Chef June Intrachat - OTUS Thai Kitchen
Often times, I find myself a little intimidated by chefs as I’ve met a number of rather unpleasant, egotistical ones in the past. By contrast however, Chef June Intrachat of OTUS Thai Kitchen and Coffee has a charming persona with a warm and welcoming attitude. You really can’t help but smile in June’s presence, especially after hearing her story.
Prior to Otus’ inception, the restaurant went by the name of Kinaree Thai Bistro. Back then, June was a subordinate in the kitchen. In October 2014, a fire engulfed the building which housed Kinaree and the restaurant ceased to return as the chef at the time figured it was time for retirement. June subsequently inherited the restaurant and a world of problems:
- An entire kitchen staff was immediately out of work.
- Repairs were costly and reinvesting was risky.
- The previous chef had retired without giving much directive, leaving June lost in the dark.
Originally, June wanted to sell the restaurant but no one was willing to buy the torched storefront. However after weeks of confusion and scramble, something sparked in June and she got to work.
This was her chance to pursue her passion in becoming the head chef in her own establishment. Against the discretion of her friends and family, she decided on a thai concept with a twist, including a variety of sweet and savory breakfast items, as well as a full line of coffee options. While it seems a bit bizarre and confused at first, the menu has actually worked out in her favor.
Almost two years ago in June 2015, the storefront reopened as OTUS Thai Kitchen and Coffee and to this day, it continues to flourish so much that reservations are becoming more and more commonplace for dinner. I like to refer to June and Otus metaphorically and quite literally as a phoenix rising from its ashes. It seems appropriate considering the history.
When I asked June to make three of her favorite dishes on the menu for our shoot, she gladly obliged. Everything on the menu has its own story so I quickly realized it was a culmination of her experiences and love of food, including dishes she ate growing up in Thailand to dishes she picked up from other chefs to accidental inventions made from leftovers she found in her fridge one night. She makes a conscious effort to use fresh, organic ingredients from Asian vendors at the local farmers market whenever available, as well as omitting MSG and other additives typically found in many thai restaurants. But despite a complete redesign with a trendy contemporary-minimalist cafe appearance, the restaurant is still a humble mom and pop shop.
I thoroughly like the food and the ambiance here and the fact that this establishment is a genuine labor of love by a passionate chef makes each meal even more enjoyable. (The wifi and good coffee is also a plus.) There’s a phrase I quote quite often that seems fitting,
“Don’t follow your dreams– lead them.”
And Chef June Intrachat is doing exactly that.
OTUS Thai Kitchen and Coffee
1253 N La Brea Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90038
http://otuskitchen.com/
@otus_thaikitchen