{"id":24192,"date":"2025-10-28T20:39:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T20:39:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/24192\/"},"modified":"2025-10-28T20:39:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T20:39:10","slug":"a-gourmet-chinese-cuisine-enjoys-grand-opening-in-mills-50","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/24192\/","title":{"rendered":"A Gourmet Chinese Cuisine enjoys grand opening in Mills 50"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chuan Lu Garden in Orlando\u2019s Mills 50 neighborhood has for years stood among the most celebrated Chinese restaurants in the city, winning accolades from this and other publications, getting social media shout-outs by local chefs for its massive menu of delicacies and credit for being among the Sichuan pioneers here in town.<\/p>\n

Joyce Cai and her partners acquired the restaurant from its original owners in 2019, and while the food still got raves, the space, sometimes, did not. Cai took the feedback seriously.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe space was worn and old,\u201d she admitted, \u201cand so when we found the perfect timing, we renovated.\u201d<\/p>\n

The project, which began in July 2024<\/a>, was on a six-month schedule, but as it often happens with renos and the stringent inspections that go along with them, the undertaking dragged on for 13 months. Meanwhile, longtime customers gawked as they passed by their space at 1101 E. Colonial Drive and asked Cai, all the time, when they\u2019d pop into Chuan Fu, her Michelin-recommended venue in Winter Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen will you open?!\u201d they asked me.<\/p>\n

Fans, the wait is over. Today (Oct. 28), after a brief soft opening, the ribbon was officially cut on the new space, which also boasts a new name: A Gourmet Chinese Cuisine<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Orlando District 4 Commissioner Patty Sheehan was proud to wield the novelty scissors for the ceremony, which featured lion dancers, ushering in a new era of luck and prosperity for the restaurant in a wholly transformed space.<\/p>\n

\"OrlandoOrlando Young Lions get a red envelope from Commissioner Patty Sheehan during the opening ceremony for A Gourmet Chinese restaurant (formerly Chuan Lu Garden), in Mills 50, on Tuesday. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just stunning,\u201d Sheehan said, marveling at the metamorphosis, with its clean lines, open spaces and high, new, wood ceiling with its dramatic waves.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe food here has always been amazing, but the renovation really brings it up a notch,\u201d Sheehan said. \u201cThey were able to accomplish so much within this existing building and make it look so modern and brand-new and hip and cool.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"OpeningOpening ceremony for A Gourmet Chinese Cuisine (formerly Chuan Lu Garden), in Mills 50. The lunch spread featured dishes including signature roast duck and slow-braised veal with almonds. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

For Chuan Lu Garden regulars, the new space will be nearly unrecognizable \u2014 open and airy with space and natural light \u2014 and an all-new layout. Intimate booths await future date nights. Large round tables with sleek, glass lazy susans await fresh dim sum. Cai says they\u2019ve added a few more to the large menu already.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty much everything from the old menu transferred over, but some are hidden,\u201d she said coyly. \u201cOur oldest, loyal customers know dishes; that we have a \u2018secret\u2019 menu. For the people who have come for years and years, they might have an old favorite and ask. If I have the ingredients, we will make it for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"CommissionerCommissioner Patty Sheehan cuts the ribbon outside of A Gourmet Chinese Cuisine on Colonial Drive in Orlando’s Mills 50 neighborhood. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

You need not know a thing, however. Cai\u2019s team will still be slinging favorites, Sichuan and non, along with a broader selection of seafood, as well. The slick space also has something this small stretch is light on: a full bar.<\/p>\n

They\u2019re still staffing up, but the space is inviting. It could make a nice spot for a pre-dinner drink here or even elsewhere; there are Michelin-recommended offerings within a stone\u2019s throw of A Gourmet Chinese. Few have a liquor license.<\/p>\n

\"ShallyShally Wong, Joyce Cai, and Commissioner Patty Sheehan pose for a photo during the opening ceremony for A Gourmet Chinese restaurant (formerly Chuan Lu Garden), in Mills 50, on Tuesday. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

Cai, who has a long history of involvement in many business and community associations and events, says she and the team \u2014 some old, some new, some splitting their time between here and Chuan Fu \u2014 are most excited about serving the customers.<\/p>\n

Sheehan, tucking into a hunk of golden salted egg lobster from a tempting, Instagram-friendly platter, is eager to rejoin the ranks of foodies who\u2019ve waited a year-plus to come back.<\/p>\n

\"DetailDetail of golden salted egg twin lobster platter served during the opening ceremony for A Gourmet Chinese restaurant (formerly Chuan Lu Garden), in Mills 50, on Tuesday. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda\/Orlando Sentinel)<\/p>\n

\u201c[The grand opening is] exciting, of course,\u201d she says, noting with humor that she \u201cloves all her Main Streets, all her children \u2026 but Mills 50 holds a special place. \u201cIt\u2019s exciting because it helps put Mills 50 on the map, but also because I\u2019m selfish. I live here. And I want to see the businesses in my neighborhood succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

An emotional Cai thanked the guests \u2014 from city officials and Winter Park notables to foodies and influencers in attendance.<\/p>\n

Chuan Fu\u2019s flavors move beyond m\u00e1l\u00e0 | Review<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s such an honor to have you here to cheer with me, to celebrate with me, to have this grand opening event,\u201d she said, noting the hard work, the unexpected delays and the pleasure in finally getting the doors open.<\/p>\n

She showed a photo of customers from 2019, the year she took over the restaurant, noting the happiness she sees in longtime customers\u2019 eyes when they see the renovation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a different name now,\u201d she says. \u201cBut we are offering the same delicious food and customer service.\u201d<\/p>\n

Want to reach out? Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram\u00a0@amydroo<\/a>\u00a0or on the OSFoodie Instagram account\u00a0@orlando.foodie<\/a>. Email:\u00a0amthompson@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. For more foodie fun, join the\u00a0Let\u2019s Eat, Orlando Facebook group<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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