When Bang! closed at 3472 West 32nd Avenue last summer, we knew it wouldn't be long before another restaurant moved into the cozy space with the sly back entrance and secluded patio seating. And while the familiar giant fork and spoon that marked Bang! for passersby still hang above the front window of the building, a bamboo mural has been added on the opposite side, indicating that the spot has a new occupant. The newcomer is Sera's Ramen Enclave, which is now serving a small but diverse menu of noodle bowls, appetizers and other dishes that capture the flavors of Japan, Vietnam and Korea.
Sera's is the creation of owner Sera Nguyen and her family, including her mother, who once ran a restaurant in Vietnam. Ramen bowls come in five styles, both traditional and innovative. Spicy miso ramen with grilled chicken will be familiar to ramen fans, but the list also includes Saigon curry ramen, red Seoul ramen, sesame somen with short rib, and "flavorsome" ramen with oxtail broth and shredded oxtail meat.
Appetizers include grilled oysters with Cajun seasoning, grilled quail skewers, steamed duck-bun sliders and crispy crepes with Vietnamese dipping sauce. (We haven't tried those yet, but we're hoping they're similar to traditional bánh xèo.) Spring rolls, duck fried rice, yakisoba and Vietnamese rice crackers round out the menu.
Sera's is open every day but Tuesday, with lunch served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner offered from 5 to 10 p.m. weekdays. On weekends, the shop is open from noon to 10 p.m.