Wild Bistro returns after ownership change, shutdown

Wild Bistro restaurant has been a High Street fixture for a decade, but a change of ownership with a complete shutdown as a result made residents wonder about the return to business.

There is no more wondering to be done.

It is offering a menu of Asian favorites with an American touch in hopes of satisfying those of both continents.

They were welcomed as the newest members of the Oxford Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, making them the second Asian restaurant in the community to join the chamber.

Kelli Riggs, president of the Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Joseph Ma, whose mother purchased Wild Bistro a year ago, and brought along the ribbon and large ceremonial scissors for the welcoming event.

Chamber members on hand for the noon ceremony were treated to one of the restaurant’s Lunch Box meals, which are served from opening at 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. after which they begin serving their extensive menu of dinner selections. The Lunch Box menu is varied, as well, with multiple chicken recipes, pepper steak and several shrimp dishes offered. Rice, soups and other side dishes are also offered.

“We have American Chinese food,” Ma said, adding, “Everybody likes General Tso’s Chicken and sesame chicken. The Crab Rangoon is popular. We have Asian food, Thai, Korean and Vietnam.”

The Lunch Box meal in the restaurant comes in a divided ceramic “box” but their entire menu is available for carry-out and delivery, still divided.

“It is a good deal for the lunch,” Ma said.

Delivery is available the entire day.

The divided service box is an Americanization of the Chinese way of eating where items are set in the middle of the table and those seated around serve themselves from those bowls of food. This still offers the separate portions but served individually to customers.

“We are more focused on customer service so everyone enjoys the meal when here,” Ma said. “Even with carryout and delivery, people like the personal services with the customer in the restaurant.”

He said they receive a lot of business from Chinese students at Miami, but they also want to serve the American customers from around the Oxford area in order to introduce them to the Chinese cuisine they offer.

“Some Chinese restaurants only focus on Chinese food, we want both,” he said, adding he wants his local clientele to be comfortable with trying new things. “We encourage customers to try authentic Chinese food. I will give samples of Chinese versions to try it.”

Wild Bistro is located at 37 E. High St. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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