Q&A with Eric Metzger, Founder of LUXE & SOL:

By: Jahleah Santiago 

As a beacon of nostalgia and culture, Rynn also known as “รินน์” and located at 309 E 5th St. in the East Village is more than just a bar and restaurant; it’s a space where new memories are made, and the memories of passionate founders Natchaya Klinkajon, Serena Thongsri, and Hataichanok Pruksaprawpong flourish. Rynn encapsulates their collective journey, culinary expertise, and cultural heritage in every dish and cocktail served, transferring their sweetest core memories of Thailand to the table. The menu is a tapestry of vibrant Thai cuisine that captivates and delights. From the interior design featuring dazzling murals sourced from an independent artist back in Thailand to the imaginative mixology, Rynn transports worldly flavors and ambiance right to the center of New York City.

The story of Rynn’s founders is as diverse and captivating as the flavors they bring to the table. Linked by mutual friends and bonded by shared years in hospitality, Natchaya Klinkajon, Serena Thongsri, and Hataichanok Pruksaprawpong used their hands-on experience and work ethic to build their own business from the ground up. “We have a hospitality mindset and feel like we can do this. We all started as servers and bartenders, and all of us were promoted to bar or floor manager because of our hard work,” Natchaya, who goes by Pudth, reflected. “We were able to support each other.” Natchaya, who comes from a governor’s family, traveled to different places during her schooling and settled in New York City after some time in finance. Serena Thongsri, from rural Thailand, learned Mandarin and thrived in hospitality in the U.S. and Hataichanok Pruksaprawpong, inspired by her mother’s cooking, trained in culinary arts and joined the New York food scene. Together, they shape Rynn’s menu, blending tradition with innovation to offer diverse flavors.

Photo Courtesy: Rynn / Serena Thongsri, Natchaya Klinkajo, and Hataichanok Pruksaprawpong

At Rynn, each dish is a labor of love, crafted to transport diners to the bustling streets of Bangkok or the serene countryside of Thailand. Their menu evolves with the seasons, with a mission to make everything as fresh and local as possible. Signatures like the La Tiang, featuring sautéed shrimp and pork wrapped in a handmade egg nest, can’t be found anywhere else in the city. “Some of our dishes have South Eastern influences from Thailand, but 80% of the menu is from the Central area and is inspired by palace cuisine cooking,” Natchaya revealed. From tantalizing lunch specials like the Grilled Ribeye with soft-boiled egg to the fiery dinner signatures such as the Jeeb Pak every, a savory vegetable dumpling, every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and passion. Vegetarian options like the Rak Bua and crispy lotus root infused with Thai spices ensure there’s something for everyone to indulge in. The experiential Nam Ya Pu, served as a spread with tender Lump Crab Curry, Rice Noodles, boiled egg, and vegetables, is a must-order dish. After indulging, guests can order something sweet. Their dessert menu includes Mango Sticky Rice made with real homemade butterfly peas and a heavenly  Banana Roti with butterfly pea coconut ice cream. 

Photo Courtesy: Jahleah Santiago / La Tiang served at Rynn

Complementing the culinary journey at Rynn is its eclectic cocktail menu, where each libation is a symphony of flavors designed to tantalize the taste buds. From the refreshing 143, which is a take on Sparkling Sangria, to the exotic Kopitiam coconut-toasted Espresso Martini, every cocktail is a testament to creativity and craftsmanship. Classic favorites like the Satay, a turmeric-infused peanut-washed Rum with Cucumber cordial, is a twist on an Old Fashioned, based on a popular snack. A Glass of Grass is a cocktail pulled from Natchaya’s after-school memories of street vendors serving iced grass jelly drinks in Thailand. The cocktail features Pandan Infused Vodka, Lemongrass, Coconut juice, and grass jelly. “In Thai, Rynn means ‘pour.’ We wanted it to be a real Thai craft cocktail bar, and that’s why we gave it that name. Most of the cocktails are from my background. We only have memories and that is how we come up with our recipes,” Natchaya said. Alongside the cocktail menu is an array of non-alcoholic beverages like the decadent Thai Iced Tea, which features Natchaya’s house-made cream that slowly dissolves into the tea blend, creating a creamy, velvety consistency that almost mirrors a dessert in itself.

Photo Courtesy: Jahleah Santiago / Rynn’s Thai Iced Tea

Conceptualized as a vessel for memories, Rynn encapsulates the essence of Thai culture and hospitality in every aspect of its operation. “It’s not just about profit. I tell everyone that I hire; the only thing that matters is that when people leave Rynn, they leave happier. They leave with memories and experiences,” Natchaya explained. Rynn’s use of food and drinks to forge connections, spark conversations, and commemorate life’s precious moments make it a great spot for an early afternoon lunch date, a boisterous dinner with loved ones, or an intimate meal. Whether you’re a seasoned Thai food aficionado or a newcomer to the cuisine, their shareable appetizers and savory entrees showcase the tapestry of vibrant Thai cuisine in a new light. In the bustling microcosm of New York City’s dining scene, Rynn is a fresh breath of authenticity, innovation, and heartfelt dedication. In this place, memories are not just made but cherished, one dish and cocktail at a time.

More photos and food shots can be found here.

Published by: Martin De Juan