This Saturday, October 10, he’s turning 50 and is using the occasion to also celebrate last month’s opening of a second restaurant at Beachlands and to mark 13 years in business at Meadowlands.
“Saturday is a big day in our household and I want to give something back to the community which has supported me for so many years,” says Naroon.
“This Saturday lunchtime we have an invitation-only function at Beachlands, but on Saturday night all in-house evening diners at both the Beachlands and the Meadowlands restaurant will be offered a complimentary glass of either Singha beer, house wine or fruit juice. It is my toast to our loyal customers.”
It is 21 years since Naroon arrived in New Zealand and set about embracing his new homeland. Eight years later he opened Ruean Thong on Whitford Rd at Meadowlands, showcasing not just the best of Thai cuisine but also providing patrons with a taste of Thai culture.
For a number of years, he marked Thai New Year with special banquet nights that also included displays of Thai dancing and Thai kick-boxing, a sport close to his heart – you can now see Naroon’s many kick-boxing cups and awards displayed at the Beachlands restaurant.
The first Thai restaurant to open in Howick, Ruean Thong quickly won a loyal following as locals discovered that the aromatic, fragrant flavours of Thailand were well-suited to the New Zealand palate.
Patrons were also enamoured by the care Naroon and his wife Supatra (nicknamed Tim) put into the décor and elegant table settings – beautiful cutlery and crockery, lavish art works and sunny touches of colour.
Over the years Naroon has undertaken several decor makeovers swapping umbrellas for butterflies, butterflies for Thai art works and instigated a number of colour changes.
His second venue at Beachlands has also received this couple’s magic touch, the interior a statement of gracious Thai style.
A smiling, generous host, Naroon and Tim have seen their three children born in New Zealand and schooled locally. Although Naroon is a lawyer by profession and his wife an accountant, they say the hospitality industry has been good to them here.
“While we have sometimes regretted not being able to put our professional training to better use we are very happy with our life in New Zealand,” they agree.
Active in Auckand’s strong Thai community, Naroon and Supatra are devoted parents, devout Buddhists and, in their spare time, enjoy growing orchids.
