"The closure of extravagant Chinese banquet halls across the country signals a dying era, yet the 2022 opening of Grand Palace in South Philly bucks the trend. Anchoring the bustling New World Plaza in Little Saigon, Grand Palace’s pink tablecloths and red-covered seats make this a festive multi-room venue for weddings and parties, while carts full of stir-fried clams in umami-rich black bean sauce, steamed dumplings, glazed vegetables stuffed with seafood, and custardy tarts make it a staple for weekend dim sum. And if you ask your server nicely, you might even be able to order chef Johnny Akiong’s off-menu specialty, fried whole lobster." - Diana Lu