In December, Wicked Bao will be eight years old. The other day, I took a friend there for her first time ever. Catherine Williford simply has not had time to go, so busy is she as a full-time hospice nurse and a popular local actor. How it opened my eyes to see Wicked Bao through her eyes.
The first thing she noticed was that, when the doors opened at 4 p.m., the place had already begun filling up! Clearly, loyal regulars know about the Happy Hour menu offered from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Owner Nathalie Wu is the reason why so many are devoted to Wicked Bao: her gleaming smile, bubbling manner, and love for her community shine through everything she does. Check out her social media presence to see how much fun she is.
Twice a year, Nathalie goes on a jaunty get-away to explore flavors and trends in another city somewhere in the world. In January, she and her family went to Boston, and in September they will travel to Denver. Nathalie’s parents visit from Taiwan often. When her mother is in town, she works alongside her daughter at the restaurant. Nathalie loves to keep her children and their friends close, as well as her extended family, friends, and staff. It is a bustling place from open to close.
At Wicked Bao, Catherine tasted flavors and textures she had never encountered together. Indonesian, Malaysian, Japanese, and Singaporean influences abound, just to name a few. The bao trio has been a favorite in my house for years, and now it is one of Catherine’s. Visually striking as well as delicious, the three distinct flavors are Braised Pork Belly with Pickled Mustard Green & Peanut Powder, Bulgogi Beef with House-made Kimchi, and Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Arugula & House-made Jalapeño Aioli.
Catherine asked for coffee. She told us she had had only seven cups of coffee in her life, and her eighth would be on this day. Did the Vietnamese coffee entice her or did she need to stay awake for the play later? Incidentally, Wicked Bao is one of the only places in the region to get an authentic Trung Nguyên coffee. People have different reasons for coming to Wicked Bao, and for some it is the Vietnamese coffee.
Others come for the sake or sake sangria. Seasonal sake sangria, cucumber-lavender on this day, is restorative, and the refreshing change of flavors is a festive surprise. Many come to Wicked Bao for favorites like Crispy Pork Chop Rice and Sweet & Sour Chicken. Also quite popular is the Beef Noodle Soup, with its braised beef brisket in warm cinnamon broth. Meatless options include Tofu Wings, Indian Curry Veggies Rice, or Vegan’s Delight.
Children might enjoy Whole30 Veggie + Shrimp, Pork Ramen, Egg Fried Rice, or Crispy Rice Tots. The taste of Flash-fried Corn Ribs with Chongqing Spice is one that has me thinking about it the next day. The Green Beans are memorable, too. I like these with my Singapore-Style Chili Shrimp or Ahi Tuna Poke.
Flavorful Asian street foods in a special place filled with positive energy – bao or later, come find your reason to love Wicked Bao. Wicked Bao is located at 232 N. 2nd Street in downtown Fernandina Beach.