May 3, 7:00 P.M. Dinner: Welcome to Laos Presented by Capital One

Sharing the Cuisine of Two-Time James Beard Nominee Chef Ann Ahmed         

25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

In Laos, a traditional dinner with visitors is marked by conviviality. The menu itself encourages conversation and interactivity with new friends. For this evening, chef Ann Ahmed of Minneapolis’s famed Lat14, Khâluna, and Gai Noi, and two-time James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef Midwest, will channel the hospitality received at an intimate dinner in her Laotian home.  
At her table, guests will discover DIY lettuce wraps, the rich aromas of bubbling broth on the stove, and the national dish of Laos, laab, which translates to “prosperity.” It is considered an honor to cook for foreign visitors that come to Laos, and it is chef Ann’s honor to invite you to join her for an exploration into the wonder of her native cuisine in New York City. 

Wines generously donated by The German Wine Collection.

Dining Table $170 | Internal Chefs Counter $185 | External Chefs Counter $150  

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MENU:

Hors D’Ouevres 

Sakoo> Caramelized Pistachio, Peanut, and Mushroom Dumpling with Tapioca Pearls
Contains alliums and nuts

Jeow Mak Len > Roasted Cherry Tomato with Thai Chilis, Shrimp Powder, Cilantro, Mint, and Rice Crackers
Contains alliums and shellfish

Seen Sawan> Lao Beef Jerky
Contains nuts and shellfish 

Meyer-Näkel Pinot Noir Rosé 2021

DINNER

Punn Paa > Crispy Fried Fish with Toasted Coconut Flakes, Roasted Peanuts, Lemongrass, Star Fruit, Green Mangos, Shallots, Cilantro, Butter Lettuce, Purple Shiso, and Bai E-Lert
Contains alliums and nuts 

Khao Poon Puu > Snow Crab, Blue Lump Crab, Quail Eggs, and Shrimp Balls with Banana Blossom, Mint, Cilantro, and Yardlong Beans in Red Curry, Coconut, and Crab Broth  
Contains alliums and shellfish 

Pha Khao: 

Beef Laab> Grilled Beef Flank Steak with Red Onions, Cilantro, Scallion, Mint, Toasted Rice Powder, and Spicy Lime–Fish Sauce Vinaigrette 

Gaeng Bai E-Lert> Bone Broth Soup with Aromatic Bai E-Lert 

Khao Niew> Sticky Rice 

Contains alliums and shellfish 

Sake Dragon Fruit Parfait
Contains Dairy 

Hans Wirsching Estate Scheurebe 2022 

Kühling-Gillot Bodenheim Spätburgunder 2018 

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About Ann Ahmed:
Chef Ann Ahmed’s story begins in the kitchen, helping her mother and grandmother, who escaped worn-torn Laos, cook. Chef Ahmed knew she wanted to own a restaurant ever since she was fourteen years old. In 2005, her dream came true when she opened Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine in Brooklyn Park, which serves colorful and original dishes influenced by her travels around the world. Chef Ann quickly gained a reputation for her unique Laotian spin on traditional Thai food. In 2018 she opened her second restaurant, Lat14 Asian Eatery in Golden Valley which is inspired by the cuisines and cultures of countries located on the 14th latitudinal parallel like Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines. In 2021 she opened her third restaurant, Khâluna, the Buddhist word for “compassion.” Khâluna has found a home in Minneapolis and hopes to be the heart of the community and neighborhood. Her fourth and latest restaurant Gai Noi opened in 2023. The name is short for khao gai noi, which is a type of short grain glutinous rice emblematic of the northern Xieng Khouang regions of Laos, where chef Ann and her family are from. Also known as ‘little chick’ due to its spotted appearance and small shape, khao niew (sticky rice) is a staple of the Lao diet and is eaten in tandem with nearly all other dishes. Gai Noi hopes to be a binding agent for the community and connection to a heritage, culture, and lifestyle worlds apart from our own; a place to gather, share, celebrate, and nourish. It’s chef Ann’s goal with all her restaurants to transport Minnesotans to Southeast Asia through her distinct flavors and dishes.  

Tickets to events held at Platform at Pier 57 by the James Beard Foundation cover the cost of food, education and a unique dining experience. Meals are prepared by culinary masters from all regions of the United States and around the world. Unless otherwise stated, alcoholic beverages are provided on a complimentary basis and are not included in the ticket price.

James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served.

Event Policy

Reservation Policy:

All reservations are non-refundable and must be made in advance. Should the event be cancelled due to any unforeseen circumstances, including COVID-19, JBF will offer a range of options, including ticket exchanges, the option to donate tickets, or a full refund. For more information, contact platformbyjbf@jamesbeard.org.

Alcohol Disclaimer:

James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served. 

Dietary/Food Restrictions Policy:

Events at Platform by JBF are special one-night-only menus and we do not offer a la carte menus. If you have serious food allergies, we will work with the visiting chef team to do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee that alternate options will be available for every course.