Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarunyoo ( Petch ) Phisuttharom.
Hi Sarunyoo ( Petch ), it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi, my name is Petch. I’m originally from Bangkok, Thailand. Since I was a kid, my family moved around a lot, and they always encouraged me to try different kinds of food—from the south to the north of Thailand. That experience made me realize that food is more than just something we eat; it’s a way to learn about culture—how people use ingredients, techniques, and flavors to tell their stories.
As I grew up, creativity became a big part of who I am, which led me to study architecture. Later, I had the opportunity to work as an architect in Tokyo, Japan. Living there inspired me deeply—especially the precision and philosophy behind Japanese cooking. That’s really where my culinary journey began, even though I didn’t know at the time that I would one day open a restaurant.
After Japan, I became passionate about storytelling and music, which led me to work as a film director and producer for about five years. Those experiences helped me blend art, design, and emotion. Eventually, I wanted a new challenge—something that could bring all my passions together. So I decided to open a restaurant where I could tell stories through food, architecture, and atmosphere.
During that process, I taught myself how to cook while also designing the space and creating the menu and drinks. It’s been about two years now, and I feel proud that my restaurant reflects who I am and the stories I want to share. Recently, I’ve been working with a Michelin Guide restaurant and training under a chef who previously worked at a three-star Michelin restaurant in San Diego to further refine my skills.
My goal moving forward is to create tasting menus that tell even deeper stories of my journey—through food, design, and emotion. That’s how I got to where I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges for me was helping people see the vision I had in my mind. When you’re creating something that I’ve never done before,—it can be hard for others to understand it right away.
I’ve learned that you really have to believe in yourself and stay true to your vision, even when people doubt you. There were moments when things didn’t go as planned or when others didn’t see the potential I saw, but I kept going and focused on what I wanted to create. Eventually, when everything came together, people started to understand the story and the meaning behind it. That taught me that perseverance and self-belief are the most important parts of the journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about MOONO?
MOONO is a small, cozy restaurant and sake bar where we serve sushi, ramen, and a variety of Japanese-inspired snacks. What makes MOONO special is the atmosphere—we focus on creating a fun, relaxed space with good food, good drinks, and good music.
We’re known for combining creativity with comfort. Every dish and drink has a story behind it, inspired by my journey and experiences. In the future, we plan to introduce a tasting menu that shares those stories through food, showing the connection between culture, design, and emotion by Chef Petch
One thing I’m especially proud of—besides our food—is our creative wine cocktails. They’re something unique that you won’t find anywhere else and really reflect MOONO’s playful and artistic spirit.
Looking ahead, MOONO will also transform into a secret jazz bar at night, offering guests an even more intimate and memorable experience. My goal is for everyone who visits to feel inspired and connected—to enjoy not only the flavors but also the atmosphere and the story behind everything we create.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to always stay true to myself. No matter what people say, you have to believe in yourself and keep moving forward. There will always be challenges and doubts along the way, but if you stay focused on your vision and never give up, everything will eventually come together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moonokitchen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moono.kitchen/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/moono-rancho-santa-margarita
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/petcheer/
Image Credits
Petcheer
