Mussels with Black Bean Sauce
In one of the seven sumptuously appointed private dining rooms at Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, general manager Gary Chan is making elaborate plans for this year’s Father’s Day Luncheon Buffet.
A servers in crisp gold uniforms move efficiently through the tables in the spacious main dining area, Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant general manager Gary Chan has a Herculean task: He’s creating a menu of about 30 dishes, each more delectable than the last, for the hundreds of guests who will dine in splendor at the restaurant on Father’s Day.
“I don’t remember how many we served last year on Father’s Day, but on the Mother’s Day that just passed, we served close to a thousand people. It’s a fresh memory!” Chan says with a chuckle, as he puts the finishing touches on this year’s menu.
Roast Duck
Located at Ala Moana Center’s Hookipa Terrace, Jade Dynasty is an oasis of elegance that begins at its very entrance, where a pair of enormous brass horses guard its delicately carved portal. Lush with shades of crimson and deep burgundy, the main dining room is lit by restaurant-exclusive lambskin chandeliers. Crystals sparkle from the ceiling over the bar, which is made of made of translucent butterscotch-colored stone.
It’s certainly a setting fit for a Father’s Day feast. Celebrating fatherhood is a custom that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Although there is no official Father’s Day in China, some people celebrate their dads on the third Sunday in June, just as we do in the United States. And since Jade Dynasty hosted its first Father’s Day Buffet three years ago, the event has become a beloved annual tradition for families around the island.
Abalone/Pork Belly Jung
“The main attraction on our buffet is the USDA Choice Prime Rib,” says Chan. “We also have Salt & Pepper Shrimp, Stewed Beef Brisket with Curry, and at least a dozen dim sum items. And we’ll feature at least three different desserts, including Jin Dui (Mochi Ball).”
Among the dim sum items being planned for the buffet are Snow Mountain Char Siu Buns, Deep Fried Shrimp Dumplings, Fried Pot Stickers and Taro Buns. Fish and seafood entrees include Mussels with Black Bean Sauce and Sweet and Sour Fish Filet. No Father’s Day feast at Jade Dynasty would be complete without Dad’s favorite platters of Roast Duck, BBQ Pork with Honey Glaze (generally known as char siu), Garlic Pork Chops, and Fried Chicken with Golden Garlic. In addition to steamed white rice, Yeung Chow Style Fried Rice and Singapore Style Vermicelli Noodle will be offered, perfect for sauce and flavor absorption.
Prime Rib
Tea and water will be available free of charge, and libations like beer and prosecco will be offered at a special price, according to Chan. Three seatings are available for the buffet: 9:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. The regular price is $32.95; for seniors 65 and over, $28.95; and for children ages 4-9, $18.95.
Snow Mountain Char Siu Buns and Jin Dui (Mochi Balls)
*items part of Father’s Day
Jung at Jade
On the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, people around the world celebrate China’s Dragon Boat Festival with rice dumplings known as Jung. ˛ e dumplings’ tradition can be traced to 278 B.C., when beloved poet Qu Yuan tried to warn his countrymen against an invading neighbor state. After the enemy took his city, his grief was so intense that he drowned himself. Packets of rice were thrown into the river to prevent fish from eating his remains.
Celebrate Dragon Boat Festival at Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant with a taste of tradition! The establishment’s version of Jung, the classic pyramid-shaped dumpling, is made with mochi rice, abalone, pork belly, salted duck egg and green beans — all lovingly wrapped in bamboo leaves. Available through June 14, each Jung weighs a pound and costs $8.95. Call 947-8818 to place advance orders for pickup or dining in.
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