Saving the Best for Last

     The Las Olas Food Tour was quite a culinary event!  I was introduced to a wide variety of ethnic and cultural delights as we walked the beside the canals of "The Venice of the US."  But little did I know that the last stop would be the most impressive.  Located next to the intercoastal waterway bridge, BAO Bar + Asian Kitchen is a unique restaurant.  Not only does it have parking for both cars and boats, its menu also harmonizes the diverse flavors of the biodiverse Asian continent.


     As I settled in to the restaurant with its teak dining furniture that affords a intimate view of the open kitchen I read their statement describing their approach to meal preparation.  It states:


     "The upscale and relaxed dining ambiance of BAO compliments every dish that is created in house from scratch, where only the freshest, finest ingredients are used...Our unique menu and atmosphere creates a truly enjoyable and culturally authentic dining experience for meat lovers, vegetarians, and gluten-free diners alike."

     And it further states that they use only hormone free chicken, grass fed certified angus beef, and antibiotic free kurobuta pork.  The menu was indeed Pan Asian with items such as:

Charred Octopus

Saigon Chicken Wings

Korean Street Tacos

Szechuan Eggplant & Beef

Hong Kong Style Calamari

Thai Papaya & Mango Salad

and KFC (Korean Fried Chicken)

But I must admit that the Scottish Salmon on the menu did surprise me a bit...

I thoroughly enjoyed the triple fried rice that blended chicken, shrimp and pork.

And for dessert an Asian riff on a French confection, Beignets!