Julia Zhu

Midtown, Manhattan

Grandma’s Home was first opened in 1998 in Hangzhou, the capital of China’s Zhejiang province. 26 years later, we are lucky enough to have a Grandma’s Home in our self-proclaimed food capital - Madison Square Park. Serving traditional cuisine from “the land of fish and rice”, you can expect a full belly and a warm heart. Grandma’s Home is not only the name of the restaurant, but the feeling they are trying to convey through the food in every restaurant they open.

Full name, age, where are you from?

Julia Zhu, 30, Hangzhou.

What is your title and where do you work?  

US Managing Partner at Grandma’s Home.

What inspired you to work in the food industry?

 I was exposed to the food industry early on as a kid, as I grew up in a family in the restaurant industry with my father being a founder of Grandma’s Home in China. We paid a lot of attention to food in my family growing up and that helped transform it into my passion. The diverse food scene in NYC inspired me to want to bring Hangzhou cuisine here as it's something I grew up enjoying and missed it here!

What is your biggest customer pet peeve?

When people are not open to trying new culinary experiences and dishes that they are not used to eating. For instance, guests asking, “Why don't you have duck sauce?” at a Chinese restaurant… 

What is your most blissful food moment?

 My mom’s home cooking after I get off the long-haul flight home.

What dish do you want to perfect in the kitchen?
I don’t personally cook but we have a shaved ice machine at Grandma’s Home and I am excited to perfect that, especially with summer around the corner! 

If you could shout out a colleague or friend in the industry who would it be and why?

Chef Connie Chung from Milu because she’s been a great support while opening and she did our cocktail menu -which is very thoughtful and delicious! 

What is the best food city?

New York City!

How do you relax outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy making pottery.

What is your astrology sign (including moon and rising)?
I am a Cancer, Sagittarius moon, Gemini rising.