Soft Open is a Hard YES!
Soft Open at BHappy Pho and Boba is a winner! (Spoiler alert) Our daughter was stepping out from Wichita to visit us this week and we thought we’d ramp up the experience with a visit to BHappy. Heidi saw the listing for the new restaurant on Social Media and you know how we like to visit new places.
When you see the remark – soft open – you can get a little spooked. This is when restaurants are onboarding staff and processes and things can go wonky. Was there wonky? A little. Were we delighted with our food? Yes.
Read on about the Soft Open
Located in downtown Hutchinson, BHappy is in the middle of it all and well-poised to gain popularity especially with newcomers to town that crave this type of cuisine. Our kids, being mostly raised in California, and fans of anime, are connoisseurs of Asian cuisine.
If you turn either one of them loose with a semi-stocked kitchen and some ramen – look out!
As we approached the new restaurant, we could see people inside already. We also saw a small line at a kiosk to the right. Yellow flag on the play!! This is something I used to see in California. Using a kiosk to get me to be my own cashier and figure it all out on my own is not an experience I seek. This is Wonky thing number one. However, BHappy is redeemed. I heard a booming voice from the back of the restaurant scream “Welcome – I can help you here”.
Order Process Out of Order
This is a trend I have a hard time with. When I tip, which I can be known to be generous with… I tip based on the server and my experience. If I am placing my own order, or pre-paying at a counter… how can I determine if I want to be generous or not?
I placed the order and selected the lowest recommended tip in the machine, and then we were seated. Part of me thinks getting the payment upfront is smart, and the other part of me is battling with the concept of lost revenue for the server. I digress.
The Atmosphere
As we sat, we sat at a large round table. The walls are dotted with posters of the menu, and a few modest hangings. The floor, tables and windows were all clean.
The room is large, spacious and there is plenty of room between the tables, but still ample seating as the popularity grows. (and I think it will) I noticed a family near the front and a couple near the window. They were chatting and engaged and seemed to be having a great time.
As my family was getting food delivered to the table, another table was seated with a younger pair of females. At first, they were nose-deep in their phones, but as their order was dropped off they put the phones down and engaged. It’s cool to see people engaging, smiling, laughing in the “Public square”.
Soft Open Service – Here Comes the Food
We ordered a fair variety of food to sample what the menu had to offer. As an appetizer, we ordered a Pork Bun and a plate of Spring Rolls. For the rolls we chose the shrimp. The Pork Bun was hot, steamy and the filling was tender and vibrant. We all tried it and were impressed. A dab of soy sauce on the bun added a sense of yummy – just a dab.
The spring rolls were large and stretched across the plate. The order included 2 rolls, but we cut each in half and were satisfied. The rolls had large chunks of filling communicating a higher level of freshness and enjoyment with he peanut sauce that accompanied it.
Heidi,Haydon, and Rainey ordered different combinations of Pho (really crazy awesome soup for those not in the know). The generous portions of Pho were chock full of meats, noodles, and that wonderful broth with an amazing aroma. I was a little jealous at first… I cannot lie. In addition to the bowls of Pho was a plate of fresh vegetables to add to the bowls.
The plate featured jalapeno, sprouts, lime, and leaves that I believe were basil. The three of them loved their choices – and not one of them fully ate it in one sitting. The wonky but fun part is that the side plate was to be shared by all three. I believe that most would prefer to have their own sides for their Pho… but the fun of eating and sharing with others also has value. I would be interested in your thoughts.
Me? I ate all of mine. I ordered a Noodle Bowl and decided to go with the Grilled Chicken. A beautiful presentation arrived at the table with bright colors. For me, presentation is a large part of the experience. The bowl is layered with a sweet sauce and noodles, topped with the chicken, tomato, carrot, jicama, cucumber and green onion.
To the side was an additional condiment bowl of that sweet vinegarette sauce to pour over. The chicken was hot, crisp, but moist and in combination with the other ingredients was fantastic.
Wonky #3 in the Soft Open
Soft Opens are the time to train. These are the opportunities to build some muscle memory and build the basic skills. Haydon got to wear a little (HOT) Pho when the food was delivered. We watched as the servers had a bit of a challenge in the serving process.
The good news is he is young, has quick reflexes, and was wearing pants!
They are trying to deliver multiple large bowls of hot soup, drinks, and the like. This is going to take some practice.
What About the Boba?!?
Three of the folks at my table ordered boba. This is not a Kurt thing. I will note this though… they ask what level of sweetness? What amount of ice? The result? All three loved their boba.
Responses