Out with the old, in with the new – it’s the time to get together with friends and family to toast to good health and longevity. Is it a coincidence that Chinese families prefer to dine at circular tables with a swirling Lazy Susan? 团圆饭 (Thuen yeun fan) which denotes the unity, sharing and togetherness is symbolic of the round table that continues in endless cyclical movement. It is traditional to reunite the family at a grand feast.
I recall when I was a young girl, the new year was the biggest occasion of the year. The days leading up to it would prompt our family to do a deep clean at home to get rid of any ill feeling and to make room for good fortune to enter. No matter what life’s obstacles, this time was special and a chance to start fresh on a clean slate. Everyone would be given new clothes, the house would be spruced up and kept bright and shiny, adorned with colours of red and gold signifying good health, happiness and good luck. Any conflicts with relatives or friends would be put away so as to partake in a common new year sharing.
In good old fashioned Chinese tradition, a minimum of ten dishes would be set at the table. It is customary to enjoy plenty of food and a full belly denotes abundance and optimism for the year ahead.
In celebration of Chinese New Year, Naturally Chinese is looking forward to the week long festivities from January 27th to February 2nd. This year we will create a fun filled New Year dining experience where all of you will get to participate in the preparation. The New Year raw salad will be a hands-on experience to partake. This dish will consist of fresh vegetables julienned in groups of seven different colours with a light cleansing sauce to balance. In the spirit of togetherness, everyone will get to toss the vegetables. The higher you toss them, the more the energy builds and the more good fortune comes upon one and all with a special wish for each individual. Wishes of greater prosperity, fertility, happiness, success and so on continue to bless those seated at the table.
So come in to avail of some good luck for 2014.
Our chef also has a delectable selection of dishes such as
Classic longevity noodles, an exotic stir fry of lily bulbs and lotus root cooked in a spicy XO sauce as well as rice parcels wrapped in dainty lotus leaves.
Lobster and noodles, in this dish the succulent juices of the lobster meat will trickle onto a bed of noodles.
Steamed fresh scallops in shells with glass noodles served with soya sauce dressing and a fresh burst of spring onions and coriander.
Shredded chicken with jelly fish, a melange of unexpected flavours to form a contrasting balance. Cornfed chicken steamed and shredded, enlivened with rice wine and savoured with shredded jelly fish. Cool cucumbers and carrots sprinkled and topped with coriander.
恭喜发财 Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you all.
