• by Teresa Buyikian , February 2, 2024

This year Firecracker Shrimp is returning to Panda Express with a bang in the form of a one-of-a kind culinary evening. In honor of the limited time-offer-dish, available Feb. 14, the chain is inviting guests to an elevated five-course meal, “designed to spark conversations and meaningful connections at the table over delicious food and great company,” according to the announcement.

At select locations in Los Angeles and New York, the chain will transform two of its restaurants into reservation-only dining destinations for several meals. Guests will be served a family style five-course prix fixe menu, which, in addition to the Firecracker Shrimp, will include takes on Panda’s signature items as well as American Chinese dishes that will only be available for these experiences.

In addition to the food, guests will enjoy sit-down service, live music by a professional violinist and “more surprises.” Panda partnered with Olivier Cheng Catering and Events, the team responsible for noted events like the annual Met Gala, to facilitate the experience.

The menu’s first course consists of an amuse-bouche (a single, bite-sized hors d'oeuvre) and welcome drink, followed by a bread service with Chinese donuts, burrata with honey, sesame seed, chili crisp and scallion, and a side of cilantro jalapeño relish. The third appetizer course is a 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, followed by the main course of Firecracker Shrimp, served with quinoa brown fried rice and an eggplant tofu side. Dessert caps off the meal, with a “Tea’ramisu” made with chiffon cake, milk tea and mascarpone whipped cream.

Reservations for the $38 per person meal can be made at www.PandaExpressReservations.com. Tickets are limited to approximately 200 seats total per city location on a first come, first served basis.

Panda Rewards members aren’t left out of the experience. All will have the opportunity to redeem one free small entree of Firecracker Shrimp with a purchase of a two-item plate from Feb. 19 through Mar. 3, or while supplies last.