Feb. 19th would mark an auspicious date for Chinese across the globe as the new moon would mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year. During the eve of the festivities, Chinese prepare a variety of mouthwatering meals to welcome a prosperous year. Also certain practices would be conducted to ward off negativity and bring in good fortune to the household. Now, the celebration would not be limited to the Chinese; that's why several restaurants have joined in the parade of colorful and tasty delights.
With its relative proximity to Asia, California would have the biggest Chinese population as well as restaurants that would be offering delicious Chinese cuisine during the Lunar New Year festivities. Berkeley's "Great China" would put "together a custom banquet menu" that would include a "nice and balanced menu with a lot of luxury ingredients." The menu would be good for eight to 12 people and the cost range would begin at US$395. "Peony Seafood Restaurant" at Oakland's Chinatown would be "offering half-portions for each of the banquets in all ten dishes." However, the price range for "Peony" would be a bit hefty starting off with US$388 up to US$888.
For people who would prefer something light on the palette as well as on the pocket, a manageable menu could do the trick. "Little Sister" in Los Angeles would be offering a special menu of "lucky" dishes that would roughly a total of US$80. "Pattina," also in Los Angeles, would be preparing a six-course tasting menu for the price of US$135.
Then, there's "The Chinese Cuisine Festival," from Feb. 06 to 15 that would feature dishes from Chinese restaurants in the San Gabriel Valley.
Chinese New Year would not only be about food. The occasion would also be steeped in tradition. These would include having a hearty meal with the whole family during New Year's Eve and cleaning the entire house before the New Year.
Chinese New Year would traditionally mark the advent of spring. As spring would come, so will new opportunities to grow and prosper. Gong Xi Fa Chai!
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