Hey Babe, Xia Bao'd it?

Xia Bao is an Asian-fusion restaurant downtown that is located in a converted gas station, not to be confused with Fuel, which is an American restaurant that is also housed in a converted gas station located about a block away. I’ve been getting irrationally (or rationally, can’t decide) mad at Brian for years every time we’ve driven past this place because I’ve really wanted to try it and he has been skeptical and kept adding other restaurants to try ahead of this one on the list. To his credit, my reasons for wanting to go there were almost completely based on the aesthetics, the outdoor area just looks like a retro indie desert, kind of Palm Springsesc. I didn’t even know it was Asian fusion until about 6 months ago, adding to Brian’s skepticism. Anyway, after years of slowly prying open his mid-western mind and pouring in Pho noodles and seafood, he gave in and boom, date night dumplings for all. The people rejoiced. I am the people. There is both indoor and outdoor dining and also a full bar. We originally sat outside but a swarm of flies started attacking or food made us change out mind, so we saddled up to the bar (don’t blame Xao Bao for the flies, it is just that time of year in Charleston) there were about 6 or 7 outdoor tables under a tent, not crazy about the tent but I’m assuming it is to add more covid friendly seating? The menu was limited but had something for everyone. I got the celebration salad, which was the most brightly colored beautiful vegan salad I’ve ever had. We got Glutenous rice dumplings with spicy peanut sauce to share, they were excellent and VERY spicy (Brian disagrees and thinks I’m weak) and Brian got the Pad Kra Pow, which is minced beef over rice with spices and a sunny side up egg. The food was lovely, not sure if it was authentic, but I guess that isn’t what they’re going for with Asian Fusion. I must note that Brian got a Buddha Beer, shaped like the man himself, that might have been my favorite part of the whole place honestly. The staff was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions, even when Brian in true Ohio fashion said “Is there anything weird in here?” our waiter answered with spot on precision. My biggest complaint, because you know I have to have one, was when Brian asked for a bottle of hot sauce, a waitress said they don’t do individual sides of hot sauce. Who are you to limit this man’s hot sauce intake? You don’t know how someone likes their food! Acting like they know better than the person eating.. humph.

Anyway, I was glad to check this place off the list. It would probably be a good spot to take people visiting from out of town but most likely won’t be a staple because Brian is rubbing off on me.