Press Releases

CARMEL, CALIF. - July 27, 2006 - After a one-and-a-half-year absence, the beloved Golden Buddha restaurant returns Friday, July 28, to the Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel, California. Owners Sam and Rosemary Voong will once again be serving up their authentic Hunan/Szechuan cuisine, featuring chili pepper- and garlic-infused sauces and the freshest ingredients to be found.

The Voongs bought the restaurant from Rosemary's parents in 1993 and continued to operate the family restaurant for the next 11 years, with Sam as head chef. "My husband and I are excited about coming back to familiar places and reviving old traditions," said Rosemary. "We look forward to reconnecting with everyone who became part of our extended family."

The Golden Buddha's original, 20-year-old menu has been shortened in length but still contains many customer favorites, such as General Tso's chicken, hand-rolled potstickers, crab rangoons, Kung Pao chicken, and chow fun. Chef Sam will also bring back salt baked shrimp and, when in season, prepare the restaurant's celebrated Hunan fish, a beautifully decorated whole fish.

Customers will also notice added menu items, as well as some new twists on old recipes. The Szechuan scallops, formerly deep-fried then stir-fried in garlic sauce, will now be pan seared and tossed with fresh vegetables. For health-conscious customers, Sam will eliminate canned vegetables traditionally seen in Chinese dishes-such as water chestnuts and bamboo shoots-and substitute fresh vegetables such as jßcama. Vegetarian dishes will also grace the menu, and include Sam's unique and tasty variations on tofu.

The Golden Buddha will be open for lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and dinner 4:30-9:30 p.m. on weekdays, 12:00-9:30 p.m. Saturday, and 3:00-9:30 p.m. Sunday. The restaurant will be closed Tuesdays, and carry out service is available.

The Golden Buddha is located at 3678 The Barnyard in the Santa Rosa Barn. For more information please call the restaurant at (831) 626-7288.

The Barnyard Shopping Village, built in Carmel in 1976, is a landmark on the Monterey Peninsula, featuring 50 merchants ranging from boutique shops and restaurants to office spaces, salons, and art galleries. Owned by SIMA Barnyard, LLC, and managed by SIMA Corporation, the Barnyard hosts many open-air events in its courtyards and is a popular meeting place for the community. For more information about the Barnyard Shopping Village, please visit www.thebarnyard.com or call (831) 624-8886.