Dee began her career in the restaurant industry in her early 20s in Bangkok, apprenticing under her brother, who co-owned a Michelin-starred restaurant at the time. She comes from a family of restaurateurs, with four family-owned establishments currently thriving in Seattle, all of which remain well-known in the community.

Before marrying, Dee and her husband, Yak—who is also a chef—each owned and operated their own Thai restaurants in Bangkok. Over 16 years ago, they joined forces to open a successful joint establishment in Bangkok, @ 17 Garden Cafe, which they operated for more than seven years. Both Dee and Yak were often invited by various food networks to demonstrate their popular dishes on Thai television.

Driven by their deep-rooted passion for authentic Thai cuisine, Dee and Yak stepped in to save Original Rice Thai Cuisine from a family ownership breakdown over 10 years ago. When Dee relocated from Bangkok to California in 2015 to take over the restaurant, she gradually diversified the menu, enhancing the offerings with signature dishes like coconut Tom Yum noodles and Khao Soi—a yellow noodle dish in creamy coconut curry broth topped with crispy fried noodles, green onions, red onions, and lime.

In 2021, Dee and her husband opened Asiatique Eatery to further showcase their culinary craft and expertise. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant officially launched in January 2022. The success of Asiatique Eatery can be attributed to their dedication to bringing the best dishes from various Asian cuisines to local patrons, including Pho noodle soups, various ramen, and unique shave ice combinations that just melt in your mouth. Some of the most popular dishes at Asiatique Eatery—favorites from their Bangkok restaurant—include Woon Sen Pad Horapa, Spaghetti Kung Pao, Spaghetti Pad Kiew Wan, and Spaghetti Tom Yum.

Earlier this year, Asiatique Eatery was recognized with 2nd place in the Vegan Challenge West, which led to the addition of a dedicated Vegan Menu section at the restaurant.

For your culinary adventures check out their menu and website at www.asiatiqueonmain.com.

Rowan Boutique is an upscale women’s clothing boutique nestled in the Pierpont neighborhood of Ventura, California. Located by the ocean, we offer a carefully curated collection of apparel, accessories, shoes, and home decor that embody the essence of the quintessential California woman—a carefree lifestyle that’s both effortless and chic. The Rowan babe is someone who embraces the beach life, with salty hair and sun-kissed skin from sunrise to sunset.

Gina Chadbourne, the owner of Rowan Boutique, first opened her store in Carpinteria in 2014. After commuting from Santa Clarita to Carpinteria for over seven years, Gina made the decision to relocate both her life and her store to the beloved beach town of Ventura. Her vision for this space is inspired by years of retail experience and a deep desire to fully embrace Ventura’s coastal lifestyle.

Gina’s background as a former buyer for Nordstrom has given her an acute eye for fashion. She is passionate about empowering women to look their best, regardless of any “problem areas,” by helping them find pieces that complement their body type and boost their confidence. Her focus is on serving mature women who still want to look trendy and have fun with fashion.

Some of the store’s highlights include everyday wear from Z Supply and premium quality jeans from Mother Denim, which are among her best-selling items. These jeans, made in the USA, are known for their flattering fit and high quality. The store also features custom jewelry and gifts crafted by local artists.

It would mean the world to Gina to have you visit the shop, whether in person or online. As a proud woman-owned and operated retail establishment, Rowan Boutique serves the community with both a physical and e-commerce presence, reaching from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles and everywhere in between.