Chang finally returns

By David McNair |
Published online 1:51pm Wednesday Mar 2nd, 2011
and in print issue #1010 dated Thursday Mar 10th, 2011

Peter Chang speaks to the media at last night's grand opening.

Photo by Dave McNair
Dave Matthews Band drummer Carter Beauford and his wife Karen dig the Red Bean Rice Balls

Photo by Dave McNair
Mayor Dave Norris with the Hook's Courteney Stuart and Lisa Provence

Photo by Dave McNair
Boneless Whole Fish with Pine Nuts. We were told that eating the head makes you smarter.

Photo by Dave McNair
Chang and his assistants received a standing ovation from the crowd before greeting the media

Photo by Dave McNair
Your hosts Mary and Gen Lee

Photo by Dave McNair

The wait is over. Elusive chef Peter Chang has returned, bringing his special brand of Szechwanese cuisine with him. Chang's work was on full display at an invitation-only grand opening last night of Peter Chang's China Grill, which recently took over the former Wild Greens space in the North wing of the Barracks Road Shopping Center.

While Chang's Charlottesville partners, Gen and Mary Lee, greeted the crowd, Chang and his two assistants produced a five-course feast for about 100 guests sitting at communal tables. And he did not disappoint. Stand-out dishes included delicately dry-fried eggplant laced with numbing Szechwan peppercorns, steamed pork soup buns–- a kind of dumpling filled with hot soup–- coriander fish rolls, Szechwan bang bang shrimp, jumbo shrimp with mushroom in a hot pot, baked lamb chops, hot and numbing dry beef, and a sweet dessert called red bean rice balls, which collapsed at the slightest touch and melted in the mouth.

When Chang made an appearance, he was greeted with a standing ovation and the flash of cameras, and commented (translated by Gen Lee) that he was happy to be back in Charlottesville, and that he looks forward to introducing more of his Szechwan-style cuisine to the community.

Bon Appétit!

Read more on: peter chang

9 comments

Austro March 2nd, 2011 | 4:00pm

We in here talkin' bout Chinese food. We talkin about Chinese food. Not hamburgers. Not hot dogs. We talkin' bout Chinese food. What are we talkin about? CHINESE FOOD! We ain't talkin about an all-american meal. We talkin' bout Chinese food. It's funny to me too.

Dahmius March 2nd, 2011 | 4:34pm

Zzzzzz..............

cookieJar March 2nd, 2011 | 4:42pm

we're at 14 minutes now and the clock is ticking

What March 2nd, 2011 | 5:11pm

Cookiejar what are you talking about? They are closed right now until 5..

Our right to know March 2nd, 2011 | 8:12pm

What happened at the private shindig? Was Clayton Stiver there? Where are the pictures? Is this a cover-up??????

cookieJar March 2nd, 2011 | 8:33pm

fame my dear

I Pee You Poo March 2nd, 2011 | 11:47pm

So who was the big celebrity that showed up???? Ali?? The Rock???? Katie Couric??? Obama??? Who who???

A True Foodie March 6th, 2011 | 1:05pm

There can be bad Chinese food, good Chinese food and exceptional Chinese food. Peter Chang's food is exceptional.

What you can get at Panda Express or your local Chinese restaurant is a bastardized version of real Chinese food. That's fine if that's all you like but don't be insulting to those who know and seek out better food.

Uighar Bob March 6th, 2011 | 3:09pm

I can't wait to eat the skrimp toast!