Chinois Asian Bistro

Chinois Asian Bistro debuted in October 2008, as a contemporary Pacific Rim dining concept by Debbie, Kelly, and me. Chinois (pronounced as "Shin-wah," which is French for Chinese) focuses on traditional Chinese and South East Asian cuisine; namely from Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Although all of us are ethnically Chinese, I was born and raised in Singapore, while Debbie and Kelly were born in Taiwan, where they spent their early childhood. Coming from two different Asian countries, we all share the nostalgic memories of meals cooked by our grandparents, with recipes still kept within the family. We also have an appreciation for our local street vendors, who served foods that were simple with no frills, but were filled with explosive flavors.

Since migrating to the US, we have all returned to our native countries to work, as well as having traveled abroad in Asia. Our mission was to seek out the best authentic food within each country. Our passion for good, simple food came naturally, as we all grew up in family restaurant businesses. I came from a family of chefs who owned and ran restaurants in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Debbie and Kelly were also mentored under their Dad, who was a chef and owner of the busiest Chinese restaurant in Napa for 20 years. Debbie, a graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu's California Culinary Academy has worked in Hawaii and San Francisco, in the capacity of Chef and restaurant manager.

Over the past years, we have witnessed the evolving palates and sophistication of patrons in Sonoma County, most of whom have traveled frequently abroad to Asia and are becoming familiar with the authentic herbs, spices and flavors of the East. Our concept for Chinois was to fuse high quality produce and meats that are easily accessible in Sonoma County, with traditional Asian spices and family recipes, using cooking techniques passed down to us. We believe that the most effective diplomacy anyone can extend to break cultural barriers is to prepare a great meal from his or her country.

Our love for food intertwines with our love for wines. In 1997, I started a wine distribution company representing wineries such as Viader, Staglin Family, Whitehall Lane, Darioush, Robert Sinskey, etc. in Singapore. I am also a certified Sommelier with the Guild of Master Sommelier, and a wine judge for the annual West Coast Wine Competition in California.

Chang Liow