Last Wednesday, Tribeca restaurant Upon The Palace hosted an intimate and elegant gathering in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The exclusive dinner welcomed a curated guest list of press, influencers, and tastemakers who came together to share a vibrant evening of cocktails, conversation, and culinary delights. The restaurant’s classy yet cozy interior set the perfect tone for the night. Soft lighting, warm tones, and ornate touches created a welcoming atmosphere – especially those comfy chairs. A live jazz band also played throughout the evening, adding to the laid-back sophistication and enhancing the festive ambiance.
The Courses
The ten-course meal paid homage to signature regional Chinese dishes, thoughtfully curated and prepared with seasonal ingredients. The feast began with a variety of flavorful appetizers. These included marinated cucumbers with a hint of chili and garlic, crispy coconut shrimp, and steaming soup dumplings.
For the main courses, guests were treated to an array of expertly crafted dishes: savory lamb chops, sweet and sour fish that balanced tangy and savory notes, perfectly cooked seabass, and deliciously flaky braised beef sandwiches.
Rounding out the meal was an abundant selection of shared sides. These included spicy green beans, shrimp fried rice, and crispy seafood pan-fried noodles, offering a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor.
The Drinks
In addition to the food, guests enjoyed a curated menu of Asian influenced cocktails, each complementing the meal’s flavors. Highlights included the refreshing Jade Dragon with hints of cucumber and mint and the Flight to Shanghai, a bold and aromatic espresso-based cocktail. This author’s personal favorite was the fruity and sweet Lychee Peachy-Tini.
The evening concluded with a beautifully presented smorgasbord of limited edition mooncakes. These included a variety of unique fillings such as lotus seed, red bean, matcha custard, and black sesame. Guests were invited to sample and savor each one. A sweet and symbolic way to end the NYC evening.
