A Restaurant Worth Remembering – Panna Thai
By Aly Wagonseller
When hunger calls, we often find that the fridge is empty, and in the hunt for good grub that’s not grab and go fast food, we tend to forget about great eateries in our neighborhood. The kind of places where you can relax in an atmosphere that’s above average, enjoy a nice glass of wine or beer and treat yourself to delicious food that’s reasonably priced and close to home. Panna Thai Restaurant, located at 6015 S. Fort Apache, is just that kind of place, a restaurant that deserves a spot on your go-to list for casual dining any day of the week.
Tastefully decorated with modern touches that resemble much fancier establishments, Panna Thai has an upscale vibe you wouldn’t expect in a southwest area strip mall. A great selection of what I call “mesmerizing chill music” sets the mood without overpowering the space, a tiny yet thoughtful detail that makes it easy to lounge around and unwind. The service is impressive as well, with an attentive staff that knows the menu and isn’t afraid to make recommendations or graciously substitute another dish if you’re dissatisfied, something we appreciated when we felt one selection fell flat.
We started with the Crab Wonton appetizer ($5.95), a delicious Rangoon style morsel that was surprisingly light for this type of starter, a nice change from the hard as rock, cream cheese gut buster this popular appie so often resembles. Containing “real” crab as proudly touted by our server, the flakey wontons melted in your mouth, the creamy interior rich in crab flavor. Tom Yum Soup ($5.75) was equally impressive, with a tart, lemongrass infused broth that was not overly spicy and filled with ample quantities of meat (in my case, perfectly cooked shrimp) and mushrooms. As a caveat, however, I should mention that there seemed to be an inordinate amount of lemongrass, and since it’s really not supposed to be eaten, I had to fish around to avoid getting it on the spoon. Still, the soup was a definite highlight. With regard to spice, our medium hot level seemed a bit on the passive side, so those that favor a more five alarm kick may want to make their preference known ahead of time.
After ordering – then sending back – the aforementioned recommendation called Minty (a deep fried short rib stir fry whose jerky like consistency we found unappealing), we settled on several other dishes we did find delicious, the Spicy Eggplant with Chicken ($8.75) being a standout. Tender chunks of gorgeous aborigine eggplant were expertly prepared, their melt in your mouth consistency an excellent contrast to the crispy peppers and onions included in the stir fry. Finished in a sauce flavored with the delicate licorice undertones of basil and robust chili, it’s a winner for both vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Pork Pad Thai ($8.50), while again not overly spicy, had a peanut aggressiveness I personally loved, even if it did somewhat overtake the subtle tartness of the house tamarind sauce designed to hold the dish together. The rice noodles still had bite and the vegetables were perfectly crispy and fresh, making this a respectable version of the classic Thai dish. We passed on dessert but it’s certainly a viable option here, with homemade coconut ice cream, fried banana or mango and sweet sticky rice all offering a nice way to tame your post dinner sweet tooth.
Fewer and fewer quality choices seem to exist in the neighborhood restaurant scene, so when one survives as long as Panna Thai does, there’s clearly a reason. Good service, ambiance and food that’s served in portions large enough for screaming good leftovers says it all. It’s definitely a restaurant worth remembering the next time the dinner bell rings.
Jordan Hart
Palo Verde High School
Class of 2012
Being a champion takes more than just hard work and hours of practice. It takes the kind of personal commitment that Palo Verde High School senior Jordan Hart shows every day. An all star wrestler with numerous accolades, Jordan hopes to become a Division I college champion and one day compete in the Olympics. Off the mat, he enjoys being a positive influence for peers and giving back to those less fortunate through everything from charity drives to community renovation projects. With a passion for success that never lets him settle for less, Jordan Hart stands – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.2
Sports/Activities/Community Service
- Varsity Wrestling, 2008-12; Captain, 2009-12
- Vegas West Wrestling Club, 2008-12
- Team Nevada Wrestling Team, 2009-12
- K.Y.E. Wrestling Academy, 2008-12
- Head Chair of Youth Conference Committee Renovation of Bob Baskin Park, 2011
- Volunteer at Opportunity Village, 2010
- Sock Drive for Salvation Army, 2010
- Boulder City Memorial Landscaping Project, 2010
Awards
- National Wrestling All-American, 2011-12
- Individual Nevada Wrestling State Champion, 2011-12
- Individual Nevada Wrestling State Runner-Up, 2009-10
- Individual Nevada Wrestling State 3rd Place, 2010-11
- Most Outstanding Palo Verde Varsity Wrestler, 2009-12
- Palo Verde Varsity Wrestling Coaches Award, 2010-11
- Two Time Holiday Classic Champion, 2010-11
- Two Time Sunset Region Champion, 2011-12
- Top of the Rockies Champion, 2011-12
- Dick Comley Invitational Champion, 2012
- Five Counties Champion, 2011-12
- Scholar Athlete, 2009-12
- Eagle Scout, 2012
Jordan is Stronger and Wiser Because: “A certain experience that made me a stronger person is wrestling. The amount of discipline, determination, work ethic, responsibility and passion that the sport requires is absolutely immense. It has given me these attributes and more to live my life by. It has been an extremely tough battle, but it really prepared me for absolutely anything I will come across.”
Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing young adults today is alcohol usage. Many young adults are influenced to partake in the substance because it is the ‘cool’ thing to do. I might be able to be a part of the solution because I am an excellent example of not partaking in the substance while still being able to have a strong and positive reputation with those around me.”
Cause for Concern: “If I could be the president of any nonprofit or charitable organization, it would be with the Salvation Army. They do so much for people that are underprivileged. I love doing things for people, and to be able to have the opportunity to see how happy I could make people would be even greater.”
Ryan Navarro
Palo Verde High School
Class of 2012
A proud member of the Panther Nation, you can always find Palo Verde High School senior Ryan Navarro pouncing around the gym with boundless energy as the school mascot. When he’s not suiting up in panther garb, Ryan keeps busy with Air Force Junior ROTC and dedicates himself to academics, hoping to study pre-med at BYU. Strong values, leadership skills and a sense of community keep him involved in everything from charity walks to youth forum programs, strengthening ties with peers and people in the neighborhood. Reliable, determined and driven to succeed, Ryan Navarro always remains – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.45
Activities
- PVHS Panther Mascot, 2009-12
- AFJROTC, 2008-12
- Color Guard, 2008-12; Team Commander, 2009-11
- Wing Commander, 2011-12
- National Youth Leadership Forum Delegate, 2009
- Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum Delegate, 2011
- Academic Challenge Team, 2009-11; Regional Finalist, 2010-11
- Interclub Committee, 2011-12
- Student 2 Student Club, 2008-12
- Pep Club/Panther Nation Member, 2009-12
Awards/Community Service
- Eagle Scout Award, 2011
- Presidential Service Award (Silver; 2011; (Bronze; 2008-10
- Military Order of World Wars Award, 2010
- Freedoms Foundation Award, 2008-12
- Nevada Boys State Diploma, 2011
- Cadet of the Month, 2009-11
- Academic Excellence Foundation Award, 2011
- Salvation Army Volunteer, 2008-12
- PVHS/ROTC Tutor, 2008-12
- Deseret Organization Volunteer, 2011-12
- Colors of Lupus Walk Participant/Volunteer, 2009-12
Ryan is Successful Because: “I credit my success to the values that I strive to live by each day. Respect, responsibility, integrity, courage, patriotism, competency, tenacity and service all have been a core part of my life, and anyone who hones them properly will be immensely successful in whatever endeavor they partake in.”
Ryan is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Summer Leadership School was a week long course mirrored to that of Basic Military Training (BMT). It was all sorts of exhausting; physically, mentally, emotionally, even spiritually. However, getting through this and graduating from the program taught me not only to accomplish my goals but how to endure through any trial and tribulation.”
Part of the Solution: “I think a very integral issue facing young adults is being too conformist. I don’t mean that they should go out and be disruptive, wreak havoc, lie, cheat or steal. The youth should know that each idea can create a bigger picture. Just because one’s opinion is different does not mean it’s not important.”
Max Asaf
The Meadows School
Class of 2012
Meadows School senior Max Asaf knows the true value of education lies not just in learning enough to get by but continually expanding your horizons. With a host of AP and Honors awards, from history to science to Latin and more, there’s no challenge too large for this passionate and enterprising individual, yet Max is grounded enough to realize what’s truly important in life. Whatever career path lies ahead, this dedicated scholar hopes to be an innovator and make a difference in more lives than his own, and that helps place Max Asaf – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.76
Sports/Activities
- Varsity Baseball, 2008-09
- Varsity Golf, 2010-11
- Varsity Bowling, 2010-12; JV, 2009-10
- Cum Laude Society, 2011-Present
- National Honor Society, 2010-Present
- National Latin Honor Society, 2009-Present
- Historian of Nevada Junior Classical League, 2009-11
- First Vice President of Nevada Junior Classical League, 2011-12
- Varsity Quiz, 2011-12
- Delegate of Nevada Boys’ State, 2011
Awards/Community Service
- Commended National Merit Scholar, 2011
- AP Scholar with Honor, 2011
- James Monroe Scholar, College of William and Mary, 2012
- University Scholar, University of Chicago, 2012
- University Scholar, Case Western Reserve University, 2012
- Bowdoin Faculty Scholar, Bowdoin College, 2012
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Scholars Program, University of Pennsylvania, 2012
- Head of Fundraising and Student Store for Meadows School Microbank, 2009-Present
- Meadows Environmental Consortium, 2008-10
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of my work with my school”s Microbank club. As a freshman, one of my classmates and I began a breakfast cart service every morning, selling breakfast and snacks to hungry students. The next year, we opened the Microbank Student Store in an abandoned classroom. For the past three years, I have worked at that store almost every single day, selling everything from chips to top ramen and raising over $45,000.”
Max Looks Up To: “Out of all of the people that have influenced my life and made me into the person I am today, my mother has had the most profound impact on me. She has battled through cancer and a second cancer scare and faced both frightening situations with such immense resilience and strength. Her fortitude and determination make her someone that I look up to.”
Improving Student Life: “While I believe that it is incredibly important to teach students what needs to be taught in order to pass standardized tests, it is even more important for teachers to expose students to things beyond the lesson plan. Learning is something that should be done in order to open your mind and expose yourself to a world of ideas you never knew existed.”
Emma Benjamin
Bishop Gorman High School
Class of 2012
It’s difficult to know what tomorrow may bring, but Bishop Gorman High School senior Emma Benjamin faces the unknown with a sincere appreciation for all that she has in life. This competitive equestrian puts her heart and soul into horseback riding but still finds time off the field to explore interests in writing and politics. A strong desire to help others in the community has also led to volunteer work with Best Buddies and Opportunity Village, so keeping busy is never a problem. For always standing out while standing up for others, Emma Benjamin rises to – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 3.9
Sports/Awards/Community Service
- Competitive Equestrian, 2006-Present
- Honor Thespian, 2010-Present
- World History Honors Student of the Year, 2010
- 5th Place for Horse of the Year in Child/Adult Jumpers High, 2011
- Full & Mid-Circuit Champion at HITS Thermal in Children’s Jumpers High, 2011
- Best Buddies, 2009-Present; Historian, 2010-11
- Volunteer at Opportunity Village, 2009-Present
- Volunteer at Touch-A-Truck, 2009-Present
Activities
- National Honor Society, 2010-Present; Vice President, 2011-Present
- Historian of Gaels Theatre Guild, 2011-Present
- Photography Club, 2008-Present; President, 2010-Present
- Academic Society, 2008-10
- Science National Honor Society, 2011-Present
- Creative Writing Club, 2011-Present
- Link Leader, 2011-Present
- Choir, 2010-Present
- “Betty” in BGHS Production A Murdered Mystery, 2011
- “Ellen” in BGHS Production Oklahoma, 2012
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of my various equestrian awards because horseback riding has had such a tremendous influence on me. My trainer Annette Spinetti has taught me the value of sportsmanship and the determination and hard work I now put into every aspect of my life. Without all the effort and love I put into horseback riding to get those achievements, I would not be the dedicated person I am today.”
Emma Looks Up To: “I look up to my two brothers, Alex and Reese. They are six and seven years older than me respectively. Because of this age gap, I’ve always wanted to grow up as quickly as possible so that I could be old and mature like them. However, they have taught me that while maturity is extremely important, it’s just as valuable to live every moment of my life to the fullest. They have always been my best teachers and my greatest inspiration.”
Cause for Concern: “I would be the president of Best Buddies. It creates friendships between people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and regular high school teenagers. This program has helped me grow in so many ways and I would love to share the joy it brought me with others in my community.”
