Malisa Monyakula wants to welcome you home for the holidays; she already has an igloo waiting
December 19, 2024 | Taylor Wilmore
Adding pop-up holiday experiences at her popular Kansas City businesses is a way for Malisa Monyakula to bring back nostalgic memories of her childhood in Thailand, the restaurateur behind Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop said.
Holiday igloos outside Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop in Overland Park; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
“Christmas is everywhere in Thailand,” she said, noting the classic American holiday celebrations are vibrant despite the country’s predominantly Buddhist population. “The rainy season ends in October, and from November to March, it’s peak tourist season. Every store and mall plays Christmas music and puts up decorations. You’d think you were in the U.S.”
Monyakula brings that festive vibe back at Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop’s Overland Park location — with its cozy winter igloos — as well as at its homey sister business, The House, in Westwood — where holiday revelers can find a welcoming pop-up bar.
“People love them. Everybody just has a fantastic time,” Monyakula said of the seasonal features. “When they leave, they’re just delightful. It’s fun to see.”
A Grinchy look at one of the holiday igloos outside Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop in Overland Park; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
The eye-catching igloos provide a whimsical dining experience with each space decked out with holiday decorations, creating a magical winter escape.
Reservations are required for the igloos, and guests can choose a pre-fixe menu with holiday-themed cocktails or order from Lulu’s regular menu. The experience combines festive flair with Lulu’s signature Thai flavors.
ICYMI: Naughty or nice night for a drink: Your guide to Kansas City holiday bar getaways
Ho Ho Ho at The House, 2707 W. 47th St., Westwood; courtesy photo
House party holiday pop-up
The House, located in Westwood, transforms into “Ho-Ho-Ho at The House” during the holiday season. Unlike many pop-ups that require reservations or fees, The House operates on a walk-in basis, a feature that visitors appreciate.
Ho Ho Ho at The House, 2707 W. 47th St., Westwood; courtesy photo
“It’s our second year doing this,” Monyakula said. “A lot of holiday pop-ups require bookings and charge reservation fees, but The House doesn’t. That’s important to me — to make it inclusive.”
The retro-inspired bar is adorned with holiday décor, featuring a turntable and record collection for nostalgic vibes. Inside seating is cozy, accommodating about 20 guests, while outdoor seating includes heaters and a fire pit for fresh-air enthusiasts.
“When the weather’s in the 50s, we have heaters and a fire pit outside,” Monyakula said, noting families can gather for s’mores, play cornhole, and enjoy other kid-friendly activities, making The House a welcoming spot for all ages.
Monyakula plans to continue these holiday traditions.
“Every year, we’ll keep doing this,” she said.
The House aims to be a year-round neighborhood gathering place where locals can relax, enjoy a cocktail, and feel at home.
“I wanted it to be a place where you can have some cocktails, walk home, and be safe,” Monyakula said. “A neighborhood bar go-to.”
Featured Business
Taylor Wilmore
Taylor Wilmore, hailing from Lee’s Summit, is a dedicated reporter and a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Taylor channels her deep-seated passion for writing and storytelling to create compelling narratives that shed light on the diverse residents of Kansas City.
Prior to her role at Startland News, Taylor made valuable contributions as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian newspaper, where she covered a wide range of community news and higher education stories.
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
55-shoe collection to online sneaker platform: How Nazr El-Scari opened a market to affordable, rare kicks
Sneakers are a distinct statement of individuality, Nazr El-Scari said, lacing up his venture’s sole purpose: to put dream shoes within reach “Growing up, I remember the excitement of opening a new pair of shoes. My older brother and his friends always had the dopest sneakers that you couldn’t find anywhere in Kansas City; it…
Fairwave adds another Minneapolis coffee company to its fresh-brewed collective alongside Messenger, Roasterie
FairWave Coffee Collective has pulled another shot of growth, serving up news Tuesday of its acquisition of a second Minneapolis-based purveyor in as many years. “We are thrilled to welcome Up Coffee Roasters to the FairWave collective,” Suzanne Gunning, vice president of marketing, said in a release. The acquisition keeps Kansas City-based FairWave on track with…
LaunchKC reviving $50K grants competition with 8 big checks for startups ready to call KC home
After a four-year hiatus, LaunchKC is officially set to bring back its signature grants competition. Early-stage tech companies will have the opportunity to each win $50,000 in non-dilutive grants, plus access to business support and networking. Co-founded by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri, (EDCKC) and Downtown Council (DTC), the non-profit LaunchKC’s cornerstone…
It starts with wool on 125-year-old looms; story of Pancho’s Blanket weaves KC into family mission
The popularity of Jonathan Garvey’s favorite wool jacket from Mexico eventually would weave a story of entrepreneurship connecting Kansas City to his family’s home and artisans in Latin America. It took the COVID-19 pandemic and a desire to help impoverished communities in Mexico to propel that plan into action. About a year and a half…