There’s more than one location of the Austin-born Bao’d Up brand of Chinese comfort-food venues, and they’re all rocking the contact-free take out and delivery services. There are four locations now – all supercharged by the flavor-forward recipes of co-founder and Executive Chef Ting Li – and this weekend is the company’s third anniversary.
Austin Chronicle: So, happy plaguetime birthday, y’all! You have some kind of special deal for this Saturday, July 25th, is that right?
Bao’d Up: That’s correct, you canny journo – and that’s one hell of a stylish mask you’re wearing, by the way.
Austin Chronicle: Just, heh, just doing my part, you know?
Bao’d Up: Well, we appreciate it. And I believe you and your readers will appreciate what we’ve got going on. To commemorate our three years in business – three quite successful years, no less – each Bao’d Up restaurant is featuring a trio of pan-seared bao for $9.49.
Austin Chronicle: That’s those soft round buns, right, the bao? The steamed buns that are stuffed with all sorts of tasty meats and so on?
Bao’d Up: Exactly. And, for this anniversary special, the three fillings include brisket, buffalo chicken, and egg custard.
Austin Chronicle: Oh jeez, I …
Bao’d Up: You seem to be drooling through your mask a little there, friend.
Austin Chronicle: Yes, um, I’m sorry. I – I just really love bao, and I really love brisket, and so, ah … I’m so sorry. [wipes off drool]
Bao’d Up: No worries. Happens to the best of us.
Austin Chronicle: I, ah, I understand that pan-searing the outside of a steamed bao adds a delightfully crispy texture to the traditionally soft and fluffy bun?
Bao’d Up: Heh – nice recovery, dude. And, yes, it certainly does. And our new ordering app adds a delightfully convenient way to get our delicious food: It’s available to download from the App Store and Google Play Store. Our co-founder Alex Wu came from a tech start-up, see, and he’s all about this kind of thing.
Austin Chronicle: Oh, that’s great, I’ll be sure to let our readers know. *makes note*
This article appears in July 24 • 2020.