Where are you from originally? Martin is from Malmo, Sweden and I’m from Kathmandu in Nepal.

When did you move to Phuket? We moved here in September 2007.

What made you decide to come and live here? We first came on holiday in 2006, fell in love with the environment, people and lifestyle, so we decided that we’d come back here to live.

What did you do before you came to Phuket? Martin and I met in college in Hawaii. Martin has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s in Computer Information Systems. Originally he worked for the university in the IT department, and then moved to Xerox as a systems analyst. I have a BA in Anthropology and Asian Studies. During my college years I worked with Wyland, who is a Californian conservationist and marine-life artist. After graduation I continued working with him and 17 other artists, managing two main galleries in Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. I later branched out to support local Hawaiian artists.

At this point you must be thinking, “What has all this got to do with running a restaurant?”

So? Martin has always had a deep and sincere passion for cooking. In the beginning, most every party we held featured Martin in the kitchen cooking elaborate meals. It started with just friends and family visiting, but soon we were catering for business clients and more formal occasions. Martin could always be relied upon to come up with a superb seven - or eight-course menu for groups of up to 20; all this in a limited kitchen with Martin alone. It really was an amazing and fun time; apart from the washing up.

Martin then got a job working for a fabulous seafood restaurant in Stockholmwhere he learnt the ins-and-outs of running a restaurant kitchen.

Tell us how you run the business. Who does what? Martin is the executive chef, he and I share the daily/monthly administration. I take care of the front of the house and staff training.

Was it easy getting started? Well, there was an enormous amount of paperwork initially, and then we had to overcome the language and cultural differences. You know, running a busy restaurant can be a pretty stressful business. It’s essential that we all communicate effectively and work as a team. Martin has maintained just about the original kitchen staff from the start, and they now act like one. On my side it’s a matter of constant training and attention to detail. We now have it; a calm, relaxed family atmosphere, attentive service and great cuisine.

What would you say is the philosophy which underpins your business? Both Martin and I truly believe in working from the heart.

Motto for life? Life should be lived with good intention and compassion for others.

What new developments are going to happen at Taste Restaurant? Martin is always coming up with new weekly and monthly specials, using the wonderful local ingredients he finds at the local markets. We are soon opening a gallery at Taste on Surin Beach.

Whereabouts do you live in Phuket? We live in Bangtao Beach, five minutes from Taste. The Surin and Bangtao area is an ideal location to live and work.

How is Phuket from your point of view? Phuket is truly a gem. Every day the island seems to change and become more interesting.

What do you like and dislike about living in Phuket? Love the people and the environment. Dislike the cab fares.

How old are you? Martin is 32 and I’m 30.

Tell us about your family. We have two beautiful children; a son who is eight months and a daughter aged two.

How do you divide your time between work and family? This has been quite a challenge as our son Leo was born just before the high season. When we’re busy, we really have to accommodate the kids within our working lives, and then enjoy life together when we have more time.

How do you all relax? The water park has been a hit for our daughter. Surfing and swimming with the children is a real treat. It’s really satisfying to be running a thriving business and to be able to enjoy quality time with our family.

For more information contact:
Taste Restaurant and Lounge
Tel: +66 (0)76 270090, +66 (0)87 886 6401
Website: www.tastesurinbeach.