In a spacious corner that, until recently, was home to a glass window wholesaler—at a Bushwick intersection that still feels industrial and gritty—a new eatery-slash-venue has been quietly feeding guests since February and Entertaining them.
Red PavilionThe grand opening isn’t until March 14 — but since early last month, the new multi-purpose venue (an apothecary by day, an Asian pulp-noir nightclub after dark and a brunch destination on Sundays) has been quietly preparing for its grand opening. .
Co-founder Shea Lee told the Post of the decision, “I really loved creating some kind of smoky, opium den-y, sexy cabaret-style venue, but we wanted something people could feel comfortable going to.” ” to make the Red Pavilion a place where attendees felt no pressure to “put on red lipstick and wear clothes, but a more playful, fun concept”.
Li, a Taipei-born nightlife producer who also runs an entertainment agency, teamed up with registered dietitian, traditional Chinese medicine chef and Shanghai native Zoey Xinyi Gong to deliver the multidimensional concept.
The aesthetic is “David Lynch meets Wong Kar-wai,” the latter being a Hong Kong film director known for his saturated cinematography and non-linear narratives. The Vibe aims to be both authentic and quirky, accessible and community-focused.
At the 2,400-square-foot expression of its teahouse at 1241 Flushing Avenue, guests can enjoy teas inspired by traditional Chinese medicine and a wellness-focused menu including multigrain congee, black sesame latte and snow fungus stew from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In the evening, neon and smoke machines turn on for a variety of theatrical programming, from jazz nights and aerialists to Japanese shibari rope bondage, hook suspension and other shows with a fetish edge and costume focus.
Drinks menu features Chinese shamanism-influenced drinks and herbal shots, including the $17 Sesame Colada (tequila, wolfberry-infused baijiu, caramelized pineapple, mangosteen and white sesame paste) and the $12 Awake (whiskey and baijiu, infused Buddha hand, and bayberry) . ,
After this, there is Mand Yoga on Sunday from noon to 3 pm.
“You know, there are places in Williamsburg that say they have dim sum, which is fine but it’s not traditional dim sum,” Lee said. “We actually push a cart around.”
There will also be a completed order form, and Gong himself plans to push a cart, Eater first reported,
Although Red Pavilion is intended to be a unique union of varied pleasures, its diverting offerings were significantly inspired by a combination of recent events.
“The concept really came about during COVID when everyone was very different and of course there were a lot of [anti-Asian] Hate crimes were happening in our community,” said Lee, herself a victim of the subway attack.
Lee and Gong, who have both lived in Bushwick for many years (before that, Lee had spent seven or so in Williamsburg), felt the neighborhood—though full of great Asian food—was the place for Asian and Pacific Islander communities. There was a shortage of
At the Red Pavilion, they plan to “really give a platform” and highlight Asian artists, “to showcase culture through food, tea and performances.”