Area Resident Sues Thai Restaurant, Friends

Dubuque (NBp) - In his $5.7 million lawsuit filed today, Jack Sumley alleges that the Pyong Guk (Burning Throat) Thai Restaurant was negligent and caused him to suffer an upset stomach. He also enjoined three of his friends whom he claims "set me up".

"It is my belief that I should be able to walk into a restaurant, enjoy my meal and walk out of there healthy, pleased and full," Sumley announced at a press conference. "Is it so wrong of me to expect that I shouldn't have to have my friends carry me out? Is it wrong of me to expect that I shouldn't experience two days of misery after the meal?"

The lawsuit claims that Sumley's friends suggested the restaurant and that Sumley did not know what to expect but went along with them. Sumley chose a meal from the menu and experienced a burning in his mouth as he ate. After finishing off the dish, his stomach was upset and his friends helped him to the car.

One of Sumley's friends, Elizabeth Curwell, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleges that Sumley is a "moron" who went into the Burning Throat, ignored the warning on the menu that declared the item, called "Howling Yak", as being "the spiciest dish known to man", continued eating despite losing sensation in his tongue, and refused to drink water claiming that "he could take it". Curwell claims that she had pointed out "Lame Duck" on the menu as being a good dish for newcomers.

As a result of the suit, The Burning Throat restaurant has since changed its name to Tum Yum (Nice Place) and now requires patrons to sign a waiver in order to see the "spicy menu".