Chef Michael ‘Bao’ Huynh Taps Into Banh Mi Craze

banh mi, Dining and Wine, michael bao huynh

15 Nov, 2009 by admin in Dining and Wine

No doubt you’ve noticed that the Banh Mi, the humble hoagie of the Asian world, has taken its turn in the culinary spotlight.  Not far behind is one Michael ‘Bao’ Huynh, a chef of Vietnamese descent who hasn’t heard that there’s a recession in town.  In the past year, he’s opened numerous restaurants with BET meets Saigon monikers, such as “Pho Sure”, which of course serves the famous Vietnamese noodle soup.  He’s also leaked out that he’s negotiating a lease on North 5th and Kent on Williamsburg’s emerging Riviera, that will be something of a seafood karaoke restaurant along the East River.

Never mind that the East River is not where I want to imagine my prawns to be coming from, Michael Bao, as he’s recently changed his name to, does have a way of acting on his instincts.  In interviews, he’s likened himself to a gambler, doubling down on a hot hand and has confessed that the recession has been great for negotiating leases without key deposits.  New Yorkers respect a hustler but is the food any good?   Stay tuned as our mystery diners explore Michael Bao’s empire.