The culinary landscape at Mills 50 is undergoing another evolution, as The Mongolorian, a restaurant that brought a brief craze for Mongolian barbecue-inspired dishes, has shut its doors after just over a year of operation. Opening in 2023 amidst considerable buzz, the spot known for its Star Wars-inspired theme and once relying on "robot chefs" transitioned quickly to human cooks to boost efficiency. The journey for The Mongolorian concluded this past Sunday when it served its final stir-fry to patrons in Orlando's Little Vietnam neighborhood, as reported by Bungalower.
Hoi Nguyen, who was a part of The Mongolorian's original partnership team, is not stepping away from the culinary scene but rather, is breathing new life into the space at 2217 E. Colonial Drive. The new establishment was rebranded as DZÔ! BBQ will offer a fare that is rooted in the traditions of South East Asian barbecue. "We'll combine all the best aspects of real South East Asian barbecue, from skewered meats to Vietnamese-style lemongrass spare ribs to Laotian sausage," Nguyen stated, per Orlando Weekly.
The forthcoming restaurant, whose name derives from a Vietnamese toast, plans to carry a selection of beverages fitting for its spirited name. Alongside the array of beers and wines that are expected, there's also a possibility that cocktails will grace the menu at DZÔ! BBQ. Nguyen's vision for the establishment extends beyond beverages, with a menu strategy focused on small plates and shareables aiming at fostering a communal and convivial dining atmosphere.
Navigating the journey from concept to opening, Nguyen is prepping for a swift transition, anticipating that updates to the interior and exterior of the venue will be completed in about a month. The goal is to welcome diners "by the end of September or early October," Nguyen shared, according to Orlando Weekly. Nguyen, adding to his culinary portfolio which includes the newly launched K-Mex concept Side Chik, is embracing the chance to create an original dining experience that promises, "a flavorful and fun experience for all."
