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Jade’s the life of the party

Ali Carte Columns

May 11, 2014

Story By: Ali Resich | Photos by: Nathalie Walker

Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant offers a culinary experience unparalleled by other Chinese dining establishments. In addition to a selection of Cantonese fare, the eatery showcases a wide range of regional specialties — from Szechwan flavors to Hong Kong favorites — as well as its own unique recipes.

The spacious interior is complete with an elegant décor scheme, as fun pops of red and magenta accent the main dining space and private rooms, while custom-made chandeliers beautifully dangle from the ceiling. Jade’s inviting atmosphere, friendly service and convenient Ala Moana Center locale make it an ideal spot to host any special occasion throughout the year.

Joining in the celebration of moms everywhere, the restaurant serves its annual Mother’s Day lunch buffet and dinner menu today. Guests who are still looking for a lovely place to take Mom this evening are encouraged to make a reservation for the Mother’s Day Special Dinner ($348 for a table of 10), which features such popular items as Crispy Garlic Chicken (a la carte for $17.95).

According to Sylvia Ho, one of Jade Dynasty’s owners, the dish is also known as “wind and sand” chicken, because it delights diners with tiny morsels of roasted garlic that whimsically resemble sand on top of the poultry. The meat is wonderfully moist and boasts a flavorful honey glaze that contrasts perfectly with the savory garlic.

As graduation season approaches, Jade Dynasty also is geared up to partake in the festivities. The restaurant can accommodate up to 350 people, making it perfect for graduation parties. And with a 32-foot stage and surround sound system, the eatery works with customers to provide the entertainment needs they desire.

“Especially for graduation or birthdays, sometimes they like to show the slide shows. We have a drop screen, audio, video, the whole thing,” says Ho.

Caps are flying off for the Graduation Party Menu ($238 for a table of 10) as well, which presents a number of tasty delicacies including Signature Roasted Crispy Beef Tenderloin (a la carte $18.95, $2 extra for four buns). The succulent meat is braised and quickly deep-fried for an incredibly tender interior and fabulously crisp exterior. One of Jade Dynasty’s secret sauces takes the dish to the next level with fiery notes of chili pepper, sesame and shoyu.

In addition to hosting delectable events, the restaurant is constantly reinventing its a la carte menu with new items. “Our chef is very creative and very versatile, so he is able to do a lot of the different (styles of cooking),” adds Ho.

Singing Rice Seafood Soup ($14.95) is an authentic Shang Hai specialty and the latest dish to find a spot on the menu. It presents shrimp, clams, squid and scallops in a healthy fish-based broth seasoned with green onion and parsley. Puffy, crispy rice cakes are the best part of the dish because they seem to serenade diners with audible crackles and pops as soon as they’re dropped into the hot broth. The cakes also add a delectable toasted rice flavor to the soup.

For the best in event offerings and mesmerizing Chinese fare, leave it to Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant.

Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant

Ala Moana Center, Fourth floor
1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 4220
947-8818
10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Ala Moana Center, Honolulu, HI 96814

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