On any given day you drive by the stylish Shoppes at Towne Station near downtown Apex, you’ll see a bustling eatery conveniently situated on the corner. It’s not uncommon to find the large covered patio filled with patrons enjoying Asian street food, scratch-made sweet treats, and creative cocktails. The inside dining room hums with a mix of enthusiasm and contentment.
Open since July 2023, Myra Café has quickly established itself as a go-to spot for a satisfying full-service lunch or dinner. Food is cooked to order, but it emerges from the kitchen fast and arrives tableside steaming hot.
The most fascinating feature of the dining room — filled with vibrant hued walls, exposed ceilings, and mostly four-top tables — is the assorted floating shelves containing small toy collectibles. Your eyes will be drawn to popular Disney characters, iconic comic book superheroes, anime action figures, and much more. The whimsical collection speaks to the café’s unconventional vibe.
Offbeat display items aside, softspoken Executive Chef Paul Chaipun manages to churn out flavorsome cuisine with grace and flair.
“We import our ingredients from my home country of Thailand, because quality ingredients are even more important than the recipes we use,” says Chaipun, who honed his culinary skills at a highly rated luxury hotel in Bangkok.
The restaurant’s menu features an appealing variety of small- and large-plate options plus imaginative desserts and drinks. Servers are happy to provide clarification or guidance regarding the various dishes offered.
Among the eight available small plates, order the savory Korean-style Bonchon chicken wings or the refreshing som tum salad with shredded green papaya and carrots, grape tomatoes, and cashews with tangy lime dressing.
When it comes to large plates, don’t miss the star attraction red curry inundated with bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and Thai basil leaves in a creamy red chili curry sauce.
“We use a large concentration of curry, and people really enjoy it,” Chaipun reveals.
Also worth consideration: stir-fried drunken noodles with house chili paste; Fukuoka tonkotsu ramen featuring roasted pork belly, soft boiled egg, bean sprouts, black wood ear mushroom, and sweet corn; and roasted duck over ramen noodles brimming with bok choy, pickled radish, crispy shallots, and a sweet gravy sauce.
Popular noodle dish pad thai contains bean sprouts, egg, chives, and chopped peanuts. Be advised: Myra Café’s version tastes considerably sweeter than you’ll find elsewhere.
“For the pad thai, we use tamarind, which is both sweet and tangy,” says Chaipun.
Weekday lunch specials include a complimentary crispy vegetable spring roll for customers who dine in. Try the stir-fried cashew chicken with onions in a sweet-and-spicy roasted chili sauce or the popular Myra Box, which involves teriyaki-infused grilled salmon served alongside steamed rice, gyoza (vegetable-filled dumpling), and house salad.
Mercury Forest, age 3, from Raleigh enjoys lunch with her family.
Vegetarian and vegan options such as pad see ew with broccoli, pineapple fried rice, and garlic-imbued Crazy Fire ramen are sure to please. A handful of dishes are available in gluten-free varieties.
“We strive to be health conscious and provide only the best quality food for our guests,” says Chaipun. “But we also provide delicious treats for those who enjoy dessert.”
After your meal, consider selecting one of the European-style homemade croissants strategically positioned behind a display up front. Whether you pick a pastry that’s studded with almonds, filled with chocolate, or stuffed with whipped cream and seasonal berries, you will not be disappointed. Note: These delicacies are available Thursday through Sunday only and while supply lasts.
Additional dessert possibilities range from Thai sticky rice served warm with baked coconut custard to crème brûlée.
As for beverages, a variety of craft cocktails, mocktails, coffee drinks, and Thai iced tea provide plenty of possibilities. We highly recommend the orange and fig Manhattan, which comprises bourbon, Grand Marnier, sweet vermouth, bitters, and fig.
Patio tables feature call buttons so guests can summon servers when they need their glass refilled or the check at the end of the meal.
“Since there are almost 50 seats outside, this system helps us be more attentive to the needs of our guests,” Chaipun adds.
Myra Café is open seven days a week (see website for hours). Reservations are available.
- Women of Western Wake: Annette Hibbert Stevenson
- Meet Cary Magazine’s 2024 Women of Western Wake
- Women of Western Wake: Sue Harnett
- Women of Western Wake: Katie Gailes
- Women of Western Wake: Elaine Buxton
- Women of Western Wake: Dr. Joy Allen
- Behind the Seams
- Garden Adventurer: Peony Patience
- Liquid Assets: Pub Ale
- Liquid Assets: Your Favorite Scarf
- Restaurant Profile: Myra Café
- Nonprofit Spotlight: Thrift2Gift
- Small Business Spotlight: Spavia Day Spa MacGregor Village
- Creative Awakenings
- On Trend: The Sandwich Method
- Things to Do: September 2024
