San Gabriel Valley welcomes a culinary gem with the much-anticipated opening of Array 36, a Chinese fine dining restaurant that promises to redefine the upscale dining experience in the region. Launched in October, Array 36 represents a fusion of exquisite cuisine, cultural celebration, and contemporary luxury.
The name "Array 36" holds significance, translating to "a person has 36 special monumental events in their lifetime, and each one is worth celebrating." This philosophy reflects the restaurant's commitment to creating a space where patrons can savor not just a meal but an exceptional culinary journey.
Restaurateur and co-owner Arthur Zhang expressed the vision behind Array 36, emphasizing the rarity of upscale private dining rooms in Chinese establishments in the U.S. He stated, "Our goal is to share Chinese fine dining, culture, and hospitality with others," highlighting a mission to introduce a refined Chinese culinary experience to a broader audience.
The project, with an investment exceeding $3 million, marks a notable milestone as the first Chinese fine dining restaurant of such caliber in the area. Array 36 joins the ranks of other upscale Chinese establishments like Grand Harbor, Bistro Na’s, Meizhou Dongpo, Shanghailander Palace, and Wagyu House by The X Pot.
The restaurant's entrance sets a tone of grandeur with a room-sized projection of a swimming whale, leading guests into a dining room that unfolds into eight private rooms, each with a distinct theme accommodating six to ten people. These private spaces, ranging from $600 to $2,000, offer an exclusive and personalized dining experience.
Array 36's culinary offerings are orchestrated by award-winning chef Tony Tao, known for his expertise in Shanghainese and Northern Chinese cuisine. The menu, carefully curated to appeal to diverse palates, features China's eight regional cooking styles, from the fiery Sichuan to the delicate Cantonese and the refined Huaiyang.
Further, Chef Tao's emphasis on presentation is evident in the $88 signature dish, roast duck, served with a theatrical flair involving baijiu, a high-ABV Chinese spirit. The roast duck is presented in three ways: with the skin, the meat, and smoked tableside. The menu also boasts dishes like slow-cooked Sichuan-style beef short ribs, Japanese yuzu-infused jellyfish head, and a Shanghai crab stewed with roe and tofu.
Array 36's commitment to excellence extends to its specialty, the "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" soup, a traditional Fujianese dish reserved for holidays. The restaurant plans to introduce seasonal items to its menu, ensuring a dynamic culinary experience for patrons.
With an estimated cost of $120 per person, Array 36 positions itself as a destination for those seeking an elevated dining experience, with live seafood options being the more premium choices. Located at 5449 Rosemead Boulevard, San Gabriel, CA, Array 36 welcomes guests daily for lunch and dinner, inviting Angelenos to explore a different facet of Chinese cuisine.
In the words of Arthur Zhang, "Fine dining in China is such an experience. We hope that we can show Angelenos a different side of Chinese cuisine that they may not be familiar with.”
