Asian restaurant closes in West Chester Twp.

WEST CHESTER TWP. — A pan-Asian restaurant, Asiatique Bistro and Lounge on Centre Pointe Drive, has closed its doors after opening more than a year ago in July 2010.

The co-owner and executive chef, Peng Looi, said in an email to The Journal that the restaurant served its last dinner meal on Tuesday, , in the Union Centre Square area.

Looi said the struggling economy played a role in his decision to close.

“It has been a challenging year and the stress has affected my heath,” he said.

“Besides the economy, Asiatique was only a small handful of independents in a sea of chains serving mediocre food and the West Chester area seem attracted to the average fare. So many independents have failed to make it there. Guess it is the suburb mentality.”

The restaurant, 9228 Centre Pointe Drive, is based out of Louisville and has won awards for “Best Asian Restaurant.”

Looi is the founder of the two award winning restaurants in Louisville, Ky., August Moon Bistro and Asiatique, according to the Asiatique website. Opening the bistro in West Chester Twp., was the latest endeavor.

Looi said, if I do ever open another store, it would be in a location where the people appreciate independent restaurants, which offer unique and chef driven menu.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 483-5219 or denise.wilson@coxinc.com

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