Thong, Boun, Linda, and Becky Pheng form a family that embodies the “American Dream”. The family left Laos over 25 years ago, coming to the United States under a “refugee” status to Fresno, California. There Thong and Boun raised their two daughters Linda and Becky by working as fruit pickers and farmers during the day and attended school at night to learn English. All the while bettering their opportunities and the lives of their daughters.

In 1985, the Pheng family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. Continuing with night school and community college, Boun and Thong worked hard during the day in a restaurant. It was then that Boun and Thong realized that what would be better than opening their own restaurant and realizing their American Dream.

Boun Pheng has 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry by working as a chef at various Southeast Asian restaurants in the Bay Area. She has always been passionate about cooking, especially Southeast Asian cuisine. She continues to make annual visits to Laos where she hones her culinary skills and brings back new and exciting dishes.
Although Boun and Thong decided to semi-retire from the restaurant business, they continued to travel to Laos researching Southeast Asian cuisine, adding/deleting flavors, aromas, and developing new and exciting combinations. Linda and Becky finally finished college and were launched out into the working world of industry and commerce. Yet they knew in their hearts they were interested in applying their educational skills and knowledge in owning and operating a small business.

After several years of discussions of many possibilities, Linda and Becky decided that Lemongrass Bistro would be a great name for an intimate restaurant. So with great negotiating skills they convinced their parents to come out of semi-retirement and be the heart of the Lemongrass Bistro. As a family they decided that now is the time to give back.

They set out their vision as a business designed with a “green” concept in mind. Even in the small details you will notice “green” in the recycled glass tiles and LED lighting that enhance the Lemongrass Bistro’s intimacy. They have also elected to provide opportunities for student designers from the Academy of Art to assist with the design concept, to gain experience and exposure, and to build their portfolios.

The Pheng’s decided that the Lemongrass Bistro’s menu would be a blend of local western produce and eastern spices, and that their restaurant would become a part of the permanent Martinez community.

In this way, Lemongrass Bistro will also be promoting healthy lifestyles by encouraging their customers to go to the parks and trails and enjoy local recreation venues. Check out the Lemongrass Bistro web site at www.lemongrass-bistro.com.

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