Tuesday night, media VIPs will preview 14th and Union’s Skillet Diner — not the first but certainly the symbolic leader of Seattle’s street food revolutionaries moving into a new fixed-place phase of battle. Meanwhile, Seattle City Hall’s plan to legitimize and regulate the mobile food business lurches forward. But it’s all too slow. Somebody else has already moved onto new culinary shenanigans. Meet Shophouse:

Shophouse creator Wiley Frank spends most nights as sous chef at the upscale restaurant Lark. But once a week, Frank and his wife, Poncharee Kounpungchart, transform the nearby Licorous bar, 928 12th Ave., 206-325-6947, into an eatery dedicated to simple, authentic Thai food.

Service begins at 5 p.m. and closes at midnight unless they run out of food earlier, and if so Frank says you can still get a drink at Licorous.

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Here’s how Frank describes his project on shophouseseattle.com:

Shophouse is a developing restaurant concept based in Seattle devoted to the craft of traditional Thai cuisine. Shophouse derives its name from the common architectural style that combines business space with living space to create a place where family, friends and guests come to eat, drink and enjoy themselves. 

Currently, Shophouse is continuing the popular weekly Monday night “food off the path” dinners (5PM-Midnight) at Licorous restaurant, located at 928 12th Avenue in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Chefs Wiley Frank and Poncharee Kounpungchart prepare downhome dishes like charcoal roasted meats, spicy salads and whimsical desserts. The ingredients are thoughtfully sourced and traditional techniques are utilized by making components in house such as curry pastes and coconut milk. Families with children are welcome, as are late night diners. The menus change weekly; for up to date information visit us on facebook or follow us on twitter. Please email us with any questions or inquiries – [email protected]

Sadly for you, we’re posting this on a Tuesday. Shophouse “pops up” on Monday nights at Lark Licorous. Regulars had their last meal as cool insiders. Next week, the CHS hordes descend. Impatient types can also catch the Shophouse people at the Columbia City Market on Wednesdays from 3 PM to 7 PM.

Meanwhile, you might recall that Licorous is also the launch pad for another gastronomic entrepreneurial effort. Rachel’s Ginger Beer — a new player at the weekly Broadway Farmers Market — is made by Rachel Marshall in the 12th Ave kitchen.

You can learn more about Shophouse on its Facebook page or by following @shophousetweet on Twitter.