VENICE — Kwan Taylor, owner of Thai Bistro in Venice, celebrated the 20th anniversary of her Venice restaurant and her own birthday Saturday, Aug. 29, in a most unusual way.
She celebrated with monks.
Five Buddhist priests from Wat Mongkolratanaram, a Thai temple in Tampa, came to bless the occasion, which follows the expansion of the restaurant and also Taylor’s recent purchase of the Center Bridge Plaza.
The morning event was attended by her family and friends, including customers who have been regulars at the restaurant since its first year.
As her faith is important to her, Taylor invited the Thai monks to oversee the occasion and add their blessings of “gratitude, mindful growth, ethical prosperity and the aspiration to benefit others.”
The ceremony includes lengthy prayers, lighting of candles and sprinkling water on all assembled for the occasion.