Went to the first night of Chu’s grand opening in Coral Gables last night. This is the new establishment of chef O.A. Chu, formerly of Mr. Chu’s in South Beach. They had no menu for me to see yet but the chef’s wife, Norika, said the restaurant will not be doing dim sum as in the old location; it will only have some dim sum items on the menu. Chu’s will continue its opening events tonight and tomorrow night starting at 7:30 p.m. It will officially open to the public next Wednesday, June 10 for dinner only. And they will be open late night.
Chu’s
2728 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables
786.953.7351
No dim sum?! What’s the point?! I think they’re dim sum service was so dismal on the beach and the location so inconducive for dim sum brunch that it failed miserably. I have a feeling it’d make a killing in the Gables if they served dim sum on weekends since most people there travel to Tropical anyway. Hopefully people will request it enough. Glad to see Chu back.
Thanks Paula for spreading the word. One thing I’d like to say about Chef Chu’s cooking from my experience at Mr. Chu’s is that it’s very clean. No goopy, brown starchy sauces, not so salty like many Chinese restaurants in Florida, no names mentioned. Admittedly, I’ve not tried the new place and openings are never a reflection of a restaurant’s true offerings.
Chu is particular about using good brands of seasonings and his presentation is beautiful. I can’t wait to have a Hoh Wok Club gathering there.
That’s good to know, Eleanor. I agree that the openings are not a reflection of the restaurant which is why I’m looking forward to when they open so I can get a taste of the chef’s cooking.
It’s really a shame they’re not doing dim sum. Their dim sum was by far the best around… at least it was until they opened their sake bar. That’s when everything started going down hill. It’s an incredible task to make a great restaurant, but quite another to make 2 successful restaurants. The service was great at first, as was the food. Really nobody ever came close. Then things started to change. It was a huge disappointment for us. I really hope they focus on one place now. They really should bring back the dim sum as well. I completely agree that their old location was horrible for dim sum. Beautiful place, but just not in the right spot. Lincoln Rd. would have been much better – If Miss Yip can survive there, Mr. Chu’s would have stole the show – we all know how nasty Miss Yip is.
I’m so glad to hear Peter’s comment that Chu’s food is good and agree with what you said about their service going downhill when they opened another in SB. Parking was a pain, several times, my husband ended up not joining our group for dim sum due to lack of parking!!! Just want folks to know that dim sum is very specialized with usually one chef focused on perfecting one dish! You need MANY chefs to be successful, it’s not possible unless there’s a huge Chinatown to support a flow of clients. You can’t make money on dim sum unless you have TRAFFIC. I don’t think people understand just making dumpling skins is difficult. I would rather forego dim sum and focus on good quality, smaller choice menu which I think Chu’s Taiwan Kitchen and Bar is going to be. Look forward to exploring.
We live about 5 minutes from Chu’s and are truly looking forward to trying this restaurant since we had heard that the food at the Beach location was excellent. The Coral Gables area is in dire need of a moderately priced, attractive, and well maintained “really good” Chinese restaurant. We hope that it lives up to our expectations and that prices are not so prohibitive that it can’t be a “regular” on our restaurant list. Their location is just enough off the “beaten path” that they are going to have to publicize their existence if they want to succeed.
Chu’s in now under new management! The decor has changed and an extensive menu including dim sum has been added! Lunch is also available now for customers. It has hosted a series of successful events and also there is monday night karoeke where ladies get 2 for 1 drinks from 10pm to closing. Chu is now the head chef so definitely the lovely tastes and his creations are still present! http://www.chusgables.com
So glad to hear Chu’s is BACK. Must visit to check out new decor. Paula, let me know if you go, love to hear your feedback.