SEE YOU AT THESE POP UPS

While our last day of “regular restaurant service” was on 4/27/2024, we are still around and cooking up a storm for you! We are looking at a limited run of pop ups at Lion Dance Cafe while we still have the space, as well as a few off-site events and exciting collabs.

As we are currently seeking a buyer (is it you? email us!), we cannot answer any questions about whether or not there will be more events at later dates -just keep checking back, if it’s happening it’ll be posted here!

Regarding events that require a reservation, please carefully read all the details before you book.

PRIVATE EVENTS: Interested in having us host and cook for your small gathering (up to 30 pax) in our space? Email us here at least a couple weeks ahead of time. We will respond as soon as possible.

PAST EVENTS

weeklong tacos oscar TAKEOVER!!!

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 28 to MONDAY DECEMBER 2nd from 5 to 9pm DAILY at TACOS OSCAR, 420 40th St, Oakland CA 94609

In 2020 during lockdown, Tacos Oscar kindly invited us to pop up in their kitchen. Four years later, we’re back!

No reservations, simply come up and order at their street-facing window (the way they normally operate). Food will be packaged to go, with all of Tacos Oscar’s onsite seating (100% outdoor) available on a first come first served basis. Please be considerate of others and only take a seat after ordering.

Even more fun planned for you with ALL these special collabs:

• BEER! A limited release of our “Lion Dance Ale” collab with Calicraft Brewing, while the keg lasts. 50% of each pour will benefit Sogorea Te’ Land Trust.

• ICE CREAM! On Saturday and Sunday, De La Creamery will be popping up with (for the 1st time!) a 100% vegan menu of small batch ice creams! Get our pandan butter nian gao and bring it to her to get it sundae’d, or order her flavor that comes topped with our peanut and preserved pepperoncini chili crisp.

• CHOCOLATE BARS! “A Peanut Walks into a Bar” is what happens when JStreet Chocolate infuses our makrut peanuts, which we fry with lime leaves, chilies, garlic…, into her vegan, ethically sourced 62% single origin dark chocolate from Camino Verde, Ecuador. Creamy, crunchy, nutty, salty, sweet… delicious.

• JARS OF CHILI CRISP! We partnered with Leslie of Radical Family Farms to bring you this premium “Eight Treasures” chili crisp. Featuring their certified organic xiao mi la, er jing tiao, and Sichuan peppers, our fermented kohlrabi and smoked preserved black soybeans for umami, fried peanuts and Hodo tofu for texture, and alliums for extra aroma, this and the chocolate bar are the perfect gifts for yourself or the spice lovers in your life. More info on the chili crisp here!

See the pop up’s instagram flyer here.

ALL STAR VEGAN NIGHT AT SUPERIORITY BURGER

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5 AT SUPERIORITY BURGER, NYC

“The SB team has gathered all of their favorite restaurants from around the country and piled them into the clown car of 119 Avenue A to unleash an all vegan set menu served family style that is going to be fun as hell. It will be a 4 course meal (plus mignardise! ha!) with each course being presided over by one (or two! or three!) of our favorite restaurants.

Drink specials will be available all night!

Participating Friends: PIETRAMALA (Philadelphia) LION DANCE CAFE (Oakland) BREAD & SALT (Jersey City Heights) JJ's SOUTHERN VEGAN (Greenpoint) CHRISSY'S PIZZA (Valley Stream) SUPERIORITY BURGER (Alphabet City) LAGUSTA'S LUSCIOUS (New Paltz) DOLADIRA (Dolomites/Burgundy) LA GRITONA (Jalisco)”

OAKLAND YARD’s 8 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION & ARTISAN MARKET

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9, 12pm-5pm at OAKLAND YARD 420 40TH ST #2, OAKLAND CA 94609

Oakland Yard is inviting us and several other indie vendors for a fun daytime mini market! Menu TBD, we promise that there will be LAKSA.

Free to attend, drinks/food available for purchase onsite.

TESSIER WINERY X LDC winemaker DINNER COLLAB

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17th 2024, 6:30pm at TESSIER WINERY & TASTING ROOM 1335 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710.

Join us for a unique opportunity to wine and dine at Tessier Winery in presence of owner-winemaker duo Kristie and Chandran!

Four seasonal, market-driven family style courses with natural wine pairings and a welcome snack + sip, served in their airy tasting room, with a playlist curated by Kristie Tacey herself to enhance the notes of her wines.

Plus a unique offer: right on time for the holidays, we’ve collaborated with Tessier Winery to offer you a special deal on an apéro-ready gift bundle: 2 of the wine bottles featured during the dinner (Electric Ladyland and Day Dreaming) + a tub of our snacking peanuts fried with makrut lime leaf, chilies, garlic, lemongrass… + 2 LDC watercolor postcards and stickers and/or pins from both companies, for only $60 (instead of $73). Perfect for yourself or the wine enthusiasts in your life! (available at checkout.)

Tessier Winery’s full range of wines as well as our exclusive house ferments and famous a.s.s cookies will be available to purchase.

Tessier Winery is a woman-owned winery focusing on small, hand-crafted lots of natively fermented wines. The grapes are sourced locally from organically farmed vineyards and are processed, aged and bottled in West Berkeley. Visit their website and online shop here.

Only 22 seats. Choose to sit at one of Tessier’s spacious wooden communal tables, or at the counter to chat with our wonderful hosts!

Please read:

• This is a family style experience with communal seating.

• More Tessier wines and special treats by LDC available to purchase onsite to take home!

• Due to the shared service style, we will not be accommodating any substitutions or modifications. Our food is always vegan and this menu can be made GF if requested at the time of reserving, however staples in our kitchen are soy, wheat, peanuts, sesame, coconut, almonds, alliums, nightshades, mushrooms etc. It is not a dedicated allergen-free facility.

• Tips appreciated and are split among the team.

• no refunds or cancellations. if you can no longer make it, you are welcome to donate or sell your ticket to a friend, and notify us at least 24 hours a head so that we may update their name on the list to grant them entry.

• please arrive on time. there is a 15 minute window from 6:30-6:45pm to allow for all to arrive.

• this is an indoor event. let’s keep each other safe by testing for covid ahead of time.

• no BYO: outside food and drinks are not permitted and may result in a refusal of entry without a refund.

• late arrivals and no-call/no-shows will not be eligible for refunds.

POP UP AT DOLORES DELUXE (SF)

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24, 3pm-6pm at DOLORES DELUXE 3500 22nd St, San Francisco, CA 94114

See you at the iconic Mission, SF neighborhood market Dolores Deluxe (est. 1911) for a late afternoon/early dinner pop up. Menu TBD, stay tuned to our instagram!

Dolores Deluxe will be open for regular business during the pop up, walk up to the store’s register to order food from our menu and to make purchases from the store. Our food will be available to go, and Dolores Deluxe has limited outdoor seating if you wish to enjoy your meal onsite. This event is free to attend and walk-up only / first come first served basis.

BOLITA MASA X LDC SUMMER DINNER COLLAB

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1st 2024, 6:30pm at LION DANCE CAFE (380 17th ST, OAKLAND)

Join us for a one-off collaboration with chef Emmanuel Galvan of Bolita Masa!

4 courses + snacks celebrating corn and artisanal masa, supported by beautiful seasonal produce from our abundant local farmers’ markets. Plus, Bolita Masa’s expertly crafted salsas and masa will be available to purchase onsite to take home, as well as our exclusive house ferments, makrut peanuts and famous a.s.s cookies.

A standout pop up in the Bay Area known for their outstanding small-batch heritage products, Bolita Masa makes their own masa exclusively using Mexican landrace maíz, and salsas using organic and local ingredients only. Check out Bolita Masa on Instagram here.

Only 22 seats. Menu is vegan and GF* (contains nuts, seeds, soy and other common allergens).

Other things to know:

• This is a family style experience. all seating will be communal, and food served family style.

• Drinks are available to purchase onsite: we carry local beer, natural wines by makers of systemically marginalized identities, California-made Vermouth, non-alcoholic drinks, and tea.

• *Due to the shared service style, we will not be accommodating any substitutions or modifications. Our food is always vegan and this menu will be prepared without gluten-containing ingredients, however staples in our kitchen are soy, wheat, peanuts, sesame, coconut, almonds, alliums, nightshades, mushrooms etc. It is not a dedicated allergen-free facility.

• Tips appreciated to help us make rent, utilities etc until we find a buyer. (know someone who might be interested? send them our way!). Tips are split among the team.

• no refunds or cancellations. if you can no longer make it, you are welcome to donate or sell your ticket to a friend, and notify us at least 24 hours a head so that we may update their name on the list to grant them entry.

• please arrive on time. there is a 10 minute window from 6:30-6:40pm to allow for all to arrive.

• this is an indoor event. let’s keep each other safe by testing for covid ahead of time.

• no BYO: outside food and drinks are not permitted. anyone bringing in outside items or behaving disrespectfully in any way will be asked to leave with no further explanation nor refund. LDC reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, and does not owe you anything should you put us in a situation where we have to remove you for any reason whatsoever.

• late arrivals and no-call/no-shows will not be eligible for refunds.

• questions about us, how to find us, where to park… view our FAQ.

FUNDRAISER: COMMUNITY KITCHENS HARVEST MOON NIGHT MARKET & GALA

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 19th 2024 from 6-9pm, at the OMCA (1000 Oak St, Oakland CA 94607)

Us and other celebrated local food vendors will be serving up exclusive appetizers (oyster mushroom satay and málà rice strips, anyone?). From the event:

“Join us on Thursday, September 19th, 2024 for Community Kitchens’ Harvest Moon Night Market at the Oakland Museum Gardens!

Our Night Market promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Picture an evening under the stars filled with delicious eats, live entertainment, and most importantly, a chance to make a meaningful difference in our community. Whether you're passionate about making sure no one goes unfed, doing something impactful for our community, or simply eager to enjoy a memorable night out, this event will have something for everyone.”

FREE: CALICRAFT BREWING X seisuke knives presents: CHEFS’ NIGHT MARKET, FEAT. CHEF TU DAVID PHU

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21st 2024, 4:30-10pm, CALICRAFT TAPROOM (2700 MITCHELL DRIVE, WALNUT CREEK, CA 94598)

A fun-filled outdoor family friendly evening with 25+ food vendors and artisans, a meet and greet with Chef Tu to celebrate the release of his 1st cookbook, a “fireside” chat between Chef Tu and Calicraft Brewmaster Thomas Vo, and more.

Free to attend. Parking onsite. Visit Calicraft’s website here, and our FAQ for the event detailing our whole menu here.

ALAMAR X LDC DINNER PARTY COLLAB

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27th 2024, 6pm, at ALAMAR DOMINICAN KITCHEN, 1000 Grand Ave #111, Oakland CA 94612.

Join us for an exciting collaboration with chef Nelson German of alaMar.

4 courses + snacks and a signature cocktail* and surprises highlighting the bridges between chefs Nelson German, C-Y Chia and Shane Stanbridge's heritages, featuring colorful seasonal produce from our local farmers' markets.

Reservations required- the 1st seating sold out in 24 hours, so we added a 2nd seating!

Chef Nelson German is known for his appearance as a contestant on Bravo TV’s Top Chef season 18, and for his acclaimed restaurants alaMar and Sobre Mesa in Oakland where he serves food inspired by his roots and upbringing alongside creative, tropical cocktails.

*All vegan. Specify when booking if a GF or non-alcoholic option is required.

Other things to know:

• This is a family style experience. All seating will be communal, and food served family style.

• Additional drinks will be available to purchase onsite from alaMar’s bar menu.

• This menu is fully vegan. Please specify at the time of booking if you require a gluten-free or alcohol-free option. Due to the shared service style, we will not be accommodating any substitutions or modifications. Please note that this is not an allergen-free facility.

• Please arrive on time. Late arrivals and no-call/no-shows will not be eligible for refunds.

• This is an indoor event. Let’s keep each other safe by testing for covid ahead of time.

• Outside food and drinks are not permitted.

• Visit alaMar’s website for further information about the location, parking etc.

TERAH WINE co DINNER AT LDC

SUNDAY JUNE 9th 2024 at 6:30pm, at LION DANCE CAFE (380 17th ST, OAKLAND)

Join us for a multicourse celebration of beautiful seasonal produce with special wine pairings by Terah Wine Co. Terah Bajjalieh is a queer Palestinian woman winemaker and certified sommelier, born and based in California and focusing on minimal intervention wines using locally grown organic and biodynamic grapes for exceptional results. In addition to the pairings included with the meal, bottles of Terah Wines will be available for purchase (to go) at the end of the event.

Menu tbd , as always our food will be made from scratch using house ferments and produce from our abundant Bay Area farmers’ markets. Only 20 seats.

Other things to know:

• this is a family style experience. all seating will be communal, and food served family style.

• to request a gluten free menu, enter a note at checkout or kindly email us with your reservation info at the time of booking. We will not be able to accommodate GF requests made at a later time.

• due to the shared service style, we will not be accommodating any substitutions or modifications. Our food is vegan, and staples in our kitchen are soy, wheat (= gluten), peanuts, sesame, coconut, almonds, alliums, nightshades, mushrooms etc.

• this is a 21+ only event (no kids). wine pairings are included in the price. while we always had loads of non alcoholic options for our entire run, this particular event is planned around the pairings, no tickets will be sold without.

• additional drinks including Terah Wines, merch, house ferments etc available for purchase onsite, to take home.

• TIPS / donations appreciated to help us make rent, utilities etc until we find a buyer. (know someone who might be interested? send them our way!)

• no refunds or cancellations. if you can no longer make it, you are welcome to donate or sell your ticket to a friend, and notify us at least 24 hours a head so that we may update their name on the list to grant them entry.

• please arrive on time. there is a 10 minute window from 6:30-6:40pm to allow for all to arrive.

• this is an indoor event. let’s keep each other safe by testing for covid ahead of time.

• no BYO: outside food and drinks are never permitted. anyone bringing in outside items or behaving disrespectfully in any way will be asked to leave with no further explanation nor refund. LDC reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, and does not owe you anything should you put us in a situation where we have to remove you for any reason whatsoever.

• late arrivals and no-call/no-shows will not be eligible for refunds.

• questions about us, how to find us, where to park… view our FAQ.

CALICRAFT X LDC COLLAB DINNER

SUNDAY JUNE 16th 2024 at 6:30pm, at LION DANCE CAFE (380 17th ST, OAKLAND)

In honor of Fathers’ day, join us for a five course (+snacks) celebration of beautiful seasonal produce with beer pairings by our friends at AAPI-owned brewery Calicraft, in presence of brewmaster Thomas Vo. He’ll even bring a few super special limited beers from his personal reserve! Menu tbd , as always our food will be made from scratch using house ferments and produce from our abundant local farmers’ markets. Only 25 seats.

Other things to know:

• this is a family style experience. all seating will be communal, and food served family style.

• unlike our other dinners, this is not a GF friendly event as it is beer centered.

• due to the shared service style, we will not be accommodating any substitutions or modifications. Our food is vegan, and staples in our kitchen are soy, wheat (= gluten), peanuts, sesame, coconut, almonds, alliums, nightshades, mushrooms etc.

• this is a 21+ only event (no kids). beer pairings are included in the price. while we always had loads of non alcoholic options for our entire run, this particular event is planned around the beer pairings, no tickets will be sold without.

• additional drinks, merch, house ferments etc available for purchase onsite, to take home.

• no refunds or cancellations. if you can no longer make it, you are welcome to donate or sell your ticket to a friend, and notify us at least 24 hours a head so that we may update their name on the list to grant them entry.

• please arrive on time. there is a 10 minute window from 6:30-6:40pm to allow for all to arrive.

• this is an indoor event. let’s keep each other safe by testing for covid ahead of time.

• tips / donations appreciated to help us make rent, utilities etc until we find a buyer. (know someone who might be interested? send them our way!)

• no BYO: outside food and drinks are never permitted. anyone bringing in outside items or behaving disrespectfully in any way will be asked to leave with no further explanation nor refund. LDC reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, and does not owe you anything should you put us in a situation where we have to remove you for any reason whatsoever.

• late arrivals and no-call/no-shows will not be eligible for refunds.

• questions about us, how to find us, where to park… view our FAQ.

EARLY SUMMER: FAMILY STYLE DINNER AT LDC

SATURDAY JUNE 22nd 2024 AT 6:30PM, at LION DANCE CAFE (380 17th ST, OAKLAND)

Summer is coming, and with it, some of our favorite produce! Join us for a four course (+snacks) dinner prepared from scratch using our house ferments and vibrant finds from our local farmers’ markets. Drinks will be available for purchase onsite, as well as ferments to take home.

Menu tbd. gluten free option available, provided that the request is made at the time of booking (leave a note at checkout or email us immediately after booking with your reservation details).

Only 25 seats. Please read info below before booking.

Other things to know:

• this is a family style experience. all seating will be communal, and food served family style.

• to request a gluten free menu, enter a note at checkout or kindly email us with your reservation info at the time of booking. We will not be able to accommodate GF requests made at a later time.

• due to the shared service style, we will not be accommodating any substitutions or modifications. Our food is vegan, and staples in our kitchen are soy, wheat (= gluten), peanuts, sesame, coconut, almonds, alliums, nightshades, mushrooms etc.

• drinks, merch, house ferments etc available for purchase onsite.

• TIPS / donations appreciated to help us make rent, utilities etc until we find a buyer. (know someone who might be interested? send them our way!)

• no refunds or cancellations. if you can no longer make it, you are welcome to donate or sell your ticket to a friend, and notify us at least 24 hours a head so that we may update their name on the list to grant them entry.

• please arrive on time. there is a 10 minute window from 6:30-6:40pm to allow for all to arrive.

• this is an indoor event. let’s keep each other safe by testing for covid ahead of time.

• no BYO: outside food and drinks are never permitted. anyone bringing in outside items or behaving disrespectfully in any way will be asked to leave with no further explanation nor refund. LDC reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, and does not owe you anything should you put us in a situation where we have to remove you for any reason whatsoever.

• late arrivals and no-call/no-shows will not be eligible for refunds.

• questions about us, how to find us, where to park… view our FAQ.

INDUSTRY NIGHT AT LDC

A SPECIAL EVENING FOR OUR FRIENDS WHO WORK IN FOOD, DRINK AND HOSPITALITY ONLY.

Click here for more info and to book your seat(s). Not in the industry? Please select one of our different events which are open to all!

EARLY SUMMER: FAMILY STYLE DINNER AT LDC

SATURDAY JUNE 29th 2024 AT 6:30PM, at LION DANCE CAFE (380 17th ST, OAKLAND)

Summer is coming, and with it, some of our favorite produce! Join us for a four course (+snacks) dinner prepared from scratch using our house ferments and vibrant finds from our local farmers’ markets. Drinks will be available for purchase onsite, as well as ferments to take home.

Menu tbd. gluten free option available, provided that the request is made at the time of booking (leave a note at checkout or email us immediately after booking with your reservation details).

Only 25 seats. Please read info below before booking.

Other things to know:

• this is a family style experience. all seating will be communal, and food served family style.

• to request a gluten free menu, enter a note at checkout or kindly email us with your reservation info at the time of booking. We will not be able to accommodate GF requests made at a later time.

• due to the shared service style, we will not be accommodating any substitutions or modifications. Our food is vegan, and staples in our kitchen are soy, wheat (= gluten), peanuts, sesame, coconut, almonds, alliums, nightshades, mushrooms etc.

• drinks, merch, house ferments etc available for purchase onsite.

• TIPS / donations appreciated to help us make rent, utilities etc until we find a buyer. (know someone who might be interested? send them our way!)

• no refunds or cancellations. if you can no longer make it, you are welcome to donate or sell your ticket to a friend, and notify us at least 24 hours a head so that we may update their name on the list to grant them entry.

• please arrive on time. there is a 10 minute window from 6:30-6:40pm to allow for all to arrive.

• this is an indoor event. let’s keep each other safe by testing for covid ahead of time.

• no BYO: outside food and drinks are never permitted. anyone bringing in outside items or behaving disrespectfully in any way will be asked to leave with no further explanation nor refund. LDC reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, and does not owe you anything should you put us in a situation where we have to remove you for any reason whatsoever.

• late arrivals and no-call/no-shows will not be eligible for refunds.

• questions about us, how to find us, where to park… view our FAQ.

LOW BAR X LDC COLLAB DINNER

FRIDAY MAY 31st 2024 at 7pm, at LION DANCE CAFE (380 17th ST, OAKLAND)

Daniel Paez of Low Bar will be creating exclusive, vibrant cocktails to pair with our food. Six courses + lil surprises, honoring the relationship between our two indie businesses and highlighting the parallels between two vast and rich cuisines, from the LDC POV. This one has been a long time coming. Menu tbd , as always our food will be made from scratch using house ferments and produce from our abundant local farmers’ markets. Only 20 seats.

Other things to know:

• this is a family style experience. all seating will be communal and food served family style.

• The menu can be modified to be GF, please leave us a note at checkout or send us an email immediately upon reserving. (we may not be able to accommodate GF requests if the ask is made later on).

• due to the shared service style, we will not be accommodating any other substitutions or modifications. Our food is vegan, and staples in our kitchen are soy, wheat (= gluten), peanuts, sesame, coconut, almonds, alliums, nightshades, mushrooms etc.

• this is a 21+ only event (no kids). cocktail pairings are included in the price. while we always had loads of non alcoholic options for our entire run, this particular event is planned around the pairings, no tickets will be sold without.

• additional drinks, merch, house ferments etc available for purchase onsite.

• no refunds or cancellations. if you can no longer make it, you are welcome to donate or sell your ticket to a friend, and notify us by email at least 24 hours a head so that we may update their name on the list to grant them entry.

• please arrive on time. there is a 15 minute window from 7-7:15pm to allow for all to arrive.

• this is an indoor event. let’s keep each other safe by testing for covid ahead of time.

• tips / donations appreciated to help us make rent, utilities etc until we find a buyer. (know someone who might be interested? send them our way!)

• no BYO: outside food and drinks are never permitted. anyone bringing in outside items or behaving disrespectfully in any way will be asked to leave with no further explanation nor refund. LDC reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, and does not owe you anything should you put us in a situation where we have to remove you for any reason whatsoever.

• late arrivals and no-call/no-shows will not be eligible for refunds.

• questions about us, how to find us, where to park… view our FAQ.

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