WWalk into Chef Chu’s and you are immediately drawn to the framed photographs that hang near the front desk. The owner, Lawrence Chu, with Margaret Thatcher. Chu with Benazir Bhutto. Chu with John F. Kennedy Jr. The list of dignitaries and celebrities that have passed through this Peninsula landmark goes on and on. But the wild success of his namesake hasn’t dulled Chu’s passion. Chu, 63, is in the restaurant everyday, dreaming up new dishes and shaking the hands of his guests—prime minister and ordinary Joe alike.

Once you weave through the crowded front-area (always make a reservation) and find your seat, the torturous task of choosing your dinner begins. With a menu packed both with exotic sounding delicacies and traditional Chinese favorites, this can be a real challenge. We decided on the pot stickers and some BBQ pork buns, and after just a few bites, our entire party was in agreement that they were the best we had ever tasted.

Choosing main course proved tough too, but we eventually settled on Grilled Beijing Beef and Cashew Chicken. The beef, marinated and wok-roasted with Beijing bean sauce and green onion, was especially delicious. For dessert, the delicious fried banana and ice cream sundae was an exclamation point on a perfect meal.

In addition to lunch, dinner and brisk take-out business, Chef Chu’s can host larger groups in its private banquet room. It also rents out the entire second floor for parties with 80 or more people. Still can’t get enough of Chef Chu’s award-winning cuisine? The restaurant runs a cooking class every Tuesday night from now until Nov. 7, where you too can learn to whip up Chinese and Vietnamese dishes from Chef Chu and other Bay Area food wizards. Classes are $40-50 per session and the limited spots fill up quickly.

Chef Chu’s

1067 N. San Antonio Rd., Los Altos, CA 94022

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Weekdays 11:30-9:30, Weekends 11:30-10