January 31, 2014 marks the beginning of the new lunar year, the year of the horse, on Chinese calendars. In China, celebrants set off firecrackers, pound on drums, strike gongs and partake in dragon dances through the villages to frighten and banish the evil spirits that imposed bad luck during the old year. This cleans the slate for good luck to write a new year of good health and prosperity. Citizens also clean their homes and don new apparel for the New Year, children are presented gifts of money tucked into red envelopes and celebrants embark on visitations to reconnect with family and friends. Here in the opposite hemisphere, many epicureans will crowd he vestibules of the area’s top-rated Chinese restaurants in anticipation of eating like a … well, a horse.
One of the many things that downstate New York is known for is its spectacular Chinese cuisine. Many of the area’s Chinese restaurants will be opening their doors to thousands of eager diners who revel in taking their part in the celebration of Chinese New Year. Here, everyone celebrates by flocking to a Chinese eatery. It is often said on Long Island that the further west one drives, the much further east one ends up. In other words, many of the highest rated and most authentic Chinese restaurants are situated in Nassau County. Some of these venues include Pearl East in Manhasset, Orchid in Garden City, Fortune Wheel in Levittown and Zagat’s top ranking choice, The Orient in Levittown. Such high praises do come with a price, however: these gems are packed on most weekends. Waiting on a table on Chinese New Year may be more frustrating than festive for some.
For Long Islanders in Suffolk County, there are some excellent choices for your Chinese food indulgence. One is called Ancient Ginger, located in Saint James. Lotus East, also located in Saint James, and Lotus East II in Mt. Sinai are also delectable picks, offering an extensive menu of Chinese dishes that includes a delicious entrée platter of General Tso’s chicken and prawns. The menu offers some intriguing appetizers and several soups in addition to the traditional egg drop, wonton and hot and sour variations.
Lotus East II was once located within a geodesic domed building. When a fire ravaged the restaurant during the 90s, the restaurant subsequently resumed their dedication to preparing and serving excellent Chinese fare in their present location. Within the entrance, a large marble ball spins atop its fountain stand and a large, colorful tank is teeming with fish to keep patrons mesmerized. The restaurant is equipped with a bar and offers spacious and elegant table seating for couples, families and parties of various sizes.
Some restaurants will be featuring special menus to honor Chinese New Year. If the waits are too long for your group’s grumbling tummies, most Chinese restaurants offer takeout menus. You may opt to order a full-scale feast of your party’s choice soups, appetizers and entrees to bring home, set up as a buffet and enjoy.
Waits for tables may be lengthy, but no one can resist the excuse to celebrate the Year of the Horse by delving into hot, savory and delicious Chinese food. The winter weather that surrounds us makes a piping hot bowl of egg drop or wonton soup all the more enticing. As the red lanterns festooned throughout China are placed to welcome spring, symbolizing the brilliance and beauty, those same lanterns you might observe in Long Island’s Chinese restaurants may best be viewed with the same purpose. After all, despite our snowy landscape and plunging temperatures, spring is now less than 50 days away. Crack open a fortune cookie and see what other prophecy is headed your way as you conclude your Chinese New Year gastronomic celebration.
One of the many things that downstate New York is known for is its spectacular Chinese cuisine. Many of the area’s Chinese restaurants will be opening their doors to thousands of eager diners who revel in taking their part in the celebration of Chinese New Year. Here, everyone celebrates by flocking to a Chinese eatery. It is often said on Long Island that the further west one drives, the much further east one ends up. In other words, many of the highest rated and most authentic Chinese restaurants are situated in Nassau County. Some of these venues include Pearl East in Manhasset, Orchid in Garden City, Fortune Wheel in Levittown and Zagat’s top ranking choice, The Orient in Levittown. Such high praises do come with a price, however: these gems are packed on most weekends. Waiting on a table on Chinese New Year may be more frustrating than festive for some.
For Long Islanders in Suffolk County, there are some excellent choices for your Chinese food indulgence. One is called Ancient Ginger, located in Saint James. Lotus East, also located in Saint James, and Lotus East II in Mt. Sinai are also delectable picks, offering an extensive menu of Chinese dishes that includes a delicious entrée platter of General Tso’s chicken and prawns. The menu offers some intriguing appetizers and several soups in addition to the traditional egg drop, wonton and hot and sour variations.
Lotus East II was once located within a geodesic domed building. When a fire ravaged the restaurant during the 90s, the restaurant subsequently resumed their dedication to preparing and serving excellent Chinese fare in their present location. Within the entrance, a large marble ball spins atop its fountain stand and a large, colorful tank is teeming with fish to keep patrons mesmerized. The restaurant is equipped with a bar and offers spacious and elegant table seating for couples, families and parties of various sizes.
Some restaurants will be featuring special menus to honor Chinese New Year. If the waits are too long for your group’s grumbling tummies, most Chinese restaurants offer takeout menus. You may opt to order a full-scale feast of your party’s choice soups, appetizers and entrees to bring home, set up as a buffet and enjoy.
Waits for tables may be lengthy, but no one can resist the excuse to celebrate the Year of the Horse by delving into hot, savory and delicious Chinese food. The winter weather that surrounds us makes a piping hot bowl of egg drop or wonton soup all the more enticing. As the red lanterns festooned throughout China are placed to welcome spring, symbolizing the brilliance and beauty, those same lanterns you might observe in Long Island’s Chinese restaurants may best be viewed with the same purpose. After all, despite our snowy landscape and plunging temperatures, spring is now less than 50 days away. Crack open a fortune cookie and see what other prophecy is headed your way as you conclude your Chinese New Year gastronomic celebration.