#Backtobusiness Episode 4 - BANN AT OaK KNOLL NAPA
Nothing can stop this powerful woman, not even a pandemic can ruin her entrepreneurial spirit. In this episode of #BacktoBusiness , I spoke to Chef Lalita Souksamlane, Chef & Owner and Paul Vongjarit, Managing Director of BANN at Oak Knoll Napa.
After a year of pandemic, the team not only bounced back in full steam running their famous restaurants in San Francisco, Osha Thai but also recently launched a new exciting project, an opening of the very first Thai luxury resort style Bed-and-Breakfast in the US!
Find out what's next for Chef Lalita. A new restaurant in Napa? Her own wine label? or All of the above?
#cheflalitasouksamlane #bannatoakknollnapa #bedandbreakfast #Mompreneur #womanowedbusiness #WomanChef #femalechef #AsianOwned
Check out Bann at Oak Knoll Napa here: https://bannnapa.com/
BANN at Oak Knoll Napa is the first Thai luxury resort style bed-and-breakfast located in the world famous wine country of Napa Valley — as well as the first of its kind in North America. The stunning opening is the latest project by Chef Lalita Souksamlane, one of San Francisco’s most renowned Thai chefs and owner of Osha Thai restaurants, which celebrated its 25th anniversary with the opening of a groundbreaking property. From the world class design to a Michelin-worthy culinary program, BANN at Oak Knoll Napa brings the award-winning hallmarks of Thai hospitality and luxury resorts to this bed-and-breakfast in the historic Oak Knoll district.
The word “Bann,” which means “home” in Thai, represents the warm and welcoming approach that’s found in everyday residences across Thailand. It complements BANN at Oak Knoll Napa’s luxurious-yet-unpretentious approach to hospitality. Upon arrival, guests will feel as if they have entered a Thai luxury resort teeming with serenity and surrounded by unobstructed views of Napa Valley vineyards and the canyon. No detail is overlooked: The modern Thai furniture at the Sala reception, dining room, and lounge feature chairs that are custom made to order for Chef Lalita by the renowned Thai furniture company Yothaka, which pioneered the use of water hyacinth in furniture production. Many of the unique artifacts displayed throughout BANN also come from Chef Lalita’s very own private collections.
“After 25 years in the restaurant industry, it’s been a dream of mine to broaden my passion for Thai hospitality by debuting a trailblazing Thai luxury resort style bed-and-breakfast to a special place such as Napa Valley,” says Chef Lalita. “I want our guests to feel as if they have come into my home to truly unwind in a setting that’s comforting with a touch of world class luxury.”
Situated on four sprawling acres, the limited number of rooms at this brand new bed-and-breakfast is surrounded by 90 acres of vineyard. Guests of BANN at Oak Knoll immediately feel at ease with the exclusive, private accommodations and a complete sense of serenity.
Each room is tastefully designed to bring the best of what a modern luxury resort can offer combined with the old world charm of Thailand. Every detail is thought out: The Thai silk pattern wallpaper represents different styles of Thai silks from various regions of Thailand. Decorative silk pillows are designs of the respected Jim Thompson line, and there are Thai antiques from Chef Lalita’s personal collection displayed throughout. Unlike most bed-and-breakfast options, every spacious and well-decorated room here comes with not only its own shower but an ensuite spa-like bathroom and deep soaking bathtub with ultra soft bathrobes, and eco-friendly Thai spa products showcasing unique and aromatic Thai floral scents, including jasmine-scented shower gels, body lotions, and soy wax candles.
Among one of the five rooms, Chaiburi is the master suite and is uniquely decorated with the royal blue Isarn “SINH” cloth pattern wallpaper, which gives guests a glimpse of the northeastern region of Thailand. The Rattan style chandelier is the centerpiece of the room which was crafted into diamond shaped pendants, inspired by traditional weaving rice containers called “Kong-Kaow.” The impeccably curated room dedicated to Chaiburi is also Chef Lalita's tribute to her hometown in the Isan region.
The refined hospitality at BANN of course extends to its stellar culinary offerings. Given Chef Lalita's extensive restaurant background, guests can expect an unparalleled culinary experience here. An afternoon refreshment features fresh local fruits from K & J orchards, which are artfully carved just as they often are in Thailand and delectable pastries from local patisseries are served daily. For breakfast, an elaborate three-course complimentary breakfast features freshly-baked bread and a pristine fruit basket, plus an array of classics like waffles and pancakes in addition to nourishing Thai-style rice soup and rice noodle soups.
Since a soft opening in July of 2020, BANN at Oak Knoll is now officially open with recently added amenities like an outdoor salt water swimming pool, hot tub, fire pit, culinary garden, rose garden, lavender garden, bike rentals, and a Tesla charging station. On the horizon, guests can expect BANN’s own wines and curated picnic baskets prepared at Chef Lalita’s Osha Thai Napa.
For couples who have always dreamed of a wine country wedding, the idyllic setting offers breathtaking views of the vineyard and the majestic canyon in the historic Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley. It’s the perfect romantic setting for both ceremonies and receptions. From an intimate micro-wedding of 20 to an elaborate reception for 150 guests, BANN's wedding service team is committed to helping couples create the wedding of their dreams at a site like no other.
No matter the occasion, BANN at Oak Knoll Napa offers a perfect getaway experience for discerning travelers seeking a range of travel experiences: a memorable romantic getaway, family vacations, a weekend escape for celebrating anniversaries or milestone birthdays in the middle of a world famous wine region that feels like all your own.
OWNER’S PROFILE: Chef Lalita Souksamlane has been a staple in San Francisco’s dining scene for the past 25 years. A native to Nongkhai in Northeast Thailand, Souksamlane began her journey with the opening of the Osha Thai Noodle Cafe on San Francisco’s Geary Street in 1996. Since then, Osha has grown into one of the most sought-after names in Thai cuisine. In 2016, Souksamlane celebrated Osha Thai’s 20th anniversary with the opening of a new concept: Lao Table. Named one of the Bay Area’s prettiest restaurants, Lao offers an authentic experience through Laotian cuisine. Now, Chef Souksamlane is celebrating Osha Thai’s 25th anniversary with the opening of a resort-style bed-and-breakfast: BANN at Oak Knoll Napa. It is an entirely new experience that merges elements from all regions of Thailand to create an immersive journey through Thai culture.
ABOUT BANN AT OAK KNOLL NAPA: BANN at Oak Knoll Napa is the first ever luxury resort-style bed and breakfast in North America modeled after Thailand’s award-winning reputation for the highest standards in luxury travel that offering discerning guests the very best of Thailand’s world renown hospitality. Each of the curated rooms reflect the richness of Thai culture and the culinary experiences are like no other. Guests can enjoy an exclusive three-course complimentary breakfast by Chef Lalita. No matter the time of year, BANN at Oak Knoll Napa is an idyllic setting for a vineyard wedding where couples can celebrate a momentous occasion in wine country. For more information, visit: https://BANNnapa.com/
