FIRST TIME DINING AT RESTAURANT XO

And it will surely not be the last! Restaurant XO has made a place in my heart and it’s all because of their Adobo Fried Chicken. There is just something about a perfect golden brown, crispy chicken and Restaurant XO delivered! Kenneth Lee, chef and owner of restaurant, is known to take simple ingredients and plate it into a work of art! With elevated dishes from the appetizers, vegan/vegetarian, starch and protein options, and desserts – there is something for everyone.

When you decide to eat at Restaurant XO, make sure to go with a group and order as much as you can indulge from the menu. This way, you’re able to try different dishes! Since I went for a media tasting with foodie friends, we were very fortunate to try most of the dishes from this quarters menu.

APPS

From the App section of the menu, we had Broiled Oyster, Emulsion of Ginger Scallion, Garlic Crumbs ($18), Yukhoe (Korean Beef Tartare), Caramelized Kim Chee, Puffed Rice ($21), Smoked Trout Roe, Breadshop Brioche, Creme Fraiche ($49), “Bird’s Nest” Scotch Egg, Tartar Sauce ($16), and “Bird’s Nest” Century Egg, Tartar Sauce ($5).

Broiled Oyster, Emulsion of Ginger Scallion, Garlic Crumbs ($18) – I have recently started liking oysters and this is by far my favorite! The creamy taste and perfect texture has won me over. This appetizer is a good size for one person, it’s the size of my hand!

Yukhoe (Korean Beef Tartare), Caramelized Kim Chee, Puffed Rice ($21) – Surprisingly delicious since I have not had beef tartare in awhile. This is a great appetizer with the right amount of kim chee and other sides.

Smoked Trout Roe, Breadshop Brioche, Creme Fraiche ($49) – This quickly became a favorite in our table! We each had half since there was not enough as a whole for everyone. Although, I could have easily devoured two (or more).

“Bird’s Nest” Scotch Egg, Tartar Sauce ($16)

“Bird’s Nest” Century Egg, Tartar Sauce ($5) – I have never tasted nor seen a century egg in my entire life! Word on the street is that Chef Ken serves the best one around town.

VEG

From the Veg section of the menu, we had Beet & Pumpkin Roulade, Chimichurri, Shiso, Quinoa ($17), Chou Farci Okonomiyaki, Prickly Ash, Garbanzo ($19), and Charred Broccoli, Black Lime, Bagoong Bagna Cauda ($18).

Beet & Pumpkin Roulade, Chimichurri, Shiso, Quinoa ($17) – One of the most beautiful presentation of a beet dish that I have ever seen. Chef Ken’s dishes are truly a work of art! Did I mention that this is vegan? Not only is it beautiful but it’s the healthiest choice on the menu!

Chou Farci Okonomiyaki, Prickly Ash, Garbanzo ($19) – Another vegan dish on the menu and it is definitely worth a try! A few people from our table really enjoyed this vegan okonomiyaki.

Charred Broccoli, Black Lime, Bagoong Bagna Cauda ($18) – This was a very creative take on broccoli – tasty and delicious!

STARCHES

From the Starches section of the menu, we had Potato Au Gratin, Summer Truffle Crème ($23), Ravioli Gigantes, Mapo Bolognese, Herb Knekkebrød ($27), Loaded Potato Mochi Gnocchi ($21), and Foie Gras, Salt Roasted Crispy Rice, Chinese Foie Gravy ($28)

Potato Au Gratin, Summer Truffle Crème ($23) – As soon as this came out, jaws dropped! By the time it reached the end of the table, it was demolished. Thankfully, everyone had a piece of this mouth watering potato au gratin.

Ravioli Gigantes, Mapo Bolognese, Herb Knekkebrød ($27) – Have you seen a ravioli bigger than your hand? It can only be found at Restaurant XO! Reid would have loved this as it reminded me a mix of mexican and italian dish.

Loaded Potato Mochi Gnocchi ($21) – I absolutely love mochi and gnocchi but had no idea it was possible to have both in the same dish. The creative minds behind the offerings  has been mind blowing!

Foie Gras, Salt Roasted Crispy Rice, Chinese Foie Gravy ($28) – I would have to call this as one of my favorite dishes. There is something about the crispy rice and gravy that made me want more!

PROTEINS

From the Proteins section of the menu, we had Adobo Fried Chicken, Braised Peppercorns ($25), Sous Vide Duck Breast & 36 Hour Confit Leg, Jus, Trio of Eggplant ($55), and Scallops, XO Goma Sauce, Matcha Scallion Puree, Tuile ($32)

Adobo Fried Chicken, Braised Peppercorns ($25) – I have heard nothing but incredible things about this dish. The hype is real because this is now added as one of the best fried chicken in my book. It was so delicious that it made the intro for this post! Also, I brought home a piece of chicken for Reid but guess who ended up eating it for leftovers? Guilty!

Sous Vide Duck Breast & 36 Hour Confit Leg, Jus, Trio of Eggplant ($55) – Perfectly sliced duck meat and right amount of sauce – this was a delicious savory protein.

Scallops, XO Goma Sauce, Matcha Scallion Puree, Tuile ($32) – Nice presentation of the scallops – the seasoning on the scallops was delicious!

I was not able to try any of the desserts but they have two choices such as the Chef Heather’s Double Layered Ice Cream Pie ($13) and Brown Butter Macnut Baklava with Hibiscus Orange ($14). Which is another reason to come back – to devour their desserts!

To try these dishes, be sure to check out Restaurant XO soon as they change their menu every quarter. Thank you to our foodie friend, Melissa Chang for the dinner invite! Unfortunately, Reid was not able to join this round. As mentioned, there will be a dinner reservation at Restaurant XO very soon so he can try it out!