Take A Bao Turns Two, Offers Freebie, Plans New Location

Take A Bao owner Brent Stein drops us a line to share news that his Westfield Century City fast casual spot is about to turn two. Happy birthday. So, on Saturday, the first 50 customers to whisper “happy birthday” will receive a free order of thick cut sweet potato fries sprinkled with housemade spiced seasoning and citrus-sambal aioli. All that plus a bit of plywood/expansionwire news. Take A Bao is close to signing a lease for its next iteration which manifests itself as a free-standing, more upscale restaurant with a strong beer and wine program. While Take A Bao's original menu was created by consulting chef Don Dickman, the new eatery has drawn in NY chef Gavin Portsmouth (Sapa, Pranna) to develop the new menu and take control as executive chef. More to come on specific location. [EaterWire]