EMei
5-Course Revisiting Szechuan Roots Tasting Event
Any restaurant that opens in 2011 and survives the pandemic can legitimately be called an institution, which is exactly how you would define Chinatown’s EMei. Craig Laban, Philadelphia Inquirer’s beloved restaurant critic, named it “Philly’s Best Szechuan Restaurant” while Philadelphia Magazine gave it a spot on its 2023 list of “50 Best Restaurants” in the city. Chef YongCheng Zhao has dedicated almost four decades to mastering Szechuan cuisine, incorporating heat-packed chili oils, aromatic peppercorns, and expertly seasoned cuts of fish, meat, and produce into a wide range of dishes. Throughout his career, he has earned the prestigious title of "National Master Chef" in China and even had his works featured in culinary textbooks in Szechuan Province. All the classics are here, along with many other dishes awaiting the discovery of diners, from fish filet in sour cabbage pot to beef tendon in spicy sauce to steamed sliced pork belly with sour pickle. “If someone asks us where they should go for the best, spiciest Szechuan food in the city, we always tell them EMei,” says Infatuation. It’s food at its most exciting, and we are primed to experience it!
About the Host:
YongCheng Zhao
Executive Chef
Named one of Philadelphia's great chefs by Philly Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan, Chef Yongcheng Zhao hails from China and began his culinary career at just 16. Before moving to the US in 1999, he earned the prestigious title of "National Master Chef" in China, authored several cookbooks, and served as executive chef at JinLongYu Restaurant in Chengdu. He then cooked in the kitchens of Szechuan House in NJ before joining the EMei team.
The Lineup
Courses #1 - #4 will be served family style. Course #5 will be individually plated.
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EMei Trio
vegetable salad | smoked beef shank slices | shrimp, bamboo shoots
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Crispy Sweet & Sour Sea Bass
pine nut, green bean
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House Special Beef
new york strip, mushroom, black pepper sauce
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Seared Sichuan Lamb Chops
asparagus
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Eight Treasure Rice Pudding
dried fruit, nuts
EMei
915 Arch St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Event FAQs
- Do I have to bring printed tickets to the event?
- No tickets are needed.
- What does the ticket price cover?
- The ticket price covers the full cost of the meal.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event the chef will provide substitutions for critical food allergies/dietary restrictions but will not make menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). If you have restrictions/allergies, please make sure to Update Your Dietary Restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at [email protected] after you purchase tickets to let us know.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- Can I bring guests/non-members to this event?
- Yep! For this event, guest tickets are $85 + tax & tip, and you can bring up to 3 guests. Please note, guests are not allowed to attend unaccompanied by a member.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to [email protected].
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email [email protected] with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What parking information has the restaurant provided for this event?
- According to the restaurant, there is a nearby parking garage and/or lot, as well as street parking available. Parking is not validated.
