AA Garden Fusion

“We are living the American dream,” Ngan Ngo stated firmly as she began to tell the story of her family and how they came to create AA Garden Fusion, one of the most talked-about new eateries in New Smyrna Beach. It’s a phrase used so often that at times it loses its meaning, but when it comes to the story of her family and their successes in this country, it is no cliché. Arriving as a refugee in America all the way from Vietnam, her father, Sunny began work as a dishwasher in a Minnesota restaurant. After the first day, he said to himself “I did not come to America to do dishes,“ And quit the very next day. After a couple days of staying home, Ngan recounts, her father decided “You have to start somewhere.” He returned to dish washing and worked his way up to caterer, sous chef, then eventually head chef of the restaurant until he was able to buy out the business, all within just four years.

You can now find this industrious patriarch in AA Garden Fusion’s kitchen, alongside his daughter Ngan as they make sure every dish is executed with perfection. Family is the core of this restaurant, in more than one sense. The whole staff is considered family, including the American chefs brought in to inspire the fusion cuisine. Longtime and well-know chef Matthew Frost has been with the restaurant since its inception. He enjoys working at the restaurant and has brought home numerous awards, such as Gumbo, Chili, Chowder, and Suds and Spuds. Frost also known as the Dessert King is known for his spectacular creme brulees remarked, "This family has taken me under their wing and showed me a passionate work ethic. It's contagious." Teri Derma, Manager, exclaimed, "I love working here."

The family opened AA Nails and Spa several years ago after moving to New Smyrna Beach. They treated their customers to complimentary homemade Vietnamese cuisine and the response was so positive they decided to open a restaurant which offered everyone a chance to enjoy not only their traditional, made from scratch Vietnamese dishes, but also familiar dishes with an exotic twist that appealed to a wider audience. From their handmade Spring Rolls and traditional Vietnamese Pho made entirely from scratch using an age old family recipe, to delectable Poke Tacos topped with guacamole and cilantro yogurt sauce, AA Garden Fusion offers something exciting for every palette. ~ Written by Angel Martin for Dining Guide.