By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Melanie's Kitchen Asian Cuisine has expanded its reach to Hays, offering an array of authentic and fresh Asian flavors.
Owner Melanie Elder opened her first restaurant in 2014 at 321 Main St., Quinter, where it remains in operation.
Elder said people from nearby areas were traveling to taste her food, which inspired her to grow her business.
"The reason I moved to Hays is because I know I already built a clientele," Elder said. "We have a lot of customers that come from Hays, and there's not a lot of Asian dishes here that are authentic."
Elder's second and newest location, 2306 Vine St., Hays, welcomed the community of Hays on Feb. 6 and celebrated its opening on Monday.
Leigh Purdy, vice president of the Chamber in Hays, joined Elder and her family in the packed restaurant for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
"My husband told me I'm crazy," Elder said. "Running a business is tough. It's not for the faint of heart. It's a lot of hard work, but I enjoy serving the community."
Elder's Hays location offers unique menu items not available at her Quinter restaurant, such as dishes like beef broccoli and chicken curry.
Elder recommends the combination dinner, a plate of pancit, steamed rice, egg rolls, sesame chicken, and sweet and sour chicken, for first-time visitors.
Other menu items include spicy kung pao chicken, Mongolian beef, egg drop soup and shrimp fried rice.
Elder also dedicates time in the kitchen to ensure customers have the best dining experience possible.
"I make sure the food cooked is up to my standards," she said. "All the food we make here and the different sauces are made in-house."
After the ceremony, Elder's family and supporters savored homemade dishes provided by her relatives and indulged in treats from Melanie's Kitchen.
Customers walking into Melanie's Kitchen will discover an array of illustrations above tables and booths, offering a glimpse into the Asian world.
"I wanted to show the Philippine culture," Elder said. "It's conversation pieces for people who come in."
Elder said the Hays community has shown their support, and she appreciates its continuation as she expands her kitchen.
"I want to thank the Hays community. I can feel the people who come here and support us. I am thankful for everybody," she said.
Melanie's Kitchen Asian Cuisine in Hays is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Melanie's Kitchen Asian Cuisine in Quinter is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays.
You can follow Elder's Hays and Quinter location on Facebook.
You can also watch the full ribbon-cutting ceremony at Melanie's Kitchen on the Chamber in Hays Facebook.
