Judy’s Sichuan Cuisine Renovation | GARC

Virginia Beach / United States / 2015

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Judy’s Sichuan already enjoyed a reputation as “Best Chinese Restaurant” in Virginia, as rated by Yahoo Food 2015. But this wasn’t enough for the owner. She also wanted to challenge the stereotypical views of Chinese restaurant décor – dragon motif, red color, gaudy ornaments – to introduce a sophisticated and original dining destination for those seeking a “Taste of Sichuan.”
 
In a recent renovation, GARC exploit the restaurant’s role as a cultural agent by offering opportunities for learning through themed design elements such as colors, murals and graphics. The effect succeeds at enriching diners’ experience with Chinese cuisine and culture.
 
Judy’s encourages family dining. The main dining room reinterprets a “courtyard” concept, with smaller spaces set off by partially open wood screens. Whimsical wall murals tell the story of everyday cooking: steaming buns, feasting, stewing noodles, stir-frying, drinking tea and making dumplings. Cast-iron pendant lights in the main dining space are detailed with Chinese characters representing seven tastes: sourness (suan), sweetness (tian), bitterness (ku), spiciness (la), umami (xiang), saltiness (xian), and numbness (ma). (Ma refers to the taste of Zanthoxylum, or Sichuan pepper, which make the tongue feel a little numb.) Diners see only two or three of these characters at once, depending on where they are seated. It is an opportunity for discovery and conversation.
 
The elegant bar area, which greets guests upon entry, features displays of spice ingredients in glass jars and cookware icons. The private dining area is defined by a mural of three groups of white chrysanthemum flowers upon a blue wall. Even hallways and the waitress station have murals that act as graphic illusions.        
 
GARC maximized a challenging budget to execute a delightful dining experience for Judy’s devoted fans and new customers who want to discover the “Taste of Sichuan.”
 
 
Project info:
 
Project: Judy’s Sichuan Cuisine Renovation
Architect: GARC
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Time: 2015
Client: Private
Status: Completed
Contractor: Spacemakers, Inc.

For more info: www.garcollab.com

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    Judy’s Sichuan already enjoyed a reputation as “Best Chinese Restaurant” in Virginia, as rated by Yahoo Food 2015. But this wasn’t enough for the owner. She also wanted to challenge the stereotypical views of Chinese restaurant décor – dragon motif, red color, gaudy ornaments – to introduce a sophisticated and original dining destination for those seeking a “Taste of Sichuan.” In a recent renovation, GARC exploit the restaurant’s...

    Project details
    • Year 2015
    • Work started in 2015
    • Work finished in 2015
    • Status Completed works
    • Type Restaurants
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