Moon Wok Kitchen & Lounge, the new Chinese restaurant from Kit Vonprachan and the folks behind the Michelin-certified Twenty Four Hour 2D Noodle Bar, will soft open Wednesday (January 14) at 11701 International Drive near SeaWorld.
Also on the maiden voyage were Kaikai founders Jerry and Jackie Lau, whose dim sum and Chinese barbecue skills earned recognition for their long-standing concept after its re-opening at Mills Market at Mills 50 last year.
Jerry Lau told the Orlando Sentinel that he is now working full-time in Moon Wok’s open kitchen after finishing his consulting career and will remain there for the time being for quality control and other purposes.
“When they asked me, I was interested in helping,” Lau said. Lau has known Moon Wok’s kitchen duo, chefs Chan Chu and David Kai, since they spent time together at a Kobe Japanese steakhouse about 10 years ago, before the original Kai Kai opened inside the iFresh supermarket.
“I love passing on my knowledge of authentic Chinese cooking, especially roast duck and crispy pork.[Chan and David]are from a younger generation, so they’re very interested and willing to learn. The concept was here, but they wanted to learn how to execute.”
Lau also found the change of scenery appealing.
“It’s interesting that it’s in a touristy area, near SeaWorld. Also, this restaurant is very upscale. It’s not your typical Chinese takeout. It’s very elegant and has a full bar.”
Located one stoplight from Twenty Four Hours, Moon Wok shares plaza space with several other businesses, including DaSilva Steakhouse.
Lau’s Cantonese background will be fused with American Chinese menu items in a curation that will grow as the restaurant finds its footing.
“We’ll have roast duck and crispy pork, fried beef noodles, hot and sour soup, and duck noodle soup,” he says.
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My wife Jackie has been training the team in dim sum. Dim sum is served daily in the restaurant’s open kitchen, ready to order and available for viewing.
“Guests can see the action no matter where they are seated,” says Assistant Manager Wendy Vongpachan. “There is kitchen bar seating and regular bar seating, with full menu service available throughout the restaurant.”
Like Lau, Vongpachan also wants to welcome guests to the new space.
“Everyone in the kitchen is so excited to learn from Jerry and Jackie,” she says. “There’s a lot to learn, but they’re here day in and day out trying to make sure everything is perfect and the processes are done correctly.”
“We are thrilled to be able to offer dim sum and Chinese BBQ in a beautiful modern setting.”
Lau said he and Jackie intend to stay for a while to ensure quality and execution.
“We look forward to collaborating with the other chefs here and meeting everyone.”
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Moon Wok Kitchen & Lounge
If you go: 11701 International Drive, Suite 300, Orlando, 407-778-1700; moonwokkikitchen.com
