On Wednesday night, the team at Coveteur welcomed a vibrant gathering of tastemakers, influencers, designers, and creatives to Opera House in New York City for a distinctive and culturally rich celebration: the publication’s first-ever mahjong speakeasy, hosted in partnership with Green Tile Social Club. The intimate evening was thoughtfully and deliberately planned to showcase what mahjong has truly been about for centuries—bringing people together through shared strategy, conversation, and community.
Upon arrival at the venue, guests stepped into an atmosphere designed to feel both exclusive and welcoming. Attendees including Allina Lu, Isaac Boots, Coco Bassey, Alyssa Coscarelli, and other prominent figures in the creative and fashion industries were immediately offered an array of specialty cocktails, refreshing Chandon, and curated bites sourced directly from Opera House’s sister restaurant, Chinese Tuxedo. The culinary offerings set a sophisticated yet relaxed tone for the evening, allowing guests to mingle and catch up in the stylish setting before the main events of the night unfolded.
As drinks began flowing and the room buzzed with lively conversation, guests were ushered into the venue’s hidden speakeasy space. Inside, they were met with an immersive setup designed for both learning and serious play. Tables were meticulously arranged with striking green and white mahjong tiles, custom Green Tile Social Club gaming mats, and informative pamphlets detailing the foundational rules of the game. Every detail of the room had been considered to ensure that both seasoned players and absolute beginners felt equally accommodated and eager to dive in.
Once everyone was comfortably settled around the tables, Coveteur Editor-in-Chief Faith Xue kicked off the gameplay with a warm and personal toast. She thanked the attendees for joining the publication for such a special milestone and shared her own deep-seated, personal connection to the traditional game. Xue told the gathered crowd that she had watched her parents play mahjong for years, noting that it is a pastime that remains near and dear to her heart. Her remarks underscored the cultural resonance of the evening, bridging generational traditions with contemporary social gatherings.
Following her opening remarks, Xue introduced Jo, one of the founders of Green Tile Social Club, who took the floor to share a bit more about the rich history of mahjong, its enduring cultural significance, and the ways in which the game naturally facilitates community building in modern urban environments. Jo then introduced the group of expert instructors who would be guiding the tables through the intricacies of the game for the remainder of the evening.
With introductions concluded, gameplay officially kicked off. Each table received an in-depth, hands-on lesson on how to play Hong Kong mahjong, breaking down the complex scoring, tile combinations, and strategies into accessible steps. After the initial instructional phase, guests were encouraged to begin playing independently, though the instructors remained close by throughout the room to offer supervision, answer questions, and ensure smooth gameplay. Soon enough, the distinct sound of shuffling tiles was accompanied by many enthusiastic declarations of "sik wu"—the traditional Cantonese phrase used by players to joyfully declare a winning hand—echoing throughout the speakeasy and adding an authentic energy to the room.
The event drew a notable crowd of fashion and design industry insiders, with attendees such as designers Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, Jordan Rossman, Isaac Boots, Alyssa Coscarelli, Lauren Caruso, Allina Liu, Joanne Xu, and Arianna Margulis actively participating in the evening’s matches. The shared challenge of learning and playing the game served as an effortless icebreaker, fostering genuine connections among individuals who shape New York City’s creative landscape.
As the evening gradually drew to a close, the atmosphere shifted from focused competition to warm camaraderie. Attendees were seen eagerly exchanging phone numbers, creating new group chats, and coordinating schedules to set up their next mahjong game nights outside of the event. Before making their way back out into the New York City night, guests received carefully curated gift bags to take home. The parting gifts included Malapop popcorn, Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Salt Eau de Parfum, Mimi Time konjac jelly snacks, and a specially bedazzled Coveteur lighter, serving as a memorable keepsake from a night that successfully blended centuries-old tradition with contemporary style.
