Ka-Bao!

So this is my first go at it, and my most recent meal happens to be at Great Bao and I couldn't be happier!  For those who haven't tried this place, the biggest surprise will be the fact this place is in some kind of a hair salon/spa. When you go on their website, the picture to find them is this.

 I know, weird right? I remember thinking the first time, "don't these places smell like...?" Fortunately, you walk in and realize that there really is no smell and in the cozy little window and seating you kind of forget that you're sitting in a spa.  I arrived around closing and the whole menu wasn't available (they tend to sell out,) which is actually a good sign for a small spot like this, you know they're doing something right. With this being my second visit I was familiar with Chef Sheridan and Jennie.  One of the benefits of this spot being so cozy is the fact you can chat it up with the Chef and get a little more insight on the food.  So along with preparation came education on what great pork belly looks like, and it was pretty simple "a rainbow of meat and fat layers, meat/fat/meat/fat" kind of poetic no?  Anyways, what was still available happened to be roast duck and pork belly, both of which i was craving.  I made sure I got the 3 bao and a drink deal for $10 so I could have a Italian cream soda to wash it all down, this time 2 pork belly and one duck.

I think one of my favorite things about the bao here is that along with all the great flavors, the meat has such contrasting texture, probably lending to the fact it's all cooked to order. The pork belly bao is served with hoison sauce, pickled mustard greens and crushed peanuts.  The bork belly is tender but has a nice sear to it so you get that crunch, particularly skin side.  The pickled mustard greens add nice contrast but what really rounds out the flavors is the crushed peanuts which I'm a fan of in most dishes.  The roast duck is served with cucumber, scallion and hoison sauce.  Like the pork belly, there is great flavor with this bao and the meat has great textural contrast.  From my experience roast duck with tender meat along with a good crispy skin is the hallmark of great duck.  I don't know how much longer I have left here in Las Vegas but if that time is short, I definitely need to make sure I visit this spot a few more times.

Great Bao

4965 West Tropicana

Las Vegas, NV 89103

(Located inside Touch Salon and Spa)