Koi Bistro Holds Grand Opening

Koi Bistro in midtown held a grand opening event on Saturday May 21, 2022. The event was attended by Mayor of Elk Grove Bobbie Singh-Allen, Vice-Mayor Darren Suen, City Council Member Stephanie Nguyen, the President of the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, and Miss Teen Vietnam Sacramento.

Koi Bistro serves Japanese fusion food. The owners are Nikki Nguyen, Alain Ng, and David and Jenny Macawile. Nguyen owns Pho Kim Anh in Elk Grove. She is also a Keller Williams real estate agent and Vice President of the Community Advocates of Little Saigon Sacramento. Alain and Nikki both attend and serve on the staff of E2 Church.

At the ribbon cutting each of the elected leaders from Elk Grove, as well as the President of the Sacramento Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce all spoke.

“We’re here to support our hometown girl Nikki Nguyen. We wish you and your family and your friends and your partners much success for the opening of Koi Japanese Bistro! It is still AAPI heritage month. I’m a proud mayor and I’m here to support you. It doesn’t matter that the restaurant isn’t from Elk Grove. You’re from Elk Grove. We’re here to support you because we believe in you.”
Mayor of Elk Grove Bobbie Singh-Allen

“Nikki, it’s so great to come out to support you. As some of you know the koi represents bravery, love, perseverance, strength, everything that embodies Nikki and her family. And so we’re so happy for this new endeavor. We want you to be successful and we can’t wait to start eating your grub right here. This is for Elk Grove!”
Vice-Mayor of Elk Grove Darren Suen

“I’ve known Nikki for twenty years now. Twenty years! I’ve been with her when she was selling homes. I’ve been with her when she was selling pho. And now we’re here with her because she’s gonna sell Koi Bistro sushi, fish, everything that you can think of. The fact that you got three of your city council members, your mayor, your vice-mayor, your city council member, tells you that we don’t care where you’re from, we want you to come here and support this restaurant right here. And as the first Vietnamese council woman from the Sacramento region I gotta say we are winners!”
City Council Member Stephanie Nguyen

During the event Sacramento Taiko Dan and Tiffany Tamaribuchi performed to the delight of the crowd. Taiko drumming originated post-war in Showa 26 (1951). It was created by a jazz drummer named Daihachi Oguchi. He wondered why taiko druams were never played together and formed a taiko drum ensemble.

Inside the bistro, patrons enjoyed Japanese fare. Important to note, the extensive menu includes sushi, sashimi, and many interested side dishes such as risotto with scallops, a Scotch egg made with an ajutami (ramen) egg, grilled oysters with uni butter, and a very succulent king mushroom.

Above all, owner Nikki Nguyen was touched by the fact that community leaders and many people from the community came out to Koi Bistro’s grand opening. In honor of her husband Bryan O’Malley’s late mother, she wore a kimono that had belonged to her.

“We are so happy and excited to see the community and elected officials come out and support us. It is very encouraging and we are here to provide a positive atmosphere for our community. I can’t thank you all enough for your love and support. We feel so blessed!”
Owner of Koi Bistro Nikki Nguyen

Owner Alain Ng was also grateful to the local community.

“Thank you to Mayor Singh-Allen, Vice-Mayor Suen, City Council Member Nguyen, the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, family, friends, and supporters for coming out. We are proud to be serving this community and really appreciate all the love and support.”
Owner of Koi Bistro Alain Ng