Asian Mint Addison

For These Dallas Chef Couples, Being in the Kitchen Is Date Night | Eater Dallas

"The flourless chocolate cake on the menu is central to the love story of co-owners chef Nikky Phinyawatana and husband Tan Noisiri. "Did you know that I married you for this chocolate cake?" Phinyawatana recalls her husband telling her years ago. "She’s not wrong. The chocolate cake might have sealed the deal," says Noisiri. The cake, from Phinyawatana’s recipe, is described as simple, rich, dense, and bittersweet with a kiss of fruit. The pair met at a karaoke night with friends after work while waiting tables at different Thai restaurants in Addison; Noisiri, who is the manager, prefers to be behind the scenes and let his wife have the spotlight, while Phinyawatana is the creative force who seeks out Noisiri’s guidance before putting new dishes on the menu—she says he has a "true chef’s tongue." Their marriage and restaurant celebrated 20th anniversaries in 2024. Noisiri recalls their first Valentine’s Day service together when they opened the restaurant: "The best part was watching others celebrate their love stories in the space we created." The restaurant celebrates Valentine’s Day for the entire month, offering that same chocolate cake and opportunities for diners to learn Thai-fusion dishes like pad thai and coconut rice pudding." - Didi Paterno