Chopsticks Opens On Main
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Chopsticks Chinese Restaurant owner Fay Zhong has decades of experience as a cook, starting in his father’s restaurant in China when he was in middle school.
WATER VALLEY – Fay Zhong’s Chopsticks Chinese Restaurant opened on Main Street in Water Valley on Monday. Eager customers led to a busy Valentine’s Day opening as anticipation had been building for weeks for the new eatery.
Zhong reported he has been preparing for almost nine months for the opening, investing thousands of dollars in a new commercial kitchen and walk-in cooler in his restaurant located at 502 N. Main.
Zhong brings decades of experience as a cook, dating back to his middle school years in China at his father’s restaurant. He explained that his father opened a restaurant in 1984, when Zhong was only five years old. He also recalled that his father’s restaurant had no menu.
“The customers tell you what they want and you cook it,” Zhong explained.
He moved to the United States in 2005, when he was 26 years old, and has worked as a cook in the years following. He worked the last 13 years in the kitchen at the Grand Palace in Grenada.
Zhong and his wife, Angela Lu, live in Grenada with their two children. Angela Lu will help in the kitchen when she is not at home with their six year old. The family plans to move to Water Valley when their 16 year old graduates from high school.
Zhong’s parents came to America after him, but only stayed for nine months before returning. The family communicate using video calls, so that they can see their grandchildren. Even though he does not see his extended family.
Zhong said he has never regretted his decision to move to the United States.
“I like it here, and I am excited to open a restaurant with my family,” said Zhong.
Chopsticks serves Cantonese-style food, including fried rice, chow mein, lo mein, chop suey, egg foo young and other favorite dishes.
The menu also features other favorites including multiple soups – egg drop soup, wonton soup and hot and sour soup; appetizers ranging from eggs rolls to sweet biscuits; and chicken, beef, pork and shrimp dishes.
Chopsticks is open Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.
