Celebrate the Year of the Dragon

Looking for luck in 2012? You'll find plenty of it here during our Chinese New Year Celebration from January 19 - 23.

It's our favorite time of year - a five-day celebration based on the traditions and customs of the most important holiday of the Chinese calendar. To honor the Year of the Dragon - known for its great enthusiasm, intensity and passion - Big Bowl is planning activities to ensure a lucky and healthy new year for all. Here are the details:

Symbolic Specials
January 19 through January 23
Executive Chef Marc Bernard presents a menu of specials inspired by the Year of the Dragon and the symbolic foods that the Chinese eat for a bountiful new year. Shrimp and chive dumplings with a fiery sauce in honor of the dragon, Cantonese style lobster for bounty and blood orange sorbet to represent the wealth of oranges will be among the choices. Expect lucky cocktails, too, such as the Red Dragon (a kid version will also be available). All guests will be greeted with spicy peanuts, an auspicious food that signifies new beginnings.
 
Good Luck Gamble
January 20
Gambling is symbolic of fortune for the New Year. In the evening, each table can take a chance by rolling the dice. Whatever number comes up will be deducted in dollars from the check (dine-in only).
 
Make Way for Dumplings
January 21, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
A complimentary cooking class on making dumplings because they represent wealth and prosperity. All participants receive a complimentary bag of dumplings. Spots fill up fast so make a reservation by calling the restaurant directly. Classes will be offered at the following locations:
 
Chicago - 6 E. Cedar St., (312) 640-8888
Lincolnshire, IL. - 215 Parkway Drive, (847) 808-8880
Edina, MN. - 3669 Galleria (952) 928-7888
Reston, VA. - 11915 Democracy Drive, (707) 787-8852
 
Happy Birthday to Me – Chinese New Year’s Eve
January 22
Part of Chinese New Year calls for acknowledging “everybody’s birthday,” a time when birth and renewal are celebrated. All guests receive a hóng bāo (lucky red envelope). Tucked inside will be a gift certificate for $10 or $25 to Big Bowl, or a card for a complimentary appetizer, dessert, housemade ginger ale or bottled Big Bowl sauce.
 
As customary in Chinese families, all children will receive a hóng bāo with a crisp $1 bill.
 
Lucky Dragon, Lucky You
January 23 - Chinese New Year’s Day
All guests born in the Year of the Dragon will receive a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée (dine-in only) on the first day of the New Year. Dragon years include 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and of course, 2012.
 
Lastly, because the Chinese believe that giving more will lead to more good luck, Big Bowl will donate up to $5,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation from the seasonal blood orange ginger ale sales. Oranges are especially significant during the new year because the color symbolizes gold while the word ‘orange’ in Chinese sounds like wealth.

Let us know your favorite part of celebrating the new year. Gong hey fat choy (Happy New Year) to all!