It is fair to say that Nikky Phinyawatana is a woman who wears many hats, AND Chef coats. This mom of two, Entrepreneur and Thai food enthusiast opened her first restaurant, Asian Mint Dallas, in 2004 to rave reviews. Over a decade later, the enthusiasm and momentum for her growing Thai Food empire hasn’t slowed. Nikky currently co-owns and operates two successful Dallas-based Asian Fusion restaurants (her second restaurant, The Mint, opened at The Shops of Highland Park in 2008); has begun bottling her addictive sauces; and, plays an active roll in key industry organizations, like Les Dames d’Escoffier.

Her authentic Asian dishes, paired with a genuine love for what she does from her modern and inviting restaurant spaces (Check out: Expansion of Love Project) have most recently landed her on CultureMap Dallas’ Top 100 Best Restaurants in Dallas list; and, earned her the top spot, as #1 Thai Restaurant by Eater Dallas. You would think this is a woman at the pinnacle of her career. Well, if you were to ask her, Nikky would tell you she feels like she is just getting started. I recently had a chance to sit down with Nikky to talk Thai food and wine; as well wine allergies, that like many, kept her from savoring her favorite wine varietals until a friend introduced her to The Wand™. Check out Nikky’s testimonial and stay tuned for our full interview with this incredibly talented Dallas-based restaurateur.