Famed chef Peter Chang comes to Richmond, Zorba’s gets new life, and there’s beer for breakfast

A well-known Chinese and Sichuan chef plans to open not one, but _several_ spots around town, a local restaurateur gives kebab and falafel a new Carytown home, and a breakfast stout will flow like water…for one day only.

January 5, 2012; 10:13 AM • by RVANews staff

According to West of the Boulevard News, Abraham, previously from Aladdin’s and the Mediterranean Market, has opened his own restaurant in Carytown. Döner Kebab is located at 3459 West Cary Street near Kroger and brings with it some very highly regarded Middle Eastern food. The prices are more than reasonable ($2 to $6) and from what we have heard the falafel is definitely worth a trip.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that Greek/Italian restaurant Zorba’s is back! This time last year, the restaurant suffered a fire that gutted the entire restaurant and left everyone jobless. Mehmet Akpinar and his wife, Isabel, had owned Zorba’s since 1988. They were determined to open before the new year, and they did just that on New Year’s Eve. The place is already so packed they’ve had to turn diners away because the kitchen couldn’t handle the rush.

According to Richmond.com, Peter Chang will bring his delicious Chinese/Sichuan cuisine and restaurant knowledge to Richmond. Finally! Peter Chang is known for opening Chinese restaurants with mouth watering food and then heading out of town to do it again in another city. Richmond is now on the map with Peter Chang’s China Cafe set to open in Short Pump at the end of February–taking over the former Rainbow Buffet space. Don’t worry Fan rats and Downtowners, it’s also rumored that he has plans to open a restaurant in either the Fan or Shockoe Bottom, as well as a food cart. Get ready!

Secco Wine Bar is switching it up a little bit and offering beer…for breakfast. What a great idea! On Sunday, January 15th they will offer a special beer breakfast to honor the arrival of a keg of Founders Breakfast Stout. This is not a ticketed event and diners will be seated on a first come first serve basis. They will also have Bell’s Expedition available for when the Founder’s keg kicks. Breakfast items will be available–you know heavy drinking in the morning and all. These guys think of everything! Check here for more details.

Speaking of beer, RVANews will be hosting its 4th Annual Beer Dinner on January 22nd this time at The Roosevelt. Chef Lee Gregory has planned a four course dinner with a beer specifically paired for each dish on the menu. Tickets are only $45, which is a pretty fantastic deal for four courses AND beer pairings. You can drool over the menu and purchase tickets here.

stock photo by Bernt Rostad