Re-Cap: Ringing in the Year of the Rabbit at No. 7!!!

Sasha, Me, Meg and Rachel

My fingers were dialing before I finished reading all about the Chinese New Year celebration bringing Chef Eddie Huang out to Brooklyn to guest chef at Tyler Kord’s No. 7 restaurant in Fort Greene. Two grand masters in new Manhattan cuisine, I feel bad for those who haven’t had the chance to try one of Eddie’s delectable baos or  been to NO. 7 to check out Tyler’s fresh and inventive food. I was only hoping my excitement at the prospect of this unforgettable night would also resonate with my friends Meg, Rachel and Sasha.  Never one to shy away from a good food event, Rachel was in almost immediately and soon after Meg and Sash followed.

*Individual place cards with a piece of gelt inside*

As we walked in last night, the place was packed with 8pm diners (there were three seatings) and the last remaining early slots. After a quick turn-around we were sat right next to the kitchen in one of No 7 ‘s four person high tops. As we sat down my girlfriends all looked at me wondering what was really going on here, what they were going to be eating, and how much this baby cost. I love these girls, they signed up not knowing what was going down!

The concept was simple….usher in the year of the rabbit with three family style courses for $65 including beer and wine (with tax and tip it came to $85 per person). As we started laughing and catching up we were served a choice of red wine, white wine or a beer simply called “Taiwan Beer.” Throughout the entire night our glasses were rarely empty as the waiters were quick to fill us up every chance they could. The atmosphere was jovial and fun, with the soundtrack blasting old school favorites and today’s pop hits (kudos to Eddie for blasting Joe’s “Stutter” midway through the night). The only negative to the entire night was the obscene and annoying cackling coming from one of our table neighbors (it may win the worst laugh ever award).

Drinking and laughing, the dishes soon came out in no particular order. After the first course I was scared I was going to be left hungry (very small portions for four of us) but any fears were quickly quashed as the second course emerged making us bow in submission. I knew Eddie and Tyler were good but was amazed at how every dish showcased different styles and rich flavors. Everything on the menu was, in the words of Eddie Huang, dericious. The stand-outs were by far the braised pork shoulder (the sauce was amazing), the broccoli dumplings, house pickles, eight treasure rice, fried taro balls, and the mantou bread pudding with lychee (despite celiac, Meg literally scarfed this down).

Check out photos of the dishes below. While they certainly don’t do the dishes justice, they offer a little insight into our fabulous evening of gluttony celebrating the Chinese New Year.

First Course:

Broccoli Dumplings

Dericious Cold Noodles

Pickles

Second Course:

Shanghai Duck with Eight Treasure Glutinous Rice

Red Cooked Bone-In Pork Shoulder

Chinese Butter Greens

Whole Steamed Dorade

Pi Dan Tofu

Fried Taro Balls

Third Course:

Mantou Bread Pudding with Longan Soy Caramel

Round-Eye Apple Pie

The entire evening was an absolute blast, both Eddie, Tyler and the entire No 7 crew put on a fantastic celebration.  I haven’t had this much fun eating in a long time and the price was worth every single penny. Thanks to my lovely girlfriends for having faith that this would be a good night and good meal. I left feeling great and optimistic about the year of the rabbit, having never celebrated the Chinese New Year before, I hope Eddie makes this a yearly event. If so, I will once again be clamoring for the phone to make a reservation. Bravo Eddie and Tyler, I hope the rabbit is very good to you.

Eddie Huang: Baohaus/ 137 Rivington Street on the Lower East Side

Tyler Kord: No 7 Restaurant/ 7 Greene Avenue in Fort Greene