Chào XO, a groundbreaking Vietnamese-Latin fusion restaurant, is set to open its doors in the heart of National City, San Diego. This culinary venture is the brainchild of Leslie Dang, an accomplished restaurant manager with a deep appreciation for her Vietnamese heritage, background, and traditions. Inspired by her passion for using food as a medium to bridge cultural gaps.Say Chao to National City’s Newest Viet-Latin Restaurant; Fusion Food Inspired by Three Generations of Culinary Legacy
About Leslie Dang: A Culinary Veteran with a Vision for National City
Leslie Dang, the driving force behind Chào XO, brings a wealth of culinary expertise and a unique perspective shaped by her Vietnamese roots. Born into a family deeply entrenched in the restaurant industry, Leslie’s journey has been inspired by her mother and grandmother, both seasoned cooks who instilled in her a love for crafting flavors that tell stories. Her journey in the industry started when she had to take over her family’s restaurant Crab Fever in 2019. That experience has led her to tread her own path and open her own restaurant, still fueled by the same familial values.
A Culinary Journey Across Generations
Chào XO is not just a restaurant; it’s a testament to the culinary heritage passed down through generations. Leslie’s mother and grandmother, who played pivotal roles in shaping her culinary identity, bring their time-honored recipes and techniques to the Chào XO kitchen. Together, they create a harmonious blend of Asian and Latin flavors that promises an unforgettable dining experience.
Chào XO: Where Culture Meets Cuisine
Chào XO is more than just a dining destination – it’s a cultural crossroads where Vietnamese and Latin influences converge on the plate. Leslie’s commitment to using food as a means of communication is evident in every dish, using and diverging flavors from Asian and Latin influence. Showcasing the rich tapestry of flavors that result from the intersection of vibrant culinary traditions. Deliciously innovative dishes you can find at Chào XO include Birria Pho, Sriracha-lime Elote, Short Ribs Pho, Lomo Saltado, Vietnamese Beef Carpaccio and more!
Chào’s Vibe, Ambiance, and Feel: A welcome to all
Chào XO’s title is the biggest indicator of the vibe that Leslie is trying to achieve for her restaurant. Among many other things, chào translates to ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’, and ‘come back soon’. The X and O stand for hugs and kisses; the title serves as a greeting to all curious customers. The restaurant owner shares how the idea for Chào XO came to light. She wanted to change National City’s culinary scene and stray away from the very affordable comfort-food type places synonymous with the area. While still falling on the affordable side, she describes her establishment as a “Cozy bistro with a good ambiance, zen vibe, and great traditional food with latino flair”.
The restaurant is welcoming people daily from 11 am – 9 pm at 1420 E Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950. For more information, please visit EatChaoXO.com.
