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After a three-month renovation, Full Kee Restaurant (3793-145 Samet Drive, High Point; 841-1895) has reopened to a welcome makeover and expanded its space so that now it can accommodate 100 diners.

"Finally, it's the restaurant I wanted," says owner George Yu.

This sentiment from an accomplished chef who once ran 25 couriers out of his Washington Chinese restaurant to destinations all over Capitol Hill, including three television networks and the White House. That was before Sept. 11, 2001, and the resulting decline in business that prompted Yu and his wife to leave D.C.

More than a year ago, Yu settle quietly into a small space in a retail center just off Eastchester Drive in High Point.

With the renovations, Yu has transformed the modest space into a fine dining experience with new décor and a full bar.

"We have customers who have been here before who walk in and they think they are in the wrong place," says new restaurant manager Amber Montgomery.

The brightly lit takeout-like atmosphere of small square tables, paper plates and plastic cups has given way to a sophisticated ambience that includes wall art, warm lighting, carpet, round tables that can accomodate six to 10, full China table settings and white linens.

"We have sake and 12-year-old Scotch," Montgomery says.

An extensive wine list includes French Champagne.

"We have 100 menu items," she says. "We have a traditional Chinese menu for lunch and dinner. We have some curry items."

Full Kee's menu includes many items that are intended to be shared in traditional Chinese fashion. Large Lazy Susans on the table aid in the sharing.

"We have a regular lunch menu with a little French twist," Montgomery says, referring to Yu's sauces, which are served on the side for many entrees.

"The plum sauce is to die for," she says.

Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Coffee shop showcases art

Penny Wasmund , who recently took over a small coffee shop in Summerfield and renamed it iCoffee (1011-A N.C. 150 West, Summerfield), has completed some renovations and will hold a grand opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday .

As part of the event, iCoffee is holding an opening reception for an art show by The Women's Art League featuring works in a variety of media by seven women.

The theme of the show, appropriately, is coffee and tea, and it will be on view through May 17. For information, call 643-8233 or visit http://www.icoffeeco.net.

Wine's highs and lows

This could be fun.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (3342 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro) is inviting guests to test their palates — and preconceptions — of wines of varying expense with the High-Low Wine Dinner on Friday . The five-course dinner will pair each of three courses with two wines, one of which is approximately half the price of the other. The selections will be revealed at the end of each course. Cost for the dinner is $95. Call 294-7790 for reservations. Visit http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com for information.

By the way, if you stop by Fleming's between 5 and 8 p.m. today and have a glass of discount wine, part of the proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity. There also will be free hors d'ouevres.

Seder for seniors

Temple Emanuel's Friendship Circle, Beth David Vatikim and Jewish Family Services will host a Passover Seder luncheon for 150 Jewish seniors and nursing home residents.

The luncheon, made possible with a grant from the BJH Foundation for Seniors Services, is from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Temple Emanuel, 1129 Jefferson Road in Greensboro. For more information, contact the BJH Foundation at wcutler@bjhfoundation.org.

Chili cook-off

Grab the sour cream. You'll need plenty of it when the Piedmont Pepper Pod of North Carolina holds a chili cook-off from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Camp Carefree, 275 Carefree Lane in Stokesdale.

Judging begins at 1 p.m. for this event to benefit Camp Carefree. It also includes an auction, car show, live music and children's activities.

For more information, call 951-2705 or visit www. ncchili.com.

Spring menu

Lucky 32 (1421 Westover Terrace, Greensboro) welcomes spring with a seasonal menu that features Blackened Green Tomatoes over Toasted Cornbread and Ham, Grilled North Carolina Trout with Bacon and Leeks, Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Pasta, Five Hour Pot Roast, Spring Lamb Porterhouse Chops, Lattice-Crust Rhubarb Pie and even a Rhubarb Margarita!

For a complete menu, visit http://www.lucky32.com. Call 370-0707 for reservations.

New coffee shop

Port City Java (617-5363) has opened at 526-A S. Aycock St. at the intersection of Cobb Street in Greensboro.

The shop is in College Place Apartments, a mixed-use building across from the UNCG campus. This is Greensboro's second franchise. A West Market Street location opened in 2005.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

By the way, Port City Java is now offering breakfast items all day, including a Breakfast Wrap with egg, cheese, roasted red pepper and choice of meat and a Breakfast Sandwich on a choice of muffin or bagel.

Have restaurant news for Short Orders? Contact Carl Wilson at 373-7145 or carl.wilson@news-record.com.