Grey Hen Rx inside Century Grand, recently transformed its space into an homage to the bustling streets of Lower Manhattan’s historic 1920s Chinatown with M.E. Lee’s House of Exotic Imports, blending boundary-pushing storytelling with bold, American-Chinese fusion and one-of-a-kind cocktails.
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Bringing the best of historic Chinatown to Phoenix
“Our goal has always been to push boundaries,” says Mat Snapp, partner at Barter & Shake. “We’re willing to do what people can’t or won’t do. With this new concept, we’re inviting guests to step off Platform 18 at Century Grand and into an era of mystery, glamour and discovery, where every corner offers a new surprise.”
From the moment guests step inside, they’ll be transported into a lavish 1924 emporium filled with rich decor, mood lighting and an eclectic mix of music curated in collaboration with local music aficionado and owner of Central Records, Jake Stellarwell. The ambiance is intoxicating, reminiscent of a hidden marketplace brimming with exotic treasures. Many of the new cocktail offerings are vibrant twists on classic Chinese dishes, served in ornate glassware, promising an immersive experience that feels like time travel in a glass.
“With every new chapter, we strive to transport our guests to a different world,” says Cortnie Cozeck, director of operations at Barter & Shake. “M.E. Lee’s House of Exotic Imports is not just a bar; it’s a portal to another time where you can lose yourself in the allure of old Chinatown, each sip revealing a new story.”
Spicing up palates one snack and cocktail at a time
M.E. Lee’s House of Exotic Imports takes guests for a thrilling ride with daring bites like spicy chili peanuts, house-made jerky, and a refreshing cucumber salad, all crafted to pair with the imaginative drinks that are as much about the journey as the destination. Every page of the menu is a treasure map, guiding guests through hidden narratives and unexpected flavors that make for a truly multi-sensory experience that immerses you in the rich history and allure of old Chinatown.
Grey Hen Rx also offers patrons the opportunity to purchase full bottles of hand-selected spirits from the House of Emporium or to savor the flavor of some extraordinary signature cocktails including:
Updated Menu Highlights:
- Tall Cucumber – Calamansi-Infused Reyka Vodka, Sōtō Sake, Lemon, Culantro, Champagne – $17
- Chop Suey – Mandarin-Infused Bombay Sapphire Gin, Cachaca, Thai Basil, Fernet, Mango, Red Bell Pepper, Carrot, Lemon + Lime – $16
- Very Special Walnut Shrimp – Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Balvenie 14yr Caribbean Cask, Ramazzotti, Vicario Nonino, PX Sherry, Banana – $22
- Wonton Soup – Botanist Gin, Jefferson’s Small Batch Bourbon, Yellow Chartreuse, Angry Duckling Wonton Broth, Lemon, Mandarin, Toasted Sesame, Charred Scallion – $18
- Tom Kha – Coconut-Washed Roku Gin, Lemongrass, Ginger, Lemon + Lime, Fresno Chili Tincture – $15
- Don’t Call Me Jerky – Rabbit Hole Rye Whiskey, Planteray OFTD, Sweet Gwendoline Gin, Shaoxing Wine, Cardamaro, Cointreau, Honey + Yuzu – $18
- Many Good Fortunes – Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, Zacapa Rum, House-Made Poppy Liqueur, Ginger-Infused Montenegro, Shaoxing Wine, Whole Egg, Pineapple, Lemon, Demerara, Five Spice Tincture – $17
- Import & Export (Non-Alcoholic) – NA London Dry Gin, Camelia, NA Zucca – $12
- Mark My Words (Non-Alcoholic) – NA Jamaican Rum, Dark Plum Tea, Peach – $12
M.E. Lee’s House of Exotic Imports details
Another standout feature of the new experience is a working 1920s phone booth that operates on vintage Buffalo nickels, enabling guests to call numbers from an authentic Manhattan Telephone Directory to uncover hidden stories and secrets.
For more information on M.E. Lee’s House of Exotic Imports at the Grey Hen Rx visit https://www.centurygrandphx.com/.