By: Emily Adams By: Emily Adams | January 30, 2024 | Lifestyle, Feature, Food & Drink, Guide,
Crustacean Beverly Hills
Lunar New Year marks the arrival of spring on the lunar calendar and sets of weeks worth of traditions and festivities. Beginning with the first new moon and ending with the first full moon, the celebration shifts year to year because the calendar is based on the cycles of the moon.
Lunar New Year happens on Feb. 10 and is preceded by a period of preparation that includes cleaning out the house to get rid of bad spirits and open the space for good will and good luck. Then, the fifteen days officially kick off with the Spring Festival: family gatherings, red envelopes, symbolic dishes. Finally, it closes with the Lantern Festival, during which people eat sweet rice balls and kids carry lanterns around their neighborhood. Traditions and celebrations can vary according to where you are, whether you’re celebrating in China, Vietnam, Korea or somewhere else.
As the Year of the Dragon approaches, celebrate in ultimate style at some of Los Angeles’s finest establishments. Whether for the food, tradition, ambiance or all of the above, each of these venues will make for a lucky start to the year.
Website / 2709 Main St 90405
Chinois will serve its normal menu on Feb. 9 alongside a few Lunar New Year special items. Then, on Feb. 10, it will have a big celebration with a pre-fixe menu and entertainment by dragon dancers and party favors. Reservations are now open.
Website / 468 N Bedford Dr 90210
On Feb. 10 and 11, an eight-course “Heaven and Earth Prosperity” menu designed to bring fortune into the new year will be served at Crustacean. Guests can either experience the full menu for $188 or order dishes a la carte. Traditionally it is believed that when honoring the holiday, one should consume items from each of the worldly elements and foods that promise life in the new year, so Crustacean plans on incorporating these sentiments in this year’s celebration. Its elegant dining room will be filled with decorations and entertainment will be provided featuring a lion dance performer and a skilled candy artist crafting spun sugar. Lastly, red envelopes will be given to guests, which will have a gift certificate to use during your next visit.
Website / 237 S Brand Blvd 91210
Join celebrating the Year of the Dragon with special menus when you order from a number of restaurants at the Americana. What’s more, there will be a parade of both lion and dragon dancers on Feb. 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. Additionally, Caruso Signature Members can visit Caruso Concierge for a complimentary lucky red envelope. Celebrations are happening now and last until Feb. 11. In particular, you can get $5 off on orders of $15 at Mendocino Farms. Be sure to use the code, LUNARNEWYEAR at checkout, which is available in-store only and now through Feb. 11. In addition, Sprinkles has a Gold Dragon Bruce Lee Cupcake to commemorate the cultural heritage of the martial arts legend. Made with red velvet cake and swirled with almond slivers on an almond cookie crust, the cupcake is topped with an almond cream cheese frosting. Continue the celebration with a Lunar New Year bundle packed with a dozen cupcakes, custom Lunar New Year gift wrap and eight traditional red envelopes. This offer is available until Feb. 11.
Website / 189 The Grove Dr 90036
The dazzling decor seen at The Grove for the Lunar New Year makes for an unforgettable shopping experience. Experience the festivities for yourself now through Feb. 11, which also includes exclusive offers from top-rated brands, special menus and the Bruce Lee cupcake at Sprinkles.
Website / 8430 Sunset Blvd 90069
Wolfgang Puck’s Asian fusion restaurant atop the Pendry West Hollywood promises a gastronomic adventure for its Lunar New Year celebratory dinner on Feb. 10. Reservations are now open for $165 per person.
Website / 41 Hugus Alley 91103
On Feb. 25, celebrate the Year of the Dragon at One Colorado with traditional music, cultural dance performances, red envelopes with special promotions and a DJ. Make sure you also stop by the wishing tree, which is available for guests all month long.
Website/ Beverly Hills 90210
A number of Lunar New Year capsule collections can be found in the boutiques along Rose Drive. Stop by Fendi for its collaboration with Hiroshi Fujiwara and Pokémon, Piaget for its capsule collection that pays tribute to the dragon and phoenix and Jaeger-LeCoultre for its made-to-order Reverso Tribute Enamel Dragon.
Website / 777 S Alameda St 90021
Welcoming Lunar New Year on Feb. 10, Row DTLA will have its open-air MUAM Market. Be sure to also visit a variety of AAPI businesses like Muam Korean Goods, ARJ Los Angeles, Flask & Field and Pikunico.
Website / 26300 Crenshaw Blvd 90274
South Coast Botanic Garden is hosting its Lunar New Year Celebration—this time with some new twists. Winter blooms and foliage make an ideal background for ushering in the Year of the Dragon. Also, red lanterns and festive activities like calligraphy, crafts and photo opportunities will be there through the month of February. Each Saturday and Sunday, the garden will host two 30-minute dance performances at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Food and drink will be served from the Mikhuna Food Truck and a garden-run bar.
Website / 712 S Santa Fe Ave 90021
From Feb. 9 through 11, Yangban will serve Gungjung tteokbokki (Royal Court Rice Cake), Galbi braised oxtail, hobak squash, shimeji and shitake mushrooms and preserved black perigord truffle.
Photography by: Courtesy Crustacean Beverly Hills