Chuan Lu Backyard in Orlando’s Mills 50 neighborhood has for years stood among the many most celebrated Chinese language eating places within the metropolis, profitable accolades from this and different publications, getting social media shout-outs by native cooks for its huge menu of delicacies and credit score for being among the many Sichuan pioneers right here on the town.
Joyce Cai and her companions acquired the restaurant from its unique house owners in 2019, and whereas the meals nonetheless acquired raves, the house, typically, didn’t. Cai took the suggestions severely.
“The house was worn and outdated,” she admitted, “and so once we discovered the proper timing, we renovated.”
The venture, which started in July 2024, was on a six-month schedule, however because it typically occurs with renos and the stringent inspections that go together with them, the enterprise dragged on for 13 months. In the meantime, longtime clients gawked as they handed by their house at 1101 E. Colonial Drive and requested Cai, on a regular basis, once they’d pop into Chuan Fu, her Michelin-recommended venue in Winter Park.
“When will you open?!” they requested me.
Followers, the wait is over. As we speak (Oct. 28), after a short gentle opening, the ribbon was formally minimize on the brand new house, which additionally boasts a brand new title: A Connoisseur Chinese language Delicacies.
Orlando District 4 Commissioner Patty Sheehan was proud to wield the novelty scissors for the ceremony, which featured lion dancers, ushering in a brand new period of luck and prosperity for the restaurant in a completely remodeled house.
“It’s simply gorgeous,” Sheehan stated, marveling on the metamorphosis, with its clear strains, open areas and excessive, new, wooden ceiling with its dramatic waves.
“The meals right here has all the time been superb, however the renovation actually brings it up a notch,” Sheehan stated. “They have been in a position to accomplish a lot inside this current constructing and make it look so fashionable and brand-new and hip and funky.”
For Chuan Lu Backyard regulars, the brand new house will probably be practically unrecognizable — open and ethereal with house and pure mild — and an all-new structure. Intimate cubicles await future date nights. Massive spherical tables with glossy, glass lazy susans await recent dim sum. Cai says they’ve added a number of extra to the massive menu already.
“Just about all the things from the outdated menu transferred over, however some are hidden,” she stated coyly. “Our oldest, loyal clients know dishes; that we’ve got a ‘secret’ menu. For the individuals who have come for years and years, they could have an outdated favourite and ask. If I’ve the substances, we are going to make it for you.”
You needn’t know a factor, nonetheless. Cai’s group will nonetheless be slinging favorites, Sichuan and non, together with a broader number of seafood, as properly. The slick house additionally has one thing this small stretch is mild on: a full bar.
They’re nonetheless staffing up, however the house is inviting. It might make a pleasant spot for a pre-dinner drink right here and even elsewhere; there are Michelin-recommended choices inside a stone’s throw of A Connoisseur Chinese language. Few have a liquor license.
Cai, who has an extended historical past of involvement in lots of enterprise and group associations and occasions, says she and the group — some outdated, some new, some splitting their time between right here and Chuan Fu — are most enthusiastic about serving the purchasers.
Sheehan, tucking right into a hunk of golden salted egg lobster from a tempting, Instagram-friendly platter, is raring to rejoin the ranks of foodies who’ve waited a year-plus to return again.
“[The grand opening is] thrilling, after all,” she says, noting with humor that she “loves all her Major Streets, all her youngsters … however Mills 50 holds a particular place. “It’s thrilling as a result of it helps put Mills 50 on the map, but in addition as a result of I’m egocentric. I reside right here. And I need to see the companies in my neighborhood succeed.”
An emotional Cai thanked the visitors — from metropolis officers and Winter Park notables to foodies and influencers in attendance.
“It’s such an honor to have you ever right here to cheer with me, to have a good time with me, to have this grand opening occasion,” she stated, noting the arduous work, the sudden delays and the pleasure in lastly getting the doorways open.
She confirmed a photograph of consumers from 2019, the yr she took over the restaurant, noting the happiness she sees in longtime clients’ eyes once they see the renovation.
“We’ve got a distinct title now,” she says. “However we’re providing the identical scrumptious meals and customer support.”
Need to attain out? Discover me on Fb, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. E-mail: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For extra foodie enjoyable, be part of the Let’s Eat, Orlando Fb group.
