Thai Passion, Austin

When Gene Kobboon arrived in the United States in 1985, he initially sought a career as a commercial artist and took odd jobs in kitchens around Austin to help pay his way through school. He quickly realized he loved his work more than his classes, and switched his focus to becoming a chef. He then opened Thai Passion, combining his love of cooking with his artistic eye.

From his artfully plated Thai dishes to his handmade carvings that deck the walls, Mr. Kobboon's ample artistic talent flourishes throughout the restaurant. Each morning, he arrives at the restaurant with a bundle of fresh orchids and adorns each table with one of the delicate blooms. Golden lighting keeps the restaurant as warm and inviting as its cuisine's spicy aromas, which waft from the kitchen until 3 a.m. catering to late-night partiers and those trying to stay awake late enough to tuck in the moon.