Explore Asia in Coconut Grove
Celebrate Lunar New Year, Feb. 1 – the Year of the Tiger – all year in the Grove, where you can dine and shop for foods and goods from Thailand, Japan, Korea, India and other Asian destinations!
Celebrate the Year of the Tiger in South Florida
Looking for good luck and prosperity in the Year of the Tiger – or maybe just some good food and drink? February 1 marks the Asian Lunar New Year, celebrations based on the traditional Chinese calendar that vary from country to country.
South Florida doesn’t have a Chinatown like New York City or San Francisco, but there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate this event. New this year is a special celebration Feb. 5 in Coconut Grove with Wok Star Eleanor Hoh, who is well known for her classes and demos on cooking.
“The event kicks off with a traditional high energy Lion Dance on Fuller Street,” says Hoh. “If you’re seeking prosperity and good luck in the Year of the Tiger, then you definitely don’t want to miss the drums and clashing cymbals welcoming in prosperity and good luck while chasing away evil spirits!”
One of the traditions guests can experience are red packets, typically filled with money. “In that spirit, a number of lucky guests will “win” gift certificates to spend at Coconut Grove businesses,” says Hoh, who says she has adopted the Grove as her neighborhood, naming some of the many Asian restaurants. “Two that stand out for me are Minty Z, specializing in innovative dim sum dishes, and Planta Queen, a plant-based restaurant with Malaysian dishes like Singapore noodles I grew up eating in Hong Kong. My mother was from Singapore and was a superb cook.”
Hoh’s other selections include Duck N Sum, for popular Chinese dishes like spring rolls and roast duck, and Atchana’s, which she says is packed nearly every night. “No wonder since Atchana’s brother is the chef. It’s the most authentic Pad Thai and best satay I’ve had in Miami.” There are also two traditional sushi restaurants, Sushi Garage and Varsol by Akashi and two Indian restaurants, Saffron at the Grove and Bombay Darbar, she notes.
Chinese New Year decorations along Commodore Plaza and entertainers will greet participants strolling throughout the Grove, including Master Li’s lion dancing, Taiwanese violinist Agnes Lin, Thai dancer Nipawan Root, sitar player Arsenio Diaz, Japanese flautist Yukako and shamisen player Doanh Nguyen.
Register for this free event here. Participants can dine in at restaurants or do takeout and dine outdoors under the lanterns on Fuller Street.
Elsewhere in South Florida, the Covid pandemic has forced cancellation of some celebrations, including the annual Chinese New Year Festival at Miami-Dade College in Kendall. But some restaurants are hosting events and special menus. Here’s a lineup:
Temple Street Eatery’s New Year Dinner and Show, Fort Lauderdale
WHAT: Lion dancing and entertainment plus a fun menu that includes Taiwanese fried chicken, pork gyoza, hong kong borscht, dim sum lava bun served with pandan ice cream from Wilton Creamery.
WHEN: Mon., Jan. 31. 6:45pm dinner seating
MORE INFO: Temple Street Eatery
Hakkasan, Miami Beach
WHAT: Kick off the New Year with a traditional lion dance on Feb. 1. From Fri., Jan. 28-Feb. 6, order the prix fixe menu ($138 per person) of traditional dishes created by chef Jian Loo to bring prosperity and luck.
WHERE: Hakkasan at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 4441 Collins Avenue
MORE INFO: Hakkasan
Phuc Yea, Upper East Side Miami
WHAT: Traditional dragon dance, DJ and interactive dine-around ($65 per person) at five stations around the restaurant, plus a three-hour open bar featuring specialty cocktails ($55 per person).
WHERE: 7100 Biscayne Blvd.
MORE INFO: Phuc Yea
Gold Marquess, Pembroke Pines
WHAT: Lion dancing and traditional Chinese food.
WHEN AND WHERE: Feb. 2, 7pm, 8525 Pines Blvd.
MORE INFO: Gold Marquess
Hutong Miami, Brickell
WHAT: Live entertainment and lion dances at 7:30 and 9pm, plus red packet envelopes with surprises when guests buy a special Year of the Tiger cocktail. All guesys will get an invitation to tie a wish to their wishing tree.
WHEN AND WHERE: Feb. 1, 600 Brickell Ave.
MORE INFO: Hutong Miami
Explore Asia in Coconut Grove
Celebrate Lunar New Year, Feb. 1 – the Year of the Tiger – all year in the Grove, where you can dine and shop for foods...
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