Moon Wok Kitchen & Lounge, a new Chinese restaurant from Kit Vongprachanh and the folks behind Michelin-recognized Twenty Pho Hour 2D noodle bar, soft opens Wednesday (Jan. 14), near SeaWorld at 11701 International Drive.
Along for its inaugural sail are Kai Kai founders Jerry and Jackie Lau, whose dim sum and Chinese barbecue skills earned their years-old concept its own nod last year following its reopening at Mills 50’s Mills Market.
Now ensconced full-time in Moon Wok’s open kitchen following a bout of consulting, they’ll be sticking around for quality control and more for the foreseeable future, Jerry Lau told the Orlando Sentinel.
“I was interested in helping when they asked me,” says Lau, who knew Moon Wok’s kitchen duo — chefs Chan Chu and David Kye — from their shared time at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, roughly 10 years ago, before the original Kai Kai opened inside the iFresh Supermarket.
“I love to pass on the knowledge of authentic Chinese cuisine, especially the roast duck and crispy pork. [Chan and David] are from a younger generation and so interested and motivated to learn. The concept was here, but they wanted to learn execution.”
Lau found the change of scenery compelling, as well.
“It’s interesting to be here, near SeaWorld, in a more tourist-driven area. Plus, this restaurant is so upscale; it’s not your typical Chinese takeout. It’s very elegant, with a full bar.”
Jerry and Jackie Lau at last year’s Michelin Guide Florida awards ceremony at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Starting this week, you’ll find them at Moon Wok Kitchen & Lounge, a new upscale Chinese venue near SeaWorld. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)
Located just one light up the road from Twenty Pho Hour, Moon Wok shares plaza space with several other businesses, including DaSilva Steakhouse.
Lau’s background, which is Cantonese, will merge with American Chinese menu items in a curation that will grow as the restaurant finds its footing.
“We’ll have the roast duck and crispy pork, the beef chow fun, hot and sour soup, duck noodle soup and more,” he notes.
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Wife Jackie has been training the team in dim sum, which will be available every day, fresh to order, as well as watch, in the restaurant’s open kitchen.
“Guests will be able to see the action from anywhere they are sitting,” says assistant manager Wendy Vongphachanh. “There is kitchen bar seating as well as regular bar seating, with full-menu service available throughout the restaurant.”
Like Lau, Vongphachanh is eager to welcome guests into the new space.
“Everyone in the kitchen is so excited to be learning from Jerry and Jackie,” she says. “It’s a lot to learn, but they have been here, day in and day out, just trying to perfect everything and see that the processes are done correctly.”
“We’re super excited to bring dim sum and Chinese barbecue, in a beautiful modern setting.”
Lau says he and Jackie plan on staying awhile, ensuring quality and execution.
“We’ll be here, working with the other chefs, and look forward to seeing everyone.”
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Moon Wok Kitchen & Lounge
If you go: 11701 International Drive, Suite 300, in Orlando, 407-778-1700; moonwokkitchen.com