Le Chai Asian Flare restaurant attracts large crowd at grand ribbon-cutting opening

Looking for a restaurant with epic ambiance and mouthwatering Asian flair cooking. Look no further, Le Chai Asian Flare, located at 1904 Utica Ave., hosted a grand opening party last Tuesday, April 16, to welcome the community to its 8000 sq ft space in Brooklyn’s bustling District 45.

Councilmember Farah Louis joined co-owners, David Thomas, Carlson Small and Sting International, daughter, Madilynn Thomas, Vice President of External Affairs and Government Relations, Office of the NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Camille Hastick, and members of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce to celebrate with a ribbon-cutting event in front of a large crowd of stylishly dressed VIPs, patrons, family, and friends.

The impeccably decorated interior with a built-in waterfall, giant paintings of Asian flowers on the walls, hanging bamboo and crystal chandeliers, and soft colorful lighting over a vast drinks bar, complimented the exciting evening of entertainment provided by a live band, well wishes and applause for the magnanimous venture that began in October 2017.

During a short ceremony on the expansive back veranda of the eatery, Councilmember Louis in whose neighborhood the restaurant is positioned, thanked the business-owners for choosing the 45th Council District, and congratulated the trio on the beautiful establishment. “This is a bustling neighborhood, up and down Utica Avenue,” she said, sharing that the inter borough express, and the subway line gives patrons easy access to the restaurant.

A live band provided entertainment at the grand opening of the up-scale restaurant Le Chai Asian Flare, 1904 Utica Ave., Brooklyn. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

“Consider this district your home, I am a supporter, she said, and invited the business owners to reach out to her office, as well as the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, for any support that is needed.

She called for the upkeep of black-owned businesses by feet through the door, and dollars at the register. “We want you to support this black owned business so it can continue to thrive, said the politician, who joined in presenting the co-owners with a painting of Brooklyn environs showing the restaurant’s location.

“A lot of time went into completing Le Chai,” said partner, Grammy winning producer, writer, composer, Sting International, adding, “it wasn’t easy, but it was fun.” He thanked family and friends for supporting him and partners.

“Thank you for blessing us with your presence,” said the longtime Brooklyn resident.

Well-known in the business world, David L. Thomas, who brought successful dining to Brooklyn Dumpling Shop and Brooklyn Chop House, said “this venture is a landmark for me. I have lived in this area for over twenty-five years surviving on the streets of this jungle. It was hard work, he said thanking friends whom he met along the way that led him down a different path and helped him to be the success he is today.

He thanked, friend “Don Pooh” for introducing him and grooming him in the restaurant business to help him to develop, “to what you see today, I’m following in his footsteps.”

A supporter, left, joins Bartenura Wines Brand Ambassador, Guyanese-American CEO/Owner of JAP MarketingLLC, June Persaud, to celebrate the opening of up-scale restaurant Le Chai Asian Flare, at 1904 Utica Ave., in Brooklyn. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Described as a thought leader, business strategist, and implementer, Thomas a former employee of the DeKrouff Core Drilling Company for almost two decades, acquiring multi-million-dollar contract with Cablevision, to provide infrastructure for high-speed internet, digital cable, and phone service, lauded his business partners, noting, “I am a professional, anything I do, or become involve with, I try to be the best at whatever it is,” and advised others to work hard toward success.

“Never say, it can’t be done, it may be hard, there may be hurdles, but it can be done if your heart believes, it can be done. I pray to God every day, and I thank him for what he has done for me. Without him nothing is possible. Thank you for coming out to support us. It feels good to see my friends.”

Carlson Small, a Trinidad native, also thanked supporters, noting that the venture started in 2017, adding that by keeping the faith, anything is possible and will come true.

Kenneth Marble, an ambassador of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, called the co-owners brothers who had a vision, and decided that they would contribute to “this community with Le Chai.”

The up-scale restaurant that is described as a place to indulge in luxury dining with an authentic “Asian Flare,” rich diverse Asian/Thai flavors, innovative dishes and stylish design that will transport you to Asia — certainly lives up to this narrative.

Foodies could satisfy their cravings with appetizers of Shrimp Thai Salad, and Scallion Pancakes.

The main course, include garden fresh vegetables in Green Curry, Spicy King Pao Chicken, Egg Fried Rice, Singapore Noodles Shrimp and sides of Sautee Spinach, Bok Choy, and French Fries.  Gluten-free options are also available.

The vast drinks bar with paintings of Asian flowers on the wall, serves a variety of beverages.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

The bar offers beer, cocktails, full bar, and wine. The prices range from $31.00 to $50.00, depending on the occasion. Payment options are AMEX, Carte Blanche, Cheque Gourmet, Diners Club, Discover, Eurocheque Card, JCB, Mastercard, Sodexo Pass, and Visa.

The restaurant, that is Non-Smoking, and equipped with Wheelchair Accessibly, open daily from 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Click https://www.lechainyc.com/ or call (929) 273-2500, for reservation.