Jade Dynasty Gets The Party Started

Gary Chan with Peking Duck from the Lotus party menu

As patrons cross the threshold into Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, a statuesque jade disc greets them at the entrance-way, standing rich with Chinese symbolism as an emblem of peace and balance. The beautifully polished stone sets the tone for the entire dining experience, representing the harmony enjoyed by friends and family who gather year-round to celebrate joyous occasions at the eatery.

Seeing as jade also is a symbol of power, the meaning behind the stone extends to the restaurant’s menu as well, which reigns over Hawaii’s Chinese dining scene with its Hong Kong-style fare. Customers are quick to become loyal subjects of the Ala Moana Center eatery for its combination of authentic and innovative recipes, which are inspired by the chefs’ and management team’s regular visits to China.

Steamed Oyster with Meat Sauce
(part of Narcissus party menu)

In addition to enjoying a dim sum lunch or casual dinner filled with favorites like Mochi Rice with Chinese sausage ($14.95), customers turn to Jade Dynasty when looking for the ideal place to hold a special event — be it a birthday party, wedding, graduation celebration or holiday shindig.

When asked what makes the restaurant so attractive as an events venue, general manager Gary Chan responds, “Our prices are reasonable compared to other restaurants, and we try to do a little extra. For example, we can help with the set up.”

Steamed Island Whole Fish with green onions and soy sauce (part of Narcissus party menu)

Jade Dynasty knows a thing or two about throwing a party, seeing as it is booked nearly every weekend for organizations, businesses or family groups, in addition to hosting KSSK’s morning radio show and breakfast event on a regular basis.

The restaurant’s elegant decor scheme and spacious interior create the right ambiance for special occasions, but what really is the life of the party is an array of customizable menus patrons can choose from when planning small and large-scale gatherings. Six party menus are available for groups of 10 or more. Available for both lunch and dinner, they range in price from $258 to $498 (per table of 10). Each party menu is named after a flower and blossoms with nine dishes to share among guests — complete with a varied range of meat and seafood in each menu as well as dessert of the day.

Braised Black Mushroom and Shanghai Pak Choy (part of Hydrangea party menu)

“If customers don’t like some of the items, we can change them to something else,” notes Chan.

The Lotus ($378) menu is popular because it features a host of classics: Peking Duck (with the duck meat conveniently served on the side), Tea Smoked Shrimp and Braised Pork Ribs with the chef’s special sauce. Seafood lovers, however, will be interested in the Narcissus ($450) menu, which makes a splash with Steamed Oyster with Meat Sauce and Steamed Island Whole Fish with green onions and soy sauce, among other family-style entrees.

Fried Rice in Lotus Wrap (part of Hydrangea party menu)

According to Chan, the Peach ($498) menu is a winner for birthdays because it comes with E-mein noodles, a symbol for long life, seasoned with crab meat and wild mushrooms. Another fantastic option is the Hydrangea ($348) menu, featuring vegetarian-friendly Braised Black Mushroom and Shanghai Pak Choy, Fried Rice in Lotus Wrap and the main stunners: two sauteed Dungeness crabs with wild ginger and green onion.

Jade Dynasty also is equipped with all the necessities to take your event from fun to absolutely un-forgettable. The restaurant offers free audio-video, karaoke, a projection system and TV screen, and access to a 32-foot stage with no extra charge. The eatery has hosted live bands in the past and can even showcase live performances on its TV screen. Additionally, the plethora of private rooms — or the use of the whole restaurant — can be configured to accommodate up to 320 people.

Mochi Rice with Chinese Sausage ($14.95 a la carte; also available for parties)

With the holiday season fast approaching, Chan reminds patrons that it’s not too early to start making reservations. Jade Dynasty will offer a turkey set meal for Thanksgiving, a brunch buffet for Christmas and a Chinese New Year celebration with lion dancing. Guests are encouraged to call as soon as possible before bookings fill up.

• The restaurant gets steamy with fresh baskets of dim sum served daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Dim sum is so popular that during lunch on the weekend, Jade Dynasty easily serves up 1,000 covers.
• 7 private rooms are at your service.
• Jade Dynasty hosts up to 320 guests.
• The eatery took the dining throne in December 2010.
• Horse statues flank the outside of the restaurant as a symbol of success.

Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant

Ala Moana Center, Hookipa Terrace
1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu
947-8818
Daily, 10:30 A.M.-10 P.M.