Saturday 25 May
OKG Newsletter
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The co-owner of The Grand House Asian Bistro, which has been in Oklahoma City since 1984, Thai Tien was born in Vietnam and is one of seven children.
Met your wife: “Kathy is from France, and I met her in Saigon. We were separated for five to six years and rejoined in Boston and then got married.”
A big event in 2011: “My wife, Kathy, and I opened another restaurant, 180 Meridian in Norman.”
Got a start in the restaurant business: “As a waiter, but we came to Oklahoma to open up a dim sum restaurant, and our first was at N.W. 24th and Classen. Now we are at 26th and Classen, where we also do weddings and catering.”
The Grand House: “Is known for its dim sum, every Saturday and Sunday.”
Music: “Yes, every Friday night.”
Best sellers: “Peking duck, pad thai and our fried jalapeño appetizer, and we just added this to the menu at 180.”
Anything you would not eat: “I eat everything.”
Quick tip for a server: “We have a list that they read over, but they know that the customer is always right. We do whatever they say.”
Favorite museum: “The Smithsonian.”
Famous customers: “Yes, professional athletes.”
What do you look for in potential employees: “That they are reliable and have skills.”
Out to eat: “New restaurants and we eat out very often in every kind of restaurant from Indian to Italian. We like everything.”
Inspiration: “Comes from Chef John Bennett, my mentor.”
Recipes come from: “Everywhere, we learn from many.”
Where should tourists visit in Oklahoma: “Bricktown for a walk and to the Cowboy and Heritage Museum to buy some Indian souvenirs.”
Worst job: “I liked everything I did; every job was different and I learned.”
