What’s black, white and red all over?

Here’s a clue – you can’t buy one for 50 cents, fold it up and put it under your arm.

The answer – Wok Box Fresh Asian Kitchen.

Erin reviewed her Wok Box Calgary service experience with this snappy little asian food concept kitchen a little while back.

And, like any eager beaver, I was happy to jump at the opportunity to try Wok Box on Davie Street after it had opened up (read: coming in and reviewing a place on say…opening day…has its challenges, right Piato?).

So what did I think? A couple of things (‘quasi’ food review included at no extra charge):

1.  Wok Box’s location at 1738 Davie Street (the ‘Wave’ building close to Denman) is a definite high traffic zone. It’s situated a large space that is kept…and here comes the hyperbole…exceptionally clean!

2.  Wok Box’s menu is simple in concept (read: ginger beef, mogolian beef and broccoli, lemon chicken, side orders of rice, etc) and very well executed in practice. Off the top of my head, I would use the words ‘sweet’ ‘hot’ and ‘presented well’ (funny how those words could be taken completely out of context…)

3.  Wok Box’s curb appeal has got some moxy – busy, steaming kitchen (staffed with smiley people…big points) set amongst a two tiered, wenge-covered decor

4.  Wok Box’s price points are exactly what the area needs – with ‘higher end’ casual dining like Cactus Club, The Calling, and The Boathouse just down the street – fast, casual, asian (a la Flying Tiger) hits it well

5.  Wok Box’s staff go out-of-the-way, or so it seems to me (as I sit smashing the keys on my Mac Book in their 60-seat dining area), to make sure you are comfortable. I was addressed at least three times (and it was busy) but not in a way that I’d liken their service to a mosquitoe chasing after some flesh on a hot summer’s day

What I particularly found cool was the sleek scooter(s) they have for their delivery drivers…true asian style! What else is a nice added touch on top of a nice added touch – free delivery (without minimum order size!)

Wok Box, you didn’t blow me away from a culinary perspective, I wasn’t expecting you to – that’s not your market (read: high-end dining).

What you did do, though, was treat me very well, serve up very tasty and what I’d call ‘want-to-repeat’ dishes, and barely leave a mark on my bank statement.

Well done.

darren