Did you think your New Year's celebrations were over? Hope you can still find that annoying noisemaker thingy, because January 26 is the beginning of the Year of the Ox. What better way to ring in the Chinese New Year by feasting on some of your favorite Chinese cuisines? The following places offer some of the best specials and Chinese New Year-themed menus in the city (sorry, foodies - none of these menus appear to feature ox).
Opera
For five weeks, this gorgeous and bustling Chinatown restaurant is giving diners a chance to discover and try five different regional culinary traditions that make up Opera's menu. It starts with its Beijing-centric menu (January 26-February 1) and ends with an exploration of Hainan-inspired foods (February 23-March 1). Along the way, taste the eclectic and varied flavors of Schezwan (February 2-8), Canton (February 9-5) and Shanghai cuisine (February 16-22).
Chen's Mandarin Szechwan Cuisine and Koi
At Chen's in Wrigleyville and Koi in Evanston, dishes are carefully chosen and served for their symbolic meanings. For example, the "Good Luck" menu, served from January 23 to February 1, includes seafood pan-fried noodles. Noodles are said to bring long life in the New Year, while whole fish in sweet and sour sauce symbolizes togetherness and abundance. Other Chinese New Year-inspired dishes include beef with bamboo shoots ($11.95) and lychee chicken ($12); chicken is said to bring prosperity, while lychee nuts strengthen family bonds. On January 24, guests will be treated to a special performance by a Chinese Lion Dancer at 7 p.m. at Koi and 9 p.m. at Chen's.
Karma
Executive Chef Robert Packer has designed a special symbolic menu to celebrate the Year of the Ox. From crispy fried pork won-ton (prosperity) to lobster in sweet and spicy sauce (happiness) to tangerine creme brulee (luck), Karma will satisfy both your appetite and your soul.
Ben Pao
From January 23 to 31, the restaurant will offer a number of symbolic specials, including "long life" noodles and "good luck" chicken salad. At 7 p.m. on the 23rd and 24th, there will be special lion dance performances and a ceremony courtesy of the Chicago Dragons Association. There will also be a traditional Chinese New Year banquet at 5 p.m. on January 25. From January 23 to 25 at dinner, and on January 26 at lunch and dinner, guests will receive complimentary gift certificates.
Bonus: You can enjoy a 15-percent discount on dinner at any of the following restaurants from January 15-February 13, courtesy of the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. Visit chicagochinatown.org to print your coupon.
Dragon Court
Evergreen
Hing Kee
House of Fortune
Kam Fung
Lee Wing Wah
Lao Shanghai
Lao Beijing
Three Happiness
Won Kow
Furama
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