and the scent of spicy sauces that I would use excuses to frequently dip. I was only five back then. It was a wonderful time in my life. I hope if you do have a chance, please visit Maneelap. A sweet restaurant owned by a Laotian family. Mother, brother and uncle are the cooks of this restaurant.

Right now there is a groupon deal available at:http://www.groupon.com/deals/maneelap-srimonkuon