TASTINGS

Vandals Street Kitchen

text by HALLIE KING • photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

Have you ever dreamed of dim sum while dining on tacos, or craved guacamole when egg rolls are the option right in front of you? At Vandals Street Kitchen, you don’t have to choose — both options are at your fingertips. This Latin-Asian fusion spot serves small plates in several styles, bringing recipes from across the globe straight to West Mobile.

“The concept and inspiration came from wanting to bring street food and street art together, using old family recipes with a modern twist,” says co-owner Leslie McCleskey. Recipes passed down through generations and modern, creative spins from chefs Ilyzar Flores and Jessica Puckett merged to form an innovative menu full of flavor and flair that matches the ambiance.

The building dazzles with brilliant character from the moment you step through the doors. Handcrafted spray paintings by Hurley, Mississippi, artist Jason Pittman adorn the walls, with designs ranging from graffiti-esque to intricate portraits and a “family tree” stylized with cherry blossoms and employee initials. Brightlycolored lights and seating options encircle the dining tables, each topped with a game of bau cua tôm cá to entertain patrons before, during and after a meal. “This traditional Chinese / Vietnamese game is popular during Lunar New Year. It’s a very nostalgic game most Asian kids grew up playing,” says McCleskey, who explains that, once customers start playing the game, they’re occupied for their entire meal. While the atmosphere certainly invites you in, the menu tempts you to stay a while.

A host of craft cocktails accompanies the street food-style menu for sips and small plates that keep you ordering one after another. The menu features signature Latin dishes such as al pastor tacos and guacamole, specialty Asian dishes like pot stickers and soup dumplings and a host of options that combine the two cuisines in perfect harmony. Don’t skip their Korean fajitas with sizzling bulgogi beef, the fajita bahn mi served with crispy chicharrones, or the birria pho, a steaming bowl of pho with birria tacos as delectable dippers. Mix and match flavors with a Latin- or Asian-inspired libation for an unforgettable meal unlike any other in the Bay area. MB