LuLu Asian Kitchen Now Open in Olivette

The venerable LuLu Seafood & Dim Sum restaurant is rolling out a series of fast-casual eateries, as SLM wrote in July. The first LuLu Asian Kitchen opened last week in Olivette (at 9626 Olive, the former Mei Hua Chinese Restaurant space). A second is slated for next month in Rock Hill (at 9737 Manchester, the former Red Lotus Spa & Bistro space).

A simplified version of the concept, LuLu Chinese Express, has been open inside Dierbergs stores in Brentwood and Creve Coeur for several years, serving ready-to-go entrées and sides from large woks.

The Asian Kitchen concept adds more variety, customizable items, a case of pre-packaged items to take home, and an expanded beverage selection, including alcohol.

The overriding focus is on freshness, says co-owner Julia Li. With that in mind, Lu Lu Asian Kitchen’s entrées are cooked in small batches and held in smaller woks, assuring a better quality product.

Prices range from $5.99 (for one entrée and one side) to $7.99 (for two entrées and two sides). Small, medium, and large a la carte boxes are available, as well as bigger containers for large groups.

Another fresh option is a $6 create-your-own Asian Burrito (rolled) or JianBing (flat, similar to a quesadilla). Choose from four proteins, three choices of rice, and unlimited toppings and sauces.

On the beverage side, there are both imported and local beers, along with sake (hot or cold), wine, four flavors of natural fruit smoothies, and canned and fountain soda.

The interior is outfitted with granite-topped tables, tasteful chairs, and food photography.

Li’s mission is to “transform the Western world's perception of Chinese food by offering fresh, healthy, authentic meals on the go.” It's a philosophy best exemplified by the hand-made offerings available in the grab-and-go case: sushi rolls, spring rolls, potstickers, kimchi, and seaweed salad. Most impressive of all, though? Varieties of shumai and bao—just like take-home dim sum.