Chinese New Year dining
Friday - February 01, 2008
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I think of it as one of the cruel ironies of the food world that as soon as one gets through a successful month of eating well and shedding pounds after the excesses of December, February brings not one, but three occasions where eating is key. Chinese New Year, Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day are all occasions where food is center stage.
Here’s a quick look at some of the tastiest Chinese dining.
Kung Hee Fat Choy!
Hee Hing Restaurant
449 Kapahulu Ave.
735-5544
James Lee and his family have been a part of the Honolulu dining scene for decades, and for many families, New Year tradition begins here. “We’ve seen generations of families grow up and return each year to our restaurant,” says Lee, “and we’re always happy to welcome new customers to celebrate this special time with us.”
At Hee Hing, celebrations will be held on both Wednesday, Feb. 6, and Thursday, Feb. 7, beginning with a traditional lion dance at 6:30 p.m. The Year of the Rat dinner buffet will be served Thursday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Highlights are Chinese salad and appetizer station, carving station, and entrees which include jai, steamed clams, seafood black bean sauce, garlic ginger crab legs, beef brisket with lotus root, stuffed duck and Mongolian beef.
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Wah Kung Chinese Restaurant
1151 Mapunapuna St.
(99 Ranch Market, mauka side)
833-0880
If you’re near Mapunapuna, there’s no question where you should go to celebrate Chinese New Year, although you’d better call to make a reservation, as this is one of the busiest Chinese restaurants on the island. In the more-than-capable hands of Celina Gum,Yun-Hung Yeung and Sui-Man Leung, Wah Kung serves undoubtedly some of the best, traditional-with-a-local-twist Chinese food in town. Regulars love the noodles, soups and specialty dishes that include flavorful clams with black bean sauce, roast duck with plum sauce, scallop soup, minute chicken and cake noodles, and Chinese chicken salad. Prices are very reasonable, and portions are large.
Seafood Village
Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa
Street Level
971-1818
Known for its lavish family-style dinners and for excellent lunch and dinner value-priced meals, Seafood Village will begin its lion dance at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, and will follow the performance with a special dinner menu. As part of restaurant’s ongoing dinner specials, there’s a nine-course menu that features cold cuts of pork loin, Thai-style fish filets, poached chicken with special sauces and live Maine lobster for just $28.88 per person.
Advance reservations are always a good idea at this popular Waikiki spot, and for Chinese New Year they’re essential.
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Hong Kong Harbor View Seafood Restaurant
Aloha Tower Marketplace
586-9989
With a dedicated and talented team offering everything from elegant dim sum to creative spins on traditional dishes, Hong Kong Harbor View has more to offer than just a great view.
“Our menu reflects the talent of our chefs, ” says owner Li May Tang. The Year of The Rat festivities commence with lively and loud lion dancing at 7 p.m., followed by a menu that includes deep-fried scallop balls, crab meat and tofu soup, Peking duck, live Maine lobster, fresh, locally farmed prawns with coconut and dry garlic, steamed fish and chef’s special Thai-style tenderloin of beef with curry sauce.
If you’re a gau fan, there’s none better than the one at Hong Kong Harbor View.
Au’s Garden Chinese Restaurant
1350 Mookaula St.
845-6213
If you’re looking for dishes like cold ginger chicken and a restaurant with mom-and-pop appeal, then head to Au’s Garden Chinese Restaurant. The unpretentious menu speaks volumes about this family-run restaurant with a reputation for consistently good food. Owners Kanchang and Yuet Ngai took over the restaurant about 18 months ago. “We have a special New Year menu,” says daughter Bonnie, “but people can order from the regular menu or special order pretty much anything they’d like.”
The set menu is just $128 for 10 and includes scallop soup, Chinese chicken salad, walnut shrimp, beef with broccoli, roast duck, Hong Kong-style crisp fried chicken, black mushroom with vegetable chow mein and steamed rice.
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