S Kitchen

Stephanie Dinh,S Kitechen

Growing up as the youngest of seven, Stephanie was always observing what her older siblings and single mother were doing. Aromas like fresh lemongrass, fish sauce and various spices filled their tiny home at all times. At 14, she and her family moved to the US and even in their new home in Frankfort, Kentucky, the same aromas filled the kitchen.

Cooking didn't always come naturally to Stephanie, and she pursued a "practical" degree in computer science before realizing her passion was in culinary arts. After opening her bakery, Final Touch, and cooking meals for her family, she went to the Culinary Institute of America to refine her craft. She was the only non "chef" and woman in the program, but quickly rose to the top of her class, proving to herself and instructors that she had the skills to last in the industry.

In 2005, she and her husband achieved their dreams and opened S Fine Dining, the first Vietnamese restaurant of its kind in Orange County. Throughout the 11 years the restaurant was open, it became the best spot for authentic Vietnamese food in a contemporary setting. Today they run a successful catering company, along with their bakery, all while continuing to travel around the world.

The sauces and recipes are a compilation of classic and modern Vietnamese recipes that have been passed down or created throughout the years.