Update — Lakeside Asia Cafe didn’t reopen on March 18 as previously advertised. In an updated announcement on its website, the restaurant now says it will open its doors again on April 1.
Earlier: By this time tomorrow (Tuesday), Lakeside Asia Cafe should be back up and running.
The longstanding Chinese restaurant announced earlier this month that it will reopen at South Lakes Village Center in Reston on March 18 following an extended closure that has had some residents wondering whether it’ll actually return.
“We wholeheartedly apologize for the delayed re-opening of our beloved restaurant,” the Lakeside Asia team said in a March 7 message on their website. “Your unwavering patience and understanding mean the world to us. The wait is almost over — we will reopen our doors on Tuesday, 3/18! Join us in an exuberant celebration of the glorious arrival of Spring, and mostly, the ecstatic joy of our grand re-opening!”
Located at 11130-J South Lakes Drive, Lakeside Asia Cafe had closed its doors in early February, shortly after dropping Mondays and Sundays from its operating hours. The temporary closure was prompted by “issues with the heating system,” according to a message posted to the restaurant door.
“We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding,” the message said.
While that initial message stated that the restaurant would reopen on Feb. 13, another handwritten note later appeared, stating that the reopening “may be delayed.” Customers were advised to check the website for a reopening date.
FFXnow was unable to reach Lakeside Asia Cafe’s owners directly for comment.
A longstanding staple of Reston’s dining scene, Lakeside Asia Cafe specializes in cuisine from China’s Sichuan province, courtesy of executive chef Chen Wei. According to the restaurant’s website, Wei worked at five-star hotels and taught at the Sichuan Culinary School before moving to the U.S.
Notable dishes include the mapo tofu, fish fillet with pickled mustard greens and other Sichuan favorites.
Next door at South Lakes Village Center, Meadows Frozen Custard hopes to open in the former Custom Ink space by May or June.
According to a retail site plan, the shopping center on Lake Thoreau currently has four vacancies. Both of its standalone, drive-thru bank buildings are available for leasing, as are a 3,000-square-foot space previously filled by Pet Valu and a 1,800-square-foot suite adjacent to Cafesano.
Hat tip to Adam Rubinstein
