CURRENTLY SERVING:

This Spring Chef Poon is offering a 10-course seafood banquet to celebrate the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival. Yes, the festival is in October — but the banquet runs through June. We’re as confused as you, but as our editor just said, “DON’T QUESTION THE POON.” I think this is very good advice indeed. Why do we celebrate the Dragon?

“The Dragon Boat Festival honors Qu Yuan (pictured), who served in the court of Emperor Huai, until he fell out of favor and was exiled. Later, when news of the defeat of his mother country reached him, he flung himself into the Miluo River. The Chinese people searched for his body and threw food into the water to feed the fish, shrimp and lobster, so they wouldn’t eat the body. Chef Poon’s banquet highlights the fish, shrimp and lobster that feasted when Qu Yuan jumped.”

Check out the full menu and info on where to go after the jump.

“Peking Duck Sushi Dragon Roll with Avocado, Jicama, Spring Onion and
Wok Toasted Black & White Sesame Seeds

Lobster Mango Samosa in French Phyllo with Thai & Hoisin Merlot Dip

Jumbo Soft Shell Crab on a Skewer with Lotus Root and Japanese Eggplant in
Fresh Ginger Garlic Szechwan Essence

Wasabi Shu Mai with Red Caper in Bourbon Honey Glaze

Lobster Foie Gras (Tomalley) with Lobster Coral Atop Indian Roti with Fresh Thyme & Brandy

Asian Italian Cioppino on Linguini with
Fresh Lemongrass Pinot Grigio Black Bean Roasted Garlic Essence
(Includes Fresh Whole Lobster, Jumbo Shrimp, New Zealand Green Mussels, Canadian Little Necks, Calamari, Crawfish, Salmon Medallion and Escargot)

General Joe’s Surf & Turf: Chicken & King Salmon Medallion in Tangy Chili, Fresh Ginger Sauce

Triple Tender Greens (Green Beans, Asparagus and Baby Bok Choy) with Crispy Vegetables Spring Roll in Shiraz Brown Soy Essence

Spicy Indonesian Fried Rice with BBQ Pork and Pineapple

Ginger Carrot Cake with Pineapple Mango Coulis, Fresh Fruit & Chocolate Culinary Creation

Includes a glass of white wine to toast the Dragon Boat Festival

The family-style banquet is designed for groups of 6 or more from April 1 through June 30. Seatings are available at 5:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights. Cost is $36.50 per person plus tax and tip. Cash/check only. A Wok ‘N Walk Tour of Philadelphia Chinatown focusing on the Dragon Boat Festival can be added prior to the 5:30 p.m. seating for an additional $20. By reservation only. For reservations, call 215-928-9333.”