It’s Chinese New Year and according to the zodiac, it’s the year of the sheep. Astrology.com (the most reputable source for all things pseudoscientific) tells us that if you’re a sheep, you’re going to be feeling a lot of feelings this year. The first feeling? How about hunger? Here’s where you can eat up and feel right tonight:

Xiao Bao Biscuit has a Year of the Sheep menu complete with Hong Shao Rou — supposedly one of the late Chairman Mao’s favorite dishes — made from red braised pork belly and green garlic for $10. 

Over at Aya Cookhouse in Mt. P., Tony and Kelly Chu will be dishing up food to honor the classic Chinese traditions. “The Chinese New Year places a specific emphasis on the past, present, and future. We are to remember our past and make modifications to the present to make the future as wonderful as possible,” the Chus write in an email. “It is about replenishing and rejuvenating our homes and ourselves. We do this by sharing our wealth. Within our families, we share money and fruit to help bring in the New Year on a positive note.” This evening’s menu includes the following:

  • Steamed carrot buns with sesame seeds and a soy chili dipping sauce
  • Tempura battered mushrooms served like fries with a wasabi aioli
  • Whole baked black bass with a miso carrot butter glaze 
  • Eight treasure duck – rice, red dates, dried shrimp, mushrooms, nuts, ham, and Chinese sausage. 
  • Lionshead meatballs (beef) served with a ginger demi-glaze 
  • Chicken and noodle soup, carrots, scallions, and corn

Red Orchids, also owned by the Chus, will have a Chinese pot roast cooked in a peppercorn gravy tonight for $23.59.

And at Lee Lee’s Hot Kitchen today marks not only Chinese New Year, but also the restaurant’s one-year anniversary. To celebrate, owner Lily Lei will be serving plates to represent a way to bring in luck and wealth for the new year. A 10-vegetable dish called xi xian cai that’s been in Lei’s family for several generations will be served and symbolizes “a perfect life.” Lee Lee’s will also have dancing lions, firecrackers, drink specials, and other festive Chinese flare on hand. All items will be available a la carte.

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