Blossom Cafe & Bar — Restaurant in Fox Crossing

Let me start by saying this place was highly recommended by a few locals I had talked to. Putting the address in the GPS it took me to a part of Appleton I hadn't been before l, which isn't a bad thing since I was visiting for work and hadn't seen much of the area. You pull up to Blossom, it is in a little strip mall with an asian mart connected but next door. The place is a bit simple from the outside but it was 7pm and dark out. You walk in and it's kinda quaint with plenty of seating and so cutesy decorated with cherry blossoms. There is even a cute pink couch with cherry blossoms photo op spot!!! I forgot to makw use of it! Kue (owner) welcomed me and brought me a menu, such a sweet man! I was elated when I saw they had a pho with oxtail. Incases you are wondering, of course I ordered it!!!! I was dining alone but felt like family with Kue and his wife Lisa (owners). When the Pho came, omggggg, delicious!!!!! Oh and the chili crisp at the table is made in house and they sell it also. It was flavorful and packed some heat, so use sparingly but I recommend trying and BUYING some! The Pho came in such a massive bowl with shrimp, brisket, meatball, OXTAIL, pork rinds, some sliced pork, noodles and the normal stuff that make it delicious!. There waa much protein and it was only $20!!!! I ended up taking about half to go. As I was leaving I was offered to take a shot with EVERYONE in the restaurant.(there was about 15 people, all known by name and seemed family) Lisa made Cherry Blossom shooters and Kue poured Jameson shots. Whatever was in it the cherry blossom drink went so well together!

When I tell you how welcomed I felt from walking in the door to when I left I was treated better than family. 💗 Kue and Lisa, and whomever was there with me, thank you so much for making me feel so welcomed. I am honored and if I lived in the area, I would definitely be a regular! Arrive as stranger but leave as family. PERFECT motto...

I've stopped twice now for lunch at the newly-opened Blossom Cafe. They've been in business for years as caterers, but have recently expanded to a dine-in/carryout format along with a bar and a small event hall. At the moment, they're open for lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays so check their hours before you go. I recall that the lunch menu is a scaled back version of their dinner menu, the former offering appetizers and 2-3 different main dishes.

The dining room is fairly typical for Asian takeout. Its appearance is not opulent but it's neat and clean and the service is as fast and friendly as anyone could want.

But the real reason you're going is for the food. I like what they do with their recipes. My impression so far is that their dishes are like the old classics but with a twist. For example, the beef bulgogi bowl had a slightly sweeter and less smoky sauce than the Korean bulgogi I'm used to. It also contained raw baby cucumber slices and pickled daikon radish chunks, among other things. It sounds a bit unusual, but it all worked very well together.

Finally, if you're a spice lover and can take some heat without sniveling, you have to get yourself an order of their Fire Wings. This appetizer consists of several deep-fried wings and drumsticks served with Asian chili peppers, scallions, and finely-sliced onions all coated with some kind of spice mix. The flavor of the chilis predominates but there's a vinegar or lime undertone that just makes it all work. Don't take my word for it, just try 'em!

I'm looking forward to...

My new favorite spot!

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