Kunfusion- a Cuisine Revolution in Pismo Beach

There is a revolution in cuisine going on today and I couldn’t be more tickled about this trend. TV shows with Chef’s as stars, foodie groups and online reviewing has caused people to try new eateries and for the owners and chefs to get more creative. In this area there is nothing more creative than Chef Lori Nunes of KunFusion.  She is a food truck owner and restaurateur that is taking the county by storm with a Korean/ Portuguese fusion flare and I love every bite.

Short Ribs

I first meant Lori thru the Wok n Roll truck trying her unique style of quick dining. Having a Portuguese grandma, I loved Arepas (flatbread made of ground maize dough) and the Bamboo cone of beer battered shishito peepers that are served with a spicy garlic aioli. I instantly saw that this was no ordinary taco truck (or chef) and became a fan. So when Chef Lolo (what her fan’s call her) decided to settle down and have a brick and mortar eatery, I was thrilled.

KunFusion moved into the California Fresh center on Five Cities drive and the same creative quality that led me to chase her truck around, now makes my car swerve there for tacos, bowls and salads. Chef Lolo came to say hi and she told us that after attending culinary school, working in several restaurants, then the truck being so successful, she had a toolbox of culinary skills and brain full of ideas, the new permanent location had to be opened. The truck is still running, so for those who revel in that are still in luck.

Ahi Tacos

She told us “The most gratifying thing for a chef is to create something with passion and in return, watch as others appreciate it. It is not about the money, the glory or the ego it is about love for this food. KunFusion was born in this thought and operates based upon these simple principles. We love what we do and hope you will too”. 

The wonder of KunFusion is that they are very dietary forward and offer more on the menu for vegetarians, vegans and gluten free diners than anywhere else.  If you are looking for something new, and because of dietary restriction have been regulated to eating mostly cardboard food, KunFusion is your Shangri-La. They offer fresh, cooked-to-order food; housemaid sauces and can accommodate any dietary restriction. Just let them know and they will satisfy your belly.

We brought some new friends that are trying their hands at this crazy new California cuisine and they were so impressed. We shared the Ahi-tada that was seared Ahi tuna slices on won-ton chips over avocado pico de gallo and green onion. The fish was fresh and cold and the avocado mellowed the spice of the pico de gallo. This was our friend’s first time trying Ahi and they instantly became fans. One of Lolo's most requested and coveted dishes is her Sweet Potato fries that are hand cut daily and served with a wasabi arugula aioli and an outstanding guacamole hummus. Surprising and delightful was the consensuses.

For our main courses we tried the Kun Fu Bowls that is a combination of savory and delectable served on jasmine rice infused with coconut and lime. I had the Portagie Fu with grilled chicken breasts, red onions, bok choy all tossed with a Portuguese Churrasco sauce and garnished with daikon radish sprouts. Gary had the Fu Kun Tacos that were so good I ended up stealing one. The Ahi tuna is cubed and then stuffed into a crispy egg roll taco shell with a zesty marinade, wakame seaweed slaw, sesame seeds and mandarin oranges. They were so good; I have been back three times just for this dish. Our friends had the Fried Rice with a savory stir-fry of bok choy, red and yellow onions, chicken and jasmine rice. They flavor was different and amazing. The best of the meal was the KSB a meat eater’s paradise of bone-in Korean short ribs grilled and tossed in a spicy original KunFusion sauce and served with shaved and fried Brussels sprouts.

KunFusion Pismo Beach is located at 561 Five Cities Drive (next door to California Fresh Market) or call (805) 556-3003; they offer an extensive wine and beer collection, so drip in for Happy hour Tuesday thru Thursday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

Hours of operation are closed Mondays, Tuesday thru Thursday from 11:00am to 8:00pm, Friday from 11:00am to 9:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am to 11:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am to 8:00pm. Follow them at Kunfusion Pismo

As Lori says, "A journey of a thousand smiles begins with a single belly."