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Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2009 > June > 11 > Entry
McLagan remembers Little Thailand owner Simcoe
Musician Ian McLagan tries to schedule his flights back into town so he’ll arrive during the hours that the Little Thailand restaurant, about seven miles east of the airport, would be open. He didn’t just go there for the great Thai food, but to hang out with jovial owner Dick Simcoe, who had a bar in the back of the restaurant.
“It always felt like you were guests at his home,” McLagan said. “If Dick was in England he’d own the pub that everyone wanted to go to.”
Simcoe passed away Thursday morning from the effects of stomach cancer. His 75th birthday was to be tomorrow.
“I have no regrets,” Simcoe said last week, after doctors told him he didn’t have long to live. “I had a vision and I followed through on it.” The restaurant he owned with wife Surin was the first Thai restaurant in Central Texas, opened in 1981 in a trailer outside the back gate of Bergstrom AFB.
After Bergstrom closed, the Simcoes moved Little Thailand in 1995 to its current location under the Garfield water tank in Del Valle.
“I just love to be around people,” Simcoe said last week of his natural hosting ability. “I feel blessed to have seen the smiles of so many good, good people. That’s what I’ll remember most.”
“He was a remarkable chap,” said McLagan, “with a great family.” McLagan and his late wife Kim were regulars since moving to Manor in 1995. “I wrote a song about coming here with Kim on the drive from my house. The lyrics were all finished by the time I got to Little Thailand.”
That song “Date With An Angel” is on McLagan’s 2004 album “Rise and Shine.”
Besides being a great host, Simcoe was known for his vintage jukebox and his recipe for Thai bloody marys. “I brought a friend there once and Dick made her a bloody mary,” said McLagan. “After she’d had a couple sips I asked her how she liked the drink. Meanwhile, Dick was scribbling something on a piece of paper. She said, ‘It’s the best bloody mary I’ve ever had’ and Dick gave me the piece of paper that said the exact same words. He was such a character.”
Simcoe was surrounded by family in his last few weeks, including daughter Luanne of San Francisco, who had barely left her father’s side in the four months since he had his cancer diagnosis. “He meant the world to me and I will cherish the time I spent with him for the rest of my life,” Luanne Simcoe said.
The funeral will be Saturday at 3 p.m. at Harrell Funeral Home (443-1366) in South Austin. Simcoe is survived by wife Surin, who will keep Little Thailand open with her sister Malee, and eight children.
- From the archive: Near the airport, a Thai pad
- Photos: Little Thailand
- Sign the guestbook
Comments
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By Rick
June 11, 2009 3:20 PM | Link to this
Dick was an amazing and funny man. He was one of the first colorful Texans I met after I moved here, and he gave me much hope for the rest of the natives. It was impossible not to have a wonderful time and a great meal at Little Thailand.
I will really miss him.
By Mark Murray
June 11, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this
Just like Mac said…”best Bloody Mary I ever had”. I’ll always be thankful that Mac and Kim introduced us to Dick and his lovely wife, Surin. Wonderful people, wonderful food, and a rather finicky jukebox back in the bar made Little Thailand a very special place. Very glad to hear Surin and Malee will keep it open.
By Tim
June 11, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this
We followed Dick from Elroy to Garfield. He was always glad to see you, and put on a good face right up to the end. He had a hip that hurt like hell, but never complained. Now he can make his bloody marys and Turkey Jerky for the angels. God bless you Dick.
By Cordy Lavery
June 12, 2009 12:16 AM | Link to this
He was such an amazing host- some of my fondest memories are being in back at the bar with the Utley Ladies Club. Best Phad Thai in the universe. A sweet, sweet man. God bless.
By Jo Rae Di Menno
June 12, 2009 12:27 AM | Link to this
Dick was an amazing character. I thank Mac and Kim forintroducing me to Dick, Surin and Little Thailand. Walking into Little Thailand is like walking into another wonderful dimension. The jukebox, with “Take Five,” The Bloody Mary’s and Dick’s whole intro while he was making the bloody Mary was priceless. I’m happy I spent my birthday in 2006 at Little Thailand. My thoughts are with the family, God Bless you all.
By Chris
June 12, 2009 8:14 AM | Link to this
I first met Dick about a year ago, when we moved to Del Valle. He was very nice, sweet guy. I always had a great time there. His wife made the best Thai food I ever had. Dick made the best Bloody Mary.
I am glad I had the chance to meet Dick. I will miss him. I am very glad to hear his family will keep the restaurant open.
My thought and prayers are with the family.
By Tavish Massey
June 12, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this
Dick was quite a man. The jukebox and dart board made the Little Thailand Lounge a one of a kind hooch. If you go there you have to play “Little ole wine drinker me” by Dean Martin, have a cold one or a Thai Bloody Mary w/Garfield water of course, throw a few darts and take it all in. Stick around you never know who’ll stop by. I’ll miss you Dick.
By David
June 12, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this
RIP, Dick. Thanks for the food, blackjack, Garfield Water, fun and food!
My deepest condolences to Surin and family.
By Rob Carter
June 12, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this
I moved out to Cedar Creek a few years back and hadn’t really noticed Little Thai on my commutes back and forth to Austin. But when I did finally stumble upon it, it became one of my favorite places to go. The food is awesome, but I was in love with the bar in back, Dick’s Place. Cool juke box. Great bloody marys. But above all, Dick was such a terrific host. My sons and I loved it, and a friend and I enjoyed an evening there eavesdropping on Ian’s tales of touring adventures. RIP Dick, and heartfelt condolences to the family. Rob Carter
By KJ
June 12, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this
An unforgettable character. We have wonderful memories at Little T. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
By Tank
June 13, 2009 5:36 AM | Link to this
I will miss the greeting at the door, “Come on in Kids, take a seat anywhere, where have you been?”
Food, bar, drinks, other guest, “speakeasy atmosphere”, Superbowl parties and of course Surin & Dick all makes Little Thailand the word of mouth place.
Go rest now Dick and thanks for your friendship. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
-Tank
By Marcia Ball
June 13, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this
Gordon and I had our wedding reception at Little Thailand in 1983. There were 12 guests. The tab was $99. Dick was always the perfect host and I’ve never had better Thai food anywhere. Little Thailand remains our family favorite. Our son Jeb had his bachelor party there last year. I still say what his early cook, Connie, used to say when she set down your food: Take your time. Enjoy. Farewell, Dick, and thank you for all the friendship, fun and wonderful food. We’ll really miss you.
By Lynne Rossi
June 13, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this
I’ll always remember Mac & Kim McLagan sharing the story of “Date with an Angel” on our ride to Little Thailand. The first time stepping into the restaurant, I felt so welcomed and at home with Dick and Surin. They are such beautiful, warm people. It felt like we were having a family dinner at their home. The food is out-of-this world and my favorite Thai restaurant is this little gem in Del Valle, TX. Dick always greeted us with a smile and his specialty cocktail. The last time I visited, I only just discovered Dick’s Lounge, like a secret hideaway! Little Thailand is truly magical, and I’ll cherish the memories of friends, delicious food, and most of all fun at this little oasis hosted by Dick and Surin Simcoe. Thank you Dick for touching our lives! My love and prayers are with Surin, Malee, their children, and all of Dick’s family and friends.
Love,
Lynne
New Jersey
By mmc
June 14, 2009 6:12 PM | Link to this
I remember when Dick and Surin opened the restaurant in Garfield. I was renting a cheap trailer down in the river bottom at the end of Caldwell Lane. My neighbors and I could not believe how fortunate we were to have such a great restaurant open in the “void” out there. Dick was a wonderful host, so welcoming and friendly. I’ll miss him. My thoughts are with his family in this difficult time. I hope to dine at Little Thailand again soon when I pass through Garfield.
By Danna Wessels
October 21, 2009 6:21 PM | Link to this
Oh. I’m so very sad to hear of Dick’s passing. I worked in Organization Development for COA and was teaching classes, on the Bergstrom Base, when we —the Trainer’s and Student’s first discovered ‘Little Thailand’. It was so great to finally have a yummy Thai meal and enjoy Dick’s hospitality. When I left my City job in ‘96, I continued to frequent Little Thailand regularly for lunch as it was my favorite resaurtant in Austin and all of the world, for that matter! Dick and I were true friends and I even sold him my Ranger pick up truck-tan color and later gave him a great working Craftsman Lawn Mower just b/c he was my good friend. We live in Boulder, Co. now and I miss the great cooking of Surin who is my friend too. God bless Dick’s family and Dick’s soul. When we make it in to Austin we will surely return to Little Thailand.