For more information or to order books, please visit: https://bluewillowbookshop.com/event/myint-2025

We are very excited to welcome Arnold Myint to celebrate his new book, Family Thai. Arnold will appear in conversation with Vanarin Kuch, the pastry chef and owner of Koffeteria.

Arnold Myint is a James Beard Award–nominated chef, recipe developer, TV personality, cooking content creator, Thai food enthusiast, former competitive figure skater, mixologist, and much more. Myint competed on season 7 of Top Chef, as well as season 11 of Food Network Star. He has cooked in New York and Los Angeles and studied at the Institute of Culinary Education. His real training began during his childhood at International Market & Restaurant, his parents’ Thai restaurant that opened in 1975 and remains a mainstay of Nashville’s culinary scene under his leadership. He lives in Nashville.

Vanarin Kuch is the pastry chef & owner of Koffeteria in Houston's East Downtown. Growing up as the child of Cambodian refugees, food served as an anchor to bring his family together. Kuch rose to prominence early in his career, with appearances on Top Chef: Just Desserts and Chopped. After years away at top kitchens in New York and Chicago, he returned to his hometown to open Koffeteria. 

Kuch has quickly won acclaim for his celebration of the Houston experience, including 2024 & 2025 James Beard nominations for Best Bakery. Koffeteria was included in the New York Time’s list of Best Bakeries in America. Phil Vatell of the Chicago Tribune described him as ‘a treasure,’ and Allison Cook of the Houston Chronicle called him ‘a huge talent,’ and noted that his Chinese Sausage Breakfast Taco as ‘hall-of-fame’ worthy. Kuch also showcases his Cambodian heritage with monthly dinners which
have quickly become sold out events.