An Asian American Food Gala Worth Dressing Up For

Plate by Plate New York is known as the AAPI community's first and largest tasting benefit, and the dress code sets the tone: formal or cocktail attire. On Saturday, November 7, Project by Project brings Asian American food and drink businesses, their supporters and a ticketed crowd together at Lavan Midtown in Hell's Kitchen for one evening. Proceeds go to Mekong NYC, which serves Southeast Asian communities in the Bronx and across the city, under this year's theme, Communities in Action.

There is no seated dinner to pin you to one table. Guests move between 40+ culinary and beverage partners, from Kim's Kimbap, Fuzhou Sisters and Burmese Bites to Kato Sake Works, so conversations start at one tasting table and carry over to the next. Guest voting for the best food and drink gives everyone something to compare notes on, while live entertainment, a silent auction and MC Catherine Liang keep the room together. It works as well for a group of friends as it does for coming solo.

Lavan Midtown is at 641 W 42nd St, toward the Hudson River end of 42nd Street. It is roughly a 15-minute walk from Port Authority (A, C, E) and longer from Times Sq-42 St; the M42 crosstown bus stops nearby, and a car to the door is easiest in evening shoes. Tickets are listed at $200–$250, non-refundable but transferable, and either a printed or digital ticket works at the door. There is no in-and-out re-entry, so have your pre-gala drink before you arrive.