Penticton’s new Wild Scallion

Penticton’s new Wild Scallion has succeeded in offering its patrons fresh and healthy meals at affordable prices. Opened last September at 75 Front Street, owners Al Box and Hong Lac serve lunch and dinner boxes, and a gluten, ovo and lactose-free menu priced between $7 and $9. Al was committed to providing simple and delicious food options to customers without putting a big hit on their pocketbook. When he met Hong, a Saigon-born nutritionist and globetrotting cook with years of extensive experience utilizing fresh spices and quality ingredients, they decided to open a restaurant together.

“I’m doing this for the reason of food awareness activism,” said Al. “I get him (Hong) the best quality ingredients I can and he puts it together and makes it taste good.”

Hong refers to their food as “intercontinental fusion” where customers can experience “grandma’s home-cooking” while consuming food with nutritional value.

Featured items include salad rolls, jasmine rice, seasonal grains and cabbage salad, though choices “morph and evolve” depending on what ingredients are on hand. Tofu and chicken are also available. The menu offers ingredients produced organically and prepared shortly after they’ve been harvested rather than using processed foods. Hong prepares handmade soups, stews, curries and uniquely crafted sauces made using fresh spices shipped from around the world and prepared in his 80-square-foot kitchen. They’ve been pleased with the response in the few short months since they’ve been open, which they believe is an indication they’re heading in the right direction. “I want to take away people’s ability to say they can’t afford to eat something that’s healthy because it’s too expensive,” said Box.

—By SCOTT TRUDEAU

Wild Scallion offers eat-in and take-out options. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to  6 p.m. on Sunday.

(250) 486-8117

75 Front Street , Penticton, BC