KoolPaw Posted January 8, 2013 Share Posted January 8, 2013 The Chinese New Year 4711 (Year of the Snake) begins on Sunday February 10. Is anyone interested in celebrating the New Year at Peter Chang's in Richmond? I am willing to arrange a special feast. I have no idea now of the cost, but it will surely be more than a "$20 Tuesday" with a preset price and list of dishes. If so, please indicate your preferences for : Saturday, Feb 9 afternoon Saturday, Feb 9 evening Sunday, Feb 10 afternoon Sunday, Feb 10 evening Remember, it's in Richmond, so if you are going to imbibe you will need a way to get a ride home or stay overnight. Sheldon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheezepowder Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Unfortunately I already have plans that weekend so wouldn't be able to make it, but it sounds great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ericandblueboy Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I am interested Feb 9, either afternoon or evening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMatt Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I might be able to do Feb 9 afternoon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkstar965 Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Feb 9th either time can work for us. Any additional info on menu? Thanks for organizing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktmoomau Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I am interested, but need to check with Hubby. If we did it we would be 2-3 persons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KoolPaw Posted January 9, 2013 Author Share Posted January 9, 2013 Feb 9th either time can work for us. Any additional info on menu? Thanks for organizing. I'll work up a menu after I see there is enough interest to fill at least a large table. I have done this before with Chef Chang. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escoffier Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Hmm, last time I went, I took 25 people. Should be relatively easy to get that many for some real Chinese food. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 Hmm, last time I went, I took 25 people. Should be relatively easy to get that many for some real Chinese food. I would love to go, but only if I can catch a ride there and back. I don't want to rent a zipcar for something like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkstar965 Posted January 10, 2013 Share Posted January 10, 2013 I would love to go, but only if I can catch a ride there and back. I don't want to rent a zipcar for something like this. We're likely to go and would have room to take 1 or 2 more from DC depending on when the final date/time are. We might do an out and back if afternoon or stay a night otherwise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KoolPaw Posted January 14, 2013 Author Share Posted January 14, 2013 Since there is no apparent interest in Sunday, Feb 10, I am scratching it. From the little feedback I've gotten on this so far, it looks like late Saturday afternoon, Feb 9, will probably work best. That way, everyone will be able to get back home at a reasonable hour. Also, it will probably be easier to get good service and all the seating we want at that time. I plan to call the restaurant today or tomorrow to set this event up, so if you are seriously interested I hope to hear from you TODAY so I have a realistic estimate of how many we will be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkstar965 Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 We're two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ericandblueboy Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 I'll probably have +1. Our interest is in sampling a variety of Chang specialties and not have just 1 bite per dish. I would actually prefer to spend a bit more money. I'm okay with anywhere up to $80 pp (tax and tip included). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMatt Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Sadly, my Saturday got blown up today. I was really looking forward to this. I hope those who can go have a great meal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkstar965 Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 I'll probably have +1. Our interest is in sampling a variety of Chang specialties and not have just 1 bite per dish. I would actually prefer to spend a bit more money. I'm okay with anywhere up to $80 pp (tax and tip included). We'd share Eric's interest and fine with Eric's price ceiling also but guessing--obvious point--something a bit lower priced might appeal to more people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 We're two. We are two also, if we can catch a ride there and back with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lion Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 We (2) are also interested. However has the time and amount been more formalized? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noahcofc Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 I am very interested. Saturday works better for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 Sheldon (Koolpaw) is out of the country with limited computer availability, so he asked me to post this PDF menu that PC sent to him. Writes Sheldon: It is $228 per table of ten, plus tax, tip, and drinks. I have reserved for two tables of ten at 4 pm on Saturday, Feb 9. I will be back this Saturday. Peterchang_special.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ericandblueboy Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 I'm out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktmoomau Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 I am still trying to confirm with my brother whether he is available that weekend, I haven't heard back yet, so tentatively I would say give someone else our seats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 Lordy, if that "Bamboo Fish" is the same that he served at China Gourmet, it will be worth the trip by itself. I can't believe all that food for under $25 each. Can't wait! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 Just helping a bit, it looks like so far you have: Koolpaw +1 darkstar965 +1 Barbara +1 lion +1 noahcofc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkstar965 Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 I'm out. Boo. FWIW, I'd have liked to have met you offline. Of course, that's no reason to partake of something not of interest. Next time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilaine Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 I am definitely in, +1, and if there is room could bring two more. Let me know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escoffier Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Lordy, if that "Bamboo Fish" is the same that he served at China Gourmet, it will be worth the trip by itself. I can't believe all that food for under $25 each. Can't wait! When I went for the soft opening, he served the Fish in Bamboo (I assume that's what you meant). It was as good as the one he served at China Boy and the Charolttesville (short-lived) venture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori Gardner Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 When I went for the soft opening, he served the Fish in Bamboo (I assume that's what you meant). It was as good as the one he served at China Boy and the Charolttesville (short-lived) venture. Is he no longer affiliated with Peter Chang's China Grill in Charlottesville? Obviously it still bears his name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Is this event still on? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KoolPaw Posted February 4, 2013 Author Share Posted February 4, 2013 Yes, the event is still on. This special menu (see above) was put together personally by Peter Chang for our DR group. It looks really interesting and almost unbelievable at this price ($30 per person including tax and tip). I have two tables of ten reserved in my name, Sheldon Hofferman. I will have +3, so it looks like a total of 13 so far. Any others who want to go, please check in so I know what to tell the restaurant. And those who have previously checked in, please reconfirm so we have a firm number. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilaine Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 I am in +3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escoffier Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 Is he no longer affiliated with Peter Chang's China Grill in Charlottesville? Obviously it still bears his name. He may still be affiliated with China Grill but as far as I know, only as a consultant. I'm not sure that he's been back there since he opened the restaurant in way west-end Richmond. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarthaG Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 If there is still space, I (+1) would love to make this my first dr.com gathering after many years of mostly lurking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 I'm confirming for Dame Edna and myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KoolPaw Posted February 6, 2013 Author Share Posted February 6, 2013 We now have a total of 14 who have confirmed: Koolpaw +3 Darkstar965 +1 Barbara +1 MarthaG +1 Ilaine +3 lion and noahcofc, let me know if you are still interested. We have six seats left. If you have any questions, you can PM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lion Posted February 6, 2013 Share Posted February 6, 2013 We're still in for (2) and looking forward to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KoolPaw Posted February 8, 2013 Author Share Posted February 8, 2013 With lion, we have a total of 16. See you all tomorrow at 4:00 pm! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noahcofc Posted February 9, 2013 Share Posted February 9, 2013 ooh sorry for lateness. i cant go tomorrow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkstar965 Posted February 9, 2013 Share Posted February 9, 2013 I may have missed it upthread but, if anyone's looking like I just was, the restaurant's website is here and the address is: 11424 W Broad StGlen Allen, VA 23060 Allow 2 hours if driving. 95 South most of the way then 295 west as you approach Richmond from the north. About 8 or 9 miles to the restaurant, which is right next to I64. Directions from DC here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkstar965 Posted February 10, 2013 Share Posted February 10, 2013 As someone who hasn't been to a large number of dr events, today was a new experience in that I think I was the only one to have done two (with the possible exception of the capitol tour guide since she is also a member . Capitol Tour in the AM and made it to Richmond on time for this. If you ever do this, you may find common threads like I did. For example, we learned in the Capitol Tour that serpents are actually positive symbology (from the frescos) when not biblical. Later in Richmond, we celebrated the Year of the Snake! koolpaw--thank you. Wonderful food totally worth the drive and great meeting everyone here as well. I'll let others comment on whichever of the approximately 16 dishes (including apps) that came at us in delightful blizzard fashion to just note two that we especially enjoyed: - xlb! I have to say this was the best soup dumpling rendition I've had in the United States. The broth and pork filling was wonderful. I was especially looking forward to these and now eager to compare with Shanghai Taste and maybe Tai Shan once Night Owl fills us in on that. - sweet sour pork. that name doesn't do it justice. while very vaguely reminiscent of dishes of the same name from all over the country, this was crispier, more savory and way less cloyingly sweet. thanks to a Chinese speaker at our table, we learned from a waiter that this dish was Chef Chang's mother-in-law's dish and something he does every new year in her honor (in a good way ). When take-home containers came out at the end of the meal and we all chose 1 or 2 things to pack up, this was our choice. Thanks again to koolpaw for organizing us and to all for making this a lot of fun! Happy Year of the Snake to all! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lion Posted February 10, 2013 Share Posted February 10, 2013 Thank you Koolpaw for arranging the dinner at Peter Chang's. It was a very nice introduction to his food and the community of people at the Don Rockwell forum. Both my wife and I enjoyed the late afternoon dinner and meeting everyone. Thanks Darkstar965 for filling us in on the sweet sour pork story! We defintely enjoyed the bamboo fish, it had the perfect blend of spices and amount of salt. Happy New Year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilaine Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 We had a wonderful time eating at Peter Chang's for Chinese New Year. 4 p.m. was a good time for the party, they were not crowded at all, and the wait staff was very attentive. Sixteen people was a good number, we were able to put two big tables together and everybody could sit together. The food was, of course, spectacular. My favorites were the shrimp, the fish balls, and the fish in bamboo basket. Kudos to koolpaw for excellent organization and a good time. I talked about the dinner last week with someone I know who lives in Richmond, who told me that Peter Chang is opening up another restaurant in downtown Richmond. It's going in to a site that already had a Chinese restaurant, which means it won't take long to open once he gets the permits, as the kitchen won't have to be rebuilt for the gas lines, hoods, etc. My thought after visiting the restaurant in Short Pump is that surely they are adding a spot, rather than moving, as the existing restaurant had lines out the door when we left. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DameEdna Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 Was that Chairman Mao's Favorite Braised Pork with Bok Choy? So good! (And excellent choice for being in Eric Cantor's congressional district). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarthaG Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 I also want to echo everyone's thanks to koolpaw for coordinating this event. We had a wonderful time meeting everyone and enjoyed all of the dishes. Our particular favorites were the pork belly, soup dumplings, dry fried eggplant, pea shoots and the shrimp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilaine Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 Was that Chairman Mao's Favorite Braised Pork with Bok Choy? So good! (And excellent choice for being in Eric Cantor's congressional district). I do not think the pork belly was Chairman Mao/Hunan style. That is soft, unctuous, melting, not crispy. Peter Chang does a braised pork belly that is soft, but I do not believe that is Chairman Mao style, either. The only place I have ever had Chairman Mao style pork belly is at home, using Fuchsia Dunlop's recipe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheezepowder Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 I talked about the dinner last week with someone I know who lives in Richmond, who told me that Peter Chang is opening up another restaurant in downtown Richmond. It's going in to a site that already had a Chinese restaurant, which means it won't take long to open once he gets the permits, as the kitchen won't have to be rebuilt for the gas lines, hoods, etc. My thought after visiting the restaurant in Short Pump is that surely they are adding a spot, rather than moving, as the existing restaurant had lines out the door when we left. That reminds me that I saw this Washington Post article by Tim Carman about Peter Chang opening a new Downtown location as well as a new Williamsburg, VA location which opened last fall. The article says he still operates the Charlottesville location. His website also lists the Charlottesville location. (I'll cross post this to the Richmond and Williamsburg threads.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilaine Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 The article says that the new downtown restaurant will be in the Hilton Garden Inn, which is right in the middle of downtown Richmond, just a block or two from the Federal Courthouse on Broad Street, and a block or two from the Convention Center. Should do well. --- Edit: apparently the WashPost got the story wrong, but I can't find where it's going to be. My source, a Richmond lawyer, said his wife is Chinese and her parents have a restaurant so she knows about Chinese restaurants and was explaining why going into a kitchen already set up for a Chinese restaurant is helpful. So, that's all I know. I will keep looking, as I go to Richmond on business every month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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