Chuan Lu Garden, located at Mills 50, has long been one of the city’s best-known Chinese restaurants, earning praise from this magazine and other publications, rave reviews from local chefs on social media for its extensive menu, and recognition as one of the pioneers of Sichuan cuisine here in town.
Joyce Kai and her partners purchased the restaurant from the original owners in 2019, and while the food still received rave reviews, the space sometimes fell short. Kai took the feedback seriously.
“The space was old and worn out, so we found the perfect time to renovate it,” she says.
The project, which began in July 2024, had a six-month schedule, but as is typical with renos and the rigorous inspections that come with them, work lasted 13 months. Meanwhile, longtime customers stared as they passed by their space at 1101 E. Colonial Drive. They were always asking when Kai would stop by Chuan Fu, a Michelin-recommended venue in Winter Park.
“When will you open?!” they asked me.
Fans, the wait is over. On Tuesday, Oct. 28, after a short soft opening, there was an official ribbon cutting for the new space, which also received a new name: “Gourmet Chinese Cuisine.”
Orlando District 4 Commissioner Patty Sheehan was proud to wield the novelty scissors in a ceremony featuring a lion dancer, ushering in a new era of fortune and prosperity for the restaurant in a completely transformed space.
“It’s just amazing,” Sheehan said, marveling at the transformation, with its clean lines, open spaces and high, corrugated wood ceilings.
“The food here has always been great, but the renovations have really taken it up a notch,” Ms Sheehan said. “They were able to accomplish so much within this existing building and give it a very modern, brand new, sleek, cool look.”
For Chuan Lu Garden regulars, the new space will be almost unrecognizable. It’s an open, airy space with lots of space and natural light, and a completely new layout. Intimate booths await future date nights. A large round table with a stylish glass lazy susan awaits your fresh dim sum. Cai says they’ve already added a few more to this massive menu.
“Almost everything on the old menu has been carried over, but some things have been hidden away,” she said sheepishly. “Our old and loyal customers know we have a ‘secret’ menu. For those who have been coming for years, we have old favorites and may ask. If you have the ingredients, we will make it for you.”
However, you don’t need to know anything. Tsai’s team will continue to carry a wide variety of seafood, including Sichuan and other seafood. This sophisticated space also has a fully stocked bar in this small area.
They’re still hiring, but the space is appealing. It could be a great place to have an aperitif here or elsewhere. Michelin-recommended cuisine is right next door to Gourmet Chinese. Very few people have a liquor license.
Kai, who has a long history of participating in many corporate and community organizations and events, said she and her team – some old and new, some who travel back and forth between here and Kawafuku – are most excited about serving customers.
As she munches on chunks of golden salted lobster on an Instagram-worthy platter, Sheehan is eager to join the ranks of gourmets who have been waiting to return for more than a year.
“[The grand opening]is obviously exciting,” she says with humor, adding, “I love everything about Main Street, I love all of the kids… but Mills 50 holds a special place. It’s exciting because it helps put Mills 50 on the map, but it’s also because I’m selfish.” I live here. And I want to see my neighborhood businesses succeed. ”
An emotional Tsai thanked the guests in attendance, who ranged from city officials and Winter Park celebrities to foodies and influencers.
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“We are so honored to have this grand opening event with everyone here to cheer and celebrate with us,” she said, recounting the hard work and unexpected delays and the joy of finally opening the doors.
She showed photos of customers from 2019 who took over the restaurant and said she could see the happy looks in the eyes of longtime customers who saw the renovations.
“We have a different name now,” she says. “But we offer the same great food and customer service.”
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