For cousins Ace Watanasuparp and Chatchai “Chai” Huadwattanana, it’s a natural combination. Growing up in New York with heritage from Thailand and Taiwan, Ace was steeped in the restaurant business from an early age, working at his family’s seven restaurants in capacities from bussing tables to working as a server to helping out in the kitchen. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Chai was raised in the culinary wonderland of Thailand, working in Bangkok’s fame Wat Sai Floating Market as well as cooking in a Thai Temple. In 2009, Ace, who is currently working in the finance world, and Chai, who owns four New York City restaurants on his own, hit on the idea of blending two cultures and palates, pairing American staples with Asian touches—think BBQ pork belly with a maple-soy glaze at OBAO or green tea cupcakes at Spot Dessert Bar. Straddling two cultures, fusion comes naturally to the pair—even the name, Chace Restaurant Group, marries their first names, Chai and Ace. And the daring young restaurateurs are quickly storming New York City, with restaurants ventures continuously in progress. OBAO (opened in 2009) introduces “Modern Thai” to New York City, sharing influences from neighboring Vietnamese cuisine to create a unique “New” Asian palate. Nobody is on the edge of innovation culinary concepts like OBAO, blending the best of Thai and Vietnamese ingredients to invigorate a modern approach to Asian Cuisine. The affordable, casual spot earned a rating by the highly acclaimed Michelin Bib Gourmand consecutively in 2011 and 2012. Spot Dessert Bar (opened in 2009), is now coming to life with the help and guidance of consulting Asian pastry chef guru Ian Chalermkittichai (“Kittichai”). Chef Kittichai’s menu offers fresh interpretations of desserts he enjoyed from his childhood and his extensive travels, bringing sweets with Asian touches and custom flavors to St. Marks Place. Metromix named it the Best Desserts in 2010 and has also been named Best Desserts by CitySearch and Plate by Plate in 2011. Ember Room (opened in February 2011) blends the barbecue traditions of America and Asia, with a menu envisioned by the culinary talents of Todd English and Ian Chalermkittichai. The restaurant offers a distinctive dining experience exciting palates that crave bold and savory dishes and enticing presentations. Social Eatz (opened in February 2011), a new Midtown restaurant that Ace describes as fun and edgy, “serves twists on drive-in staples, like burger styled after Korean bibimbap and crispy edamame fries.” As an American-Asian restaurant and bar, Social Eatz offers American comfort foods with an Asian kick. Executive chef and co-owner Angelo Sosa is all about serving what people really want in exciting new ways. OBAO Water Street (recently opened in October 2011) is the fast casual extension of the flagship OBAO in Midtown. OBAO Water Street offers the same “Modern Thai” cuisines to those that work and reside in the Financial District. Chace Restaurant Group promises to continue shaking up the New York City restaurant scene by adding a little Asian Spice to American cuisine.