In addition to authentic Chinese dishes, Fusion Fare features what chef/owner Hongmin Mo calls “having fun” when he uses his creativity to combine cross-cultural cuisines.
Born in Szechuan, China, he learned to cook from a young age with his parents, then went to culinary school before immigrating to America and ultimately landing in Santa Cruz. Cooking professionally here and further perfecting his skills, he also wanted to learn English and American culture, so he looked for and found an opportunity at Google, where he opened an authentic Chinese café.
This experience taught him not only about managing and operations, but also about the magic of collaborating with other chefs and styles of cuisine. Inspired, Mo says he wanted to do “something fun” and Fusion Fare is that, opened a little over a year ago in downtown Santa Cruz.
Served amidst what Mo describes as a modern Chinese ambiance, highlighted appetizers are the pork-filled Red Oil Wontons and the Golden Pockets with lamb, beef, onion and bell pepper stuffed inside a flour tortilla. Entrée favorites include the authentically Chinese Lotus Root Stir Fry with firm tofu and a slightly spicy/numbing herb chili sauce, a masa flour yellow curry dish with chicken thigh, potato and coconut cream, and the fried Chongqing Spicy Chicken dressed and wok-toasted to marry the savory and spicy flavors.
An herb-braised duck is also on the menu, and desserts include a sesame ball filled with red bean paste and a coconut cream bowl inside a crunchy shell.
Where did your love for fusion originate?
HONGMIN MO: When I worked at Google, I got to know many other chefs during our monthly chef meetings. We would talk about other menus and I would try all the other cuisines. I became really intrigued by those new flavors and dishes, gained a new passion for other culture’s food and was inspired to integrate them into my own cooking.
How did the first year of business go?
Very well, people here in Santa Cruz have been very supportive. Business has been good, especially given that we don’t advertise, so much of it is based on word of mouth. We have developed a loyal clientele of regulars and continue to have new guests try us out as well. We have gotten great feedback and people really love the food.
1003 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, 831-266-5834; fusionfarerestaurant.com
