Operations

Panda Express to hold elevated dining experience in LA, NYC

Photo: jetcityimage - stock.adobe.com

February 7, 2024

For four nights only at participating locations in Los Angeles (Feb. 13-14) and New York City (Feb. 16-17), Panda Express will transform two of its restaurants into elevated dining destinations for the evening. Guests lucky enough to attend will enjoy a five-course prix fixe menu (for $38.00 per person) curated by Panda's Culinary Innovation Team.

"At Panda, we understand that sharing a meal has the distinct ability to spark connections and create special memories," Fabiola Del Rio, VP of integrated marketing communications at Panda Express, said in the release. "Through this pop-up dining event, we're thrilled to offer our guests an exclusive shared experience that will be sure to fire up connections over good food and good fun."

The brand partnered with Olivier Cheng Catering and Events to flip the script on what a traditional night at Panda Express looks like.

Served family-style, the menu will include elevated takes on Panda's signature items and will also feature American Chinese dishes created exclusively for these experiences:

• Special Amuse Bouche and a Welcome Drink inspired by Panda Crafted Beverages
• Bread Service: Chinese donut, burrata with honey, sesame seed, chili crisp and scallion and a side of cilantro jalapeno relish
• Appetizer: Mongolian beef sandwich made with shaved rib eye, topped with a cheese sauce and onions served with a side of lotus root and yam chips
• Main Course: Firecracker Shrimp, served with Panda's regional specialties quinoa brown fried rice and an eggplant tofu side
• Dessert: 'Tea'ramisu made with chiffon cake, milk tea, mascarpone whipped cream

"It's an honor to partner with Panda on creating these completely customized culinary events," Olivier Cheng, founder of Olivier Cheng Catering and Events, said in the release. "By combining Panda's American Chinese culinary expertise with our world-class hospitality service, no detail was spared in the planning process to execute on this vision and deliver a truly exceptional fine-dining experience for our guests. We can't wait for them to be whisked away into the world of a 5-star restaurant for the night!"

The events will take place at the Panda Express at 2011 Westwood Boulevard in Los Angeles and at 825 3rd Avenue in New York. There will be two seatings: one at 6 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. at each restaurant.

Reservations can be found at www.PandaExpressReservations.com.