From Thursday, February 2 through Wednesday, February 9, Fontainebleau Miami Beach's Hakkasan will be celebrating the Chinese New Year by offering five specialty dishes along with the regular a la carte Cantonese menu. The big shebang takes place on Saturday, February 5, when a live lion dance takes place in the dining room. This is not performed by lions, but rather by local Kung Fu experts (and apparently the Kung Fu exhibition will be staged by dancers). The lion dance traditionally includes jumps and dazzling acrobatic maneuvers accompanied by drum, gong, and cymbal players. It is said to ward off evil spirits and to bring luck, prosperity, and longevity in the New Year.
You would think they might consider a rabbit dance as this is the year of that particular critter (sandwiched between Year of the Tiger and Year of the Dragon). On the other hand, it makes sense that rabbit isn't being offered on the menu of specialty items -- that would hardly be a way to honor the animal. Instead, the menu additions will be wok-fried lobster; baked "Fortune" chicken; braised dried oyster; stewed pork shank; and wok-fried glutinous rice.
Reservations are suggested for any of the evenings, but particularly the night of the lion dance. You can make them by calling 1-877-326-7412.
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