Ciao Aug/Sep 2018 CIAO_AugSep2018_Digital | Page 12

inthekitchen fast fusion

inthekitchen fast fusion

With revelatory street food and fresh interpretations at hip eateries , the Kyu empire has taken Asian fusion fast-cas to new heights .
by Shel Zolkewich
Calvin and Melody Truong sit at a black lacquered table inside Kyu Bochi , taking a short break at the Logan Avenue restaurant , the most recent addition to their family of Asian eateries that have become fast favourites with Winnipeg diners .
This fourth property showcases flavours that are close to home for the couple , as Vietnamese , Thai , Laotian , Chinese and Cambodian influences are all part of their combined heritages . The rest of the Kyu empire includes the original Kyu Bistro , Kyu Slice , Kyu Grill and a mobile food cart that travels to events throughout the province .
Culturally diverse Winnipeg has long offered an embarrassment of riches in terms of family-owned restaurants bringing food traditions and recipes from around the world .
But the Truongs are part of a new generation of chefs and restaurateurs cutting their teeth in a unique culinary landscape . The definition of “ high cuisine ” itself is more diverse , and cheffy food is becoming more readily available to the masses in the form of flavourforward , ultra-hip fast casual restaurants that eschew table service but maintain quality at a welcoming price point .
At each of the Kyu spots , boundaries are pushed and borders crossed , resulting in creations like bulgogi pizza , or a sandwich topped with the flavours of okonomiyaki .
The Truongs ’ relationship has its own infectious fusion . “ We ’ ve
10 ciao ! / aug / sep / two thousand eighteen