Modern Asian Cuisine eatery Secret Bao, brought to you by the former Executive chef of Loquita, Peter Lee and former Executive Sous chef of Loquita, Felicia Medina, has opened at 1201 Anacapa Street, in the former home of Coffee Cat and Café Ana. The menu includes Baos (Korean Fried Chicken, Maitake, Shrimp, Pork Belly), Snacks (Sour Cream & Onion Prawn Chips, Gyoza, Baby Bok Choy, Kalbi Meatballs), Rice (Bibimbap, Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice, Miso Black Cod, Katsu), and Noods (Japchae, Udon Carbonara, Curry Yakisoba). Call (805) 259-3226.
Courtesy photo
I just had their Maitake and KFC baos – I was blown away by the size and the flavors of the ingredients. I love mushrooms, but the Maitake version was excellent. The tempura coating even remained crispy on its 15-minute ride home to my house. I think even meat eaters can appreciate how meaty this mushroom is! It’s not an overly “shoomy” mushroom. Just delicious, generous, and different.