This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to CO, tucked into the Park Road Shopping Center in Charlotte. They advertise a “uniquely inspired menu that includes modern interpretations of Asian dishes.” According to their website, CO means “feast” in Vietnamese.

According to their website, Co means “feast” in Vietnamese.

Dora here. You can’t tell by this photo that it was only about 15 degrees outside, right? Yowza! When we left our house, we trekked through at least six inches of snow on our driveway. So when Ernie rattled off three choices for lunch, I was all over CO. Know why? Soup. Pork dumplings. And because our son has been traipsing all over Vietnam for the last couple of weeks, and his photos are stunning! So, hands down, we were headed to CO, and it didn’t disappoint. Such an intriguing interior with so many different elements, including this centerpiece that fans out from the bar. Reminded me of a tree.

Intriguing interior with so many different elements

They offer plenty of seating options, including an outdoor area. And, no, we didn’t go outside to check it out. Brrr. Our food came out quick and our server was helpful and knowledgeable. Actually, we talked to a few staff members and all of them were gracious and friendly. 

I chose the Malaysian Chili Wings appetizer, marinated in coconut milk and tossed in pineapple, ginger, lemon grass and chili sauce. These crispy wings were outstanding, both spicy and sweet, with a fruity favor that kept me coming back for more.

Malaysian Chili Wings appetizer. Spicy and sweet with a fruity flavor that kept me coming back for more.

The Korean Short Rib Banh Mi was packed with tender braised short ribs, kimchi (a spicy pickled cabbage) and aioli. The sturdy bread held up to the generous portion of meat. The combination of spices paired well with the smoky meat, one of those dishes where the heat doesn’t really kick in until afterward. This was my first time eating Vietnamese food but it will not be my last.

Korean Short Rib Banh Mi, outstanding! One of those dishes where the heat doesn’t kick in until afterward.

Dora here. When pork ginger gyoza (dumplings) are on the menu, I am not about to pass them up. Soft as pillows and so flavorful, I could eat these every day!

Pork Gyoza (dumplings). Soft as pillows and so flavorful, I could eat these every day!

Had we known the Pho Ga, shredded chicken and bunches of noodles in a hearty beef broth, bowl would be so huge, we could’ve shared. But, I don’t think I could’ve swayed Ernie from his sandwich. lol.

This is one of those soups where your spoon never comes away empty-handed. Quite a few flavors swimming around in here to tickle your tastebuds. Yum! Perfect for a frigid winter day and I even brought some home. Win, win. 

Pho Ga, shredded chicken and vermicelli noodles. Quite a few flavors swimming in here to tickle your tastebuds. Perfect for a winter day and even brought some home. Win, win.

This is definitely a place we’d love to come back to or pop in if we’re in the area. Especially during the winter. 🙂

What about you? What’s your favorite go-to food in the winter? What’s your favorite soup?

We rate this restaurant 5 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving outstanding food.