Biography of Jarunee Fleming, Chef and Co-Owner of Thai Paradise
Jarunee Fleming is a celebrated chef and co-owner of Thai Paradise, a beloved Thai restaurant in El Dorado Hills, California. Known for her authentic Thai cuisine and dedication to fresh, high-quality ingredients, Jarunee has made significant contributions to the local culinary scene since opening her first area restaurant in 2005.
This story reflects her journey from early influences in Thailand to her current role, with attention to professional achievements and community involvement, as of March 14, 2025.
Early Life and Background
Career Beginnings
After arriving in the US, Jarunee worked in various restaurants in the San Francisco area to gain experience and refine her cooking skills. She likely started in entry-level kitchen roles, progressing as she honed her craft. By the mid-1990s, she had been in the restaurant business for over 20 years, as noted in a 2015 article from the Sacramento Bee. This period was crucial for building her expertise, particularly in preparing authentic Thai dishes, which she would later showcase at Thai Paradise.
Opening Thai Paradise
In 2005, Jarunee and her husband, David Fleming, opened Thai Paradise in Rancho Cordova, California and at El Dorado Hills Town Center in 2019. The restaurants quickly gained popularity for authentic Thai cuisine, featuring dishes like pad thai, green curry, and her special recipe for drunken noodles, as mentioned in a 2018 local magazine interview.
Jarunee serves as the chef, bringing her passion for Thai flavors to the menu, while David handles co-ownership, likely focusing on the business side. The restaurant’s website, ThaiParadiseEDH.com, highlights its commitment to fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, reflecting Jarunee’s culinary philosophy.
Culinary Philosophy and Specialties
Jarunee’s approach to cooking is rooted in authenticity and freshness. She prides herself on making everything from scratch, including curry pastes and sauces, ensuring each dish captures the true essence of Thai cuisine. Her commitment to using high-quality ingredients is evident in the menu, which features a range of traditional dishes with a personal touch.
Jarunee is known for her emphasis on homemade curry pastes, a labor-intensive process that sets her dishes apart. This dedication has contributed to Thai Paradise being voted “Best Thai Restaurant” by local readers for several years, as mentioned on their website, testifying to the quality and popularity of her cuisine.
4361 Town Center Blvd., #110
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
