Oakland's food scene showcases the city's diversity, and from the Laurel to Grand Lake, Kao Saelee is making his mark as owner and operator of Jo's Modern Thai and The Peach, two restaurants highlighting distinct versions of Southeast Asian cuisine: an innovative menu at Jo's Modern Thai led by Chef Nui Surach, and a Filipino-inspired brunch menu at The Peach under the direction of Chef Harold Villarosa.This week, Kahja talks with Kao about opening a restaurant after watching the impact of COVID on the industry, and creating a blueprint for people to enjoy contemporary interpretations of the culture; Chefs Nui and Harold talk about lessons in food from their upbringing in Bangkok and The Bronx and parallels to the Bay, the kinship between Thai and Filipino ingredients and cooking styles, paying attention to neighborhoods as a way to inform the customer experience, and making their own exciting and unique impressions as new chefs at existing restaurants. Kao also shares hindsight lessons learned navigating the people dynamics of running restaurants, and his hopes for the road ahead at both Jo's Modern Thai and The Peach.Recorded on location in Oakland, CA.@josmodernthai@thepeachbrunchJo's Modern ThaiThe PeachCheck out Jo's Modern Thai for lunch on Fri, 10/24 through Sunday 10/26 from 1130a-230p!Be sure to leave a 5 star review if you enjoyed this episode! For advertising or sponsorship opportunities, visit kayinthebay.com.Wanna keep up in between episodes? Follow Kahja on IG at @heykayinthebay.Intro music by Diff Works