One year, as part of his Lunar New Year party, Leland Eating and Drinking House owner Randi Lee decided to host a Mahjong night. Soon, he started getting requests to host another, then another. In it, he found a new way to reach his community.
Every month, the Prospect Heights eatery hosts an interactive Mahjong lesson. Led by Mahjong master Lenny An of Green Tile Social Club, each session begins with a brief history lesson before diving into how to play the game. As you work on your strategy and challenge your tablemates, you can dig into a special dim sum menu from chef Delfin Jaranilla. Past menus have included glossy buns filled with pork and duck, steaming baskets of shumai and bowls of chicken jook porridge. Guests are more than welcome to add on items from Leland's Vinyl Hour lunch menu or beverages, like their Vietnamese Mint Coffee or Thai Tea, for an added fee. The restaurant will host two classes this spring, one on March 26 and the other on April 23. Tickets are $50 and include the lesson plus a three-course offering of dim sum. Game on!