Bac Asian Restaurant to Open in Tremont

Bac Nguyen comes from a long line of enthusiastic Vietnamese cooks. His grandmother is the “Minh” in Minh Anh, a restaurant she founded 24 years ago. (She is no longer involved.) His mother operated the popular Chinese Village, a casual Asian eatery that survived in Lakewood for 14 years. Now it’s Bac’s turn. The Case grad is putting the finishing touches on Bac, a contemporary pan-Asian restaurant that will open in the former Tremont home of La Tortilla Feliz. “Neither me nor my mother are trained cooks,” explains Nguyen. “It is just something we naturally enjoy doing.” The menu will feature popular dishes from various Asian cuisines; most will be prepared in the traditional way, but others will be made fresh by modern twists. “My intention is to keep the food familiar and accessible at first and down the road introduce some more unique fusion dishes.” Diners can expect edamame, spring rolls, crepes, shredded papaya salad, pad Thai, pho, rice vermicelli and braised Korean short rib. Look for a totally renovated space, with new façade, bar and lounge area, expanded patio and updated dining room. Nguyen, a practiced DJ, hopes to create a “casual cool vibe” that lingers into the night. “I want the restaurant to be nice enough to bring a date, but affordable enough so that people can come regularly.” Look for an October opening.