There’s a certain feeling when you first enter XO Brasserie and a vibe as you are seated. All of your senses become heightened and aware of the sounds and awesome smells emanating from the kitchen and nearby tables.
What’s Hot in Charleston this week? XO Brasserie, located at 1090 Morrison Street in the Nomo neighborhood, might just be the hottest of the hot. It’s just a few minutes from the center of Historic Charleston, a modern take on Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine, elegant and delicious.
The dumplings are hand-made with bold-flavored sauces, and the General Tso Chicken Wings are the stuff dreams are made of. There is so much variety: Shrimp toast, Wontons, Crab rangoons with real crab, lamb lollipops, and crab fried rice, all cooked to perfection.
Potstickers (above)
Beef chow fun (above)
Yuotiao with chili oil burrata. (above)
The owner, Herman Ng, who previously worked with Indigo Road Hospitality, is very excited to introduce Charleston to the food he grew up eating. His family owned restaurants throughout the 70s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. He grew up in Columbia in a restaurant environment, doing everything from washing dishes to prepping food to learning how to cook on woks. His food is all inspired by what he grew up eating.
The Brasserie’s interior features clean lines, moody lighting, leafy plants, and special touches, like a large custom wine rack. A local art group, Girls Who Paint Murals” painted a large, colorful mural that spans the bar area and part of its open kitchen.
Next time you’re in Charleston, enjoy some modern Chinese cuisine and say hello to Herman.