Jackie Suthon is one of those people who loves and thrives on community. He became the owner of The Baan Thai Cuisine during COVID, and I can’t imagine a nicer guy getting the opportunity. Full disclosure: I am thinking about having one of his restaurant’s exclusive “Tom Yum” beers as I write this.
What do you do? I am the owner of The Baan Thai Cuisine in downtown San Anselmo. When I started there, I was living in Berkeley with my grand mom-in-law, and I was just a delivery guy!
Where do you live? Up in Novato.
How long have you lived in Marin? Six years.
Where can we find you when you’re not at work?
Reading a book at Imagination Park, or walking around in downtown San Anselmo, just enjoying the nice weather and seeing everyone out and about.
If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin was, where would you take them?
Point Reyes National Seashore has got it all: rugged coastline, rolling hills and diverse wildlife. The historic lighthouse is also a must-visit.
What’s one thing Marin is missing?
A good Korean or Shabu Shabu restaurant, like Mokuku in San Francisco. I also wish there were more good dessert options. U-Dessert Story, also in the city, is next level.
What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites?
Plan to go to as many live events as you can. And enjoy the small-town vibe, like we have here in San Anselmo. Support the community, and shop local. Human interaction is the key.
If you could invite anyone to a special dinner, who would they be?
Pep Guardiola, Elon Musk and Yoda, although I would have to figure out what to serve.
What is some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?
Everything, not just food and drink, has an expiration date.
What is something that in 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy? Work culture. With the shift towards remote work and flexible work arrangements, the expectation of being “always-on” and constantly accessible will seem like the dark ages.
Big question. What is one thing you’d do to change the world?
I tried asking Chat GPT, but didn’t get far. I do not think the world needs to be changed, or rather it is changing all the time already.
Keep up with Suthon at @thebaanthaicuisine on Instagram.
Nish Nadaraja was on the founding team at Yelp, serves on the San Anselmo Arts Commission and attempts to play pickleball at Fairfax’s Cañon Club.
