SHOCKING SHUTTERS

Acclaimed San Antonio Asian fusion food truck shuts down after 4 years

Mai O Mai is known for playful fusion dishes like fideo pho.

After almost four years, playful San Antonio food truck Mai O Mai is serving its last wings, bao, and bowls. In a bittersweet statement, owner Ivan Torres announced the July 31 closure of the Asian-Mexican fusion concept, which has been a fixture at popular near-downtown bar Tony’s Siesta.

“After a lot of thought and some heavy heart, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s time for me to close this chapter,” wrote Torres. “I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished and what the name ‘Mai O Mai’ has come to mean in this city. Your support, your smiles, and even the drunk a**holes that have b*tched me out, I am genuinely grateful to have served you.”

Torres opened Mai O Mai in August, 2021, almost a year after Tony’s Siesta made its November 2020 debut. Although Tony’s already had food at the time, the addition of the food truck helped make the bar a culinary destination as much as a watering hole.

Ivan Torres Mai O Mai Chef Ivan Torres with his signature carnitas bánh mì.Mai O Mai/ Facebook

Mai O Mai had a knack for seamlessly connecting the dots between traditional Mexican cooking and pan-Asian cuisine, an approach reflected in the logo — a calavera pig wearing a conical Asian sun hat. The ever-changing menus included cross-cultural dishes like fideo pho, carnitas bánh mì, al pastor buns, and pork belly tacos.

In his post, Torres said he was not quite prepared for the immediate success.

“I had just turned 25 and I had zero intention in opening a food truck,” he remembered. “I had no idea what the hell I was getting myself into. Roughly four years and stolen light later, this is by far one of the toughest, most rewarding things I’ve experienced.”

Although Torres is closing the food truck chapter of his career, he hinted that a new project was on the way. That could be a continuation of a residency at the recently rebranded Howdy, Sore Loser. Mai O Mai popped up at the downtown bar early this year for a few kitchen takeovers. The main Instagram account lists that outpost as being currently closed for renovations.

The last service for the Mai O Mai food truck kicks off at 8 pm on July 31. DJ AROD will provide beats on the patio.

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SUDDEN SHUTTERS

San Antonio's Dashi Sichuan Kitchen unexpectedly closes after 4 years

Dashi Sichuan Instagram

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After four years serving San Antonio’s Northeast Side diners, Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar has unexpectedly called it a day. The contemporary Chinese restaurant — known for its lively Chinese New Year celebrations and modern approach to ancient cuisine — says it is immediately closing to focus on other projects.

“With a heart full of love and profound gratitude, we’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to cease operations at Dashi Chinese Kitchen + Bar, effective immediately,” the restaurant wrote in a farewell message. "To our loyal guests: Thank you for embracing Dashi, filling our dining room with energy, and exploring new culinary horizons alongside us.”

Chef and founder Kristina Zhao opened Dashi on July 21, 2021, at 2895 Thousand Oaks Dr., a building that formerly housed LA Crawfish and Hawx Burger Bar. The restaurant was a sophisticated sibling to Sichuan House, serving cumin lamb chops, seared green beans, and spicy whole fish alongside a creative cocktail menu.

Zhao and husband Brandon La Lanne envisioned the space as a community hub. The calendar was filled with celebrations from guest chef dinners to lion dancers to industry competitions like the annual Daq Off.

“As you know, Dashi (大师) means Grand Master,” the statement continued. “We chose this name because a restaurant is a collaboration of the arts — what you see, smell, hear, taste, and feel. We sought to do that, and we did. We are immensely proud of the experiences we shared and the community we built.”

The move comes as the restaurateurs enter a new chapter. In October, Zhao and La Lanne purchased The Good Kind and Ivy Hall complex in Southtown from Chef Tim McDiarmid. Ivy Hall Events will continue to run as a wedding and event venue, but the couple has more ambitious plans for the rest of the space.

The purchase allowed the couple to launch a new nonprofit, Ciao & Zen Collective. At the launch party, Zhao said that the organization aims to unite San Antonio creatives through programs like fellowships, a global dinner series, and educational programs for local schools, seniors, and families. Sichuan House will also remain open.

“We are energized by our new space at 1127 S. St Mary’s and the work of our nonprofit, the Ciao & Zen Collective,” the restaurant said. “It is here that Dashi’s spirit of global connection truly evolves as we build cultural bridges through the culinary arts.”

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