New York Restaurant Guide

With the opening of Bao Noodles (391 Second Avenue), a stylish and delicious eatery east of Gramercy Park, Chris Andrews and Chris Johnson have created yet another gem to whet appetites. The new restaurant, a home style version of their first success, Bao 111, specializes in traditional Vietnamese cooking that will bring you on a culinary journey through the Mekong River Valley, Ha'noi, Saigon and Hue'.

A delivery service and large kitchen allows Bao Noodles to feed and delight folks well beyond its comfortable dining space. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week the menu shines with traditional noodle soups, a wide variety of appetizers and family-style meals. Standout dishes include the savory Thit kho -braised pork belly, the Ca' chien sot' me-a crispy whole snapper with tamarind and the Mien'ga-a soothing chicken and shitake noodle soup. Nghia Nguyen a chef and former restaurant owner in Vietnam, served as a consultant, assuring the authenticity of Bao Noodles many traditional dishes.

Bao Noodles aesthetically reflects the influence of France on Vietnam. The large smoked mirror, elongated bar and rustic tile floor bespeak old world elegance while the red entryway, cheery golden walls and distressed green banquets suggest the Vietnamese influences and the cuisine that is the true highlight at the 50-seat restaurant.