Laowai, the Prohibition-era, Shanghai themed, hidden-lounge concept in Chinatown, has been open for three months. In that time, it has served thousands of adventurous folks eager to sip historically inspired cocktails created by Bar Manager Alex Black.
As popular as those cocktails have been, it’s the hardbound cocktail menus that introduce the drinks (and the contextual history) that are really causing a stir. It seems some sticky-fingered patrons just can’t resist taking them home.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” says Laowai owner Lewis Hart. “On the one hand, we put a huge amount of effort into the development of the menus, so we’re low-key proud that some people like them enough to steal them. On the other hand, several dozen of them have walked out the door in some people’s pockets and purses…”
To balance certain members of the public’s misplaced “appreciation” with the spirit of the season, Laowai is introducing Volume 1: A Dreamers Abode, a limited-edition, holiday gift pack that contains a copy of Laowai’s criminally desirable cocktail menu, alongside two bottled versions of the cocktails listed within it.
These special, public-facing cocktail menus are part of a 100-copy run and feature a QR code linking to all the cocktails’ secret recipes and instructions. In addition, Volume 1: A Dreamers Abode also includes two bottled cocktails: The Khan & I and Jade Empire — one red, the other green, in honour of the holidays.
Volume 1: A Dreamers Abode costs $65, with partial proceeds to benefit the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation’s May Wah Hotel, which provides housing and supports to seniors in the community while also preserving Chinatown’s cultural heritage.
The Volume 1: A Dreamers Abode packages are available now at either BLND TGER Dumplings or Laowai (251 East Georgia St.) during regular business hours.
