Reveling on Chinese New Year and Mardi Gras
By Morris Gut – Don’t forget the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Goat, beginning on Sunday, Feb. 15th and of course Fat Tuesday, Feb. 17th. Here is an eclectic round-up of delectable dishes and dining venues for these food-centric celebrations. Be sure to check ahead for exact dates, times and pricing.
Aberdeen Seafood & Dim Sum: 3 Barker Ave., White Plains, 914-288-0188. In the Residence Inn, the staff told us they would be offering special New Year banquets for two weeks. You can also celebrate with a run through their popular Dim Sum, or from the regular menu. www.aberdeenwhiteplains.com.
This flavorful pan Asian menu blossoms. Owner Charlie Kao of Spring Asian Cuisine, 545 Gramatan Ave., Mt. Vernon, 914-699-2828, will be serving a variety of creative Chinese New Year’s dishes along with specialties from Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. Charlie and his staff would be pleased to help you make selections from the menu. A great party idea: Charlie offers Karaoke equipment and a stage for your group. www.springasiancuisinemountvernon@allmenus.com.
Eugene Lum of Lum Yen Chinese Restaurant, 100 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, 914-698-6881, is the second generation of his family to be operating at the corner of Boston Post Road and Mamaroneck Ave. It has been going on for over 40 years. This spot recalls those delectable memories of Cantonese-style Chinese cuisine of years ago. They are planning to serve a variety of New Year’s specialties. www.lumyen.com.
Imperial Wok Chinese & Japanese Restaurant 736 North Broadway, White Plains, 914-686-2700, will be offering an extraordinary banquet for about two weeks. There has been a lot of buzz about their tasty Szechuan selections. You can order off their regular menu as well which includes such long-time favorites. www.imperialwokwhiteplains@allmenus.com.
The Chen brothers at Oriental Palace, 480 New Rochelle Road, in the Chester Heights section of Bronxville, 914-668-8877, have a fine hand with their regional Chinese cuisine. They will be celebrating the New Year from Feb. 19th with an exciting banquet menu. The festive menu includes such specialties as: Honey Sesame Shrimp, Winter Melon Pottage with young ginger, Filet Mignon with Chinese basil; Crispy Fish with peppercorn sauce, and winter festival rice.
Mardi Gras at the Bayou: Proprietor Peter Van Cott of The Bayou Restaurant, 580 Gramatan Ave., Mt. Vernon, has been serving up the spirited sounds and flavors of Cajun country going on 23 years, and the place is still bustling and enjoyable. So if you can’t make it to New Orleans, this is the spot to revel in authentic blues and zydeco music while hunkering down to an overstuffed Po’ Boy or such house specialties as: Southern Fried Chicken, Grilled Peppered Catfish, Tender Pork Ribs Smothered in BBQ Sauce, Jazzy Jumpin’ Jambalaya served with Louisiana Anduille Sausage, Alligator Sausage, and Crawfish Tails Smothered in Rich Creole Gravy. A special Mardi Gras Bash will be held here on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 17th featuring live entertainment and a 4-course dinner. Cost is $65 per person and seating times are at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. If you just want to hang at the bar there will be a $20 cover charge. Entertainment will be provided by ‘The Crown Prince of Zydeco’ C J Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band. Reservations are definitely suggested. Phone: 914-668-2634. www.bayourestaurantny.com
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