Issara Modern Asian Cuisine, located at 17th and Pine Lake Road, is a family owned and operated sister restaurant to Blue Orchid that offers a wide variety of pan-Asian cuisine. Rusty Bergholz is the Assistant Manager of Issara Modern Asian Cuisine.
Tell us a little about your business. – Issara opened in November 2012. Issara translates to “freedom” in Thai, and Issara takes pride in enjoying the freedom of life, and, of course, excellent modern Asian cuisine. The owners, Witty and Malinee Kiatathikom of Blue Orchid, started Issara wanting to expand their Asian flavors beyond Thai, incorporating influences from Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Korean cuisine. The Kiatathikoms are grateful to be given the opportunity to share their culture with guests over the past eight years with both restaurants.
How did you get started in the business? – I began my fine dining career in 2009 in Kearney, NE where I was General Manager of Suwannee Thai Cuisine. I started working for the Kiatathikoms in 2012, and am passionate about the diverse cultural growth of Lincoln.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Being given the opportunity to manage Issara, a job that I love and am passionate about. I am blessed to be a part of the positive cultural growth in our community.
Tell me a little about your family. – My parents (Richard and Jean Bergholz), brother (Randy Bergholz), sister (Brianna Farber), and their families all live in Lincoln. I am a proud uncle to Harrison Farber and Abigail Bergholz.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Earning my degree through the University of Nebraska-Kearney. The Business College allowed me to earn some of my college credits through management, where I was able to design a commercial that appeared on TV, design menus, advertise through social media, and so much more. That opportunity provided a stepping-stone into my current career.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I enjoy spending time with my family, which is why I decided to live in Lincoln.
What are you the most proud of? – Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout as a teen, graduating from college, and now my involvement at Issara, with the unparalleled deliciousness and depth of Asian culture and cuisine.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – My mother was a member of Lincoln Public School’s Multicultural Diversity Committee for years. She preached cultural appreciation and I listened.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Loyal.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I love to cook, and have learned so much by watching Malinee and all of the chefs at Issara and Blue Orchid.
Which talent would you most like to have? – I would like to become a sommelier.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Pok Pok: Food and Stories from the Streets, Homes, and Roadside Restaurants of Thailand by Andy Ricker.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Of course, Issara and Blue Orchid!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Grant Achatz, American Chef and owner of Alinea, Next, and The Aviary in Chicago. He is known for his progressive cuisine that has received top awards.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – You can reach me by phone at (402) 261-5594, by email at rusty@issaracuisine.com, or visit our website at www.issaracuisine.com.