Happy 4703! Happy Chinese New Year!

There are a few reasons why I like this new year's holiday better than the western version (Jan. 1). For one thing, the focus of the holiday seems based on nicer traditions. Sure I still drink and have fun, but I don't usually drink-drink to get drunk-drunk crazy. And that seems to be expected or the norm for New Year's Eve. Also, I think that there are too many holidays crammed into a small amount of time as it is. Relax a little, take a breather... better? Good, now celebrate again. See, ain't that nice?

Of course, then there's the fact that I like food. And I like Chinese food. (Although a fairly recent event that occurred only in my adult years.) Besides champagne, I can't recall any tasty traditional foods that are savored on New Year's Eve. Oh sure - corned beef and cabbage or black-eyed peas are some traditional foods for New Year Day. But those aren't really tasty treats in our house. So give me Chinese New Year and a fork (or chopsticks), I'm ready!

Matty and I have had trouble in the past finding any restaurants that celebrate or have festivities for this event. So this year, we decided to just run a few errands and then dine at where ever looked good. But we lucked out. We stopped at the May Dragon, where we used to lunch when we both worked in that area. Oh, joy! They are totally celebrating Chinese New Year. And with the help of a local Tai Kwan Do center, the Lion Dance is performed. (Yeah, Shannen, we thought of you. And laughed.)

So if you haven't celebrated yet and want an entertaining floor show along with dinner (but not in a dinner-and-theatre sort of way), swing by the May Dragon. I believe that the celebration and dancers continue on for a few more nights this week. (The Lion Dance is performed at 7:30 pm for one hour each night of the celebration.)

Go. Enjoy. Eat. And have a good New Year.

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