Although it might not be the first thing you think of when you’re at the dinner table, snakes are symbols of reflection and growth in Chinese culture, and the Year of the Wood Snake will be ushered in starting January 29. Chinese tradition regards snakes as symbolizing wisdom and transformation, offering those who celebrate a time for personal growth and change.
The lunar new year, known as the Spring Festival in China, begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends 16 days later, when the moon is full. The dates change slightly each year due to the moon cycles, but it’s typically in late January or early February.
What better way to celebrate this holiday than by eating at (at least) one of the Chinese restaurants dotted all over our neck of the woods? These selections are a few of our favorite spots for enjoying authentic Chinese dishes in Westchester County.
Aberdeen
3 Barker Ave, White Plains; 914.288.0188Specializing in authentic Cantonese cooking and a dim-sum cart that customers say rivals those that roll in Hong Kong, this always hoppin’ bi-level eatery, located next to the White Plains Residence Inn, is the place to be this new year. This seafood-forward fave is named after the Aberdeen Harbor in Hong Kong, a fishing port lined with fish tanks of the finest quality and variety of seafood. Recommended dishes, besides dim sum, include hand-selected, steamed fresh fish, fresh fish soup, baby bok choy with salt-and-pepper shrimp, and fish and bean curd casserole.
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Goosefeather
Tarrytown House Estate, 49 E Sunnyside Ln, Tarrytown; 914.829.5454Celebrity Chef Dale Talde commemorates the new year with a few special dishes from January 29 to February 1, such as a nightly special of char siu roasted eel with eight treasure spice celery root slaw and Mooshu pancakes. Red envelopes with giveaways and “lucky” Satsuma oranges will be handed out to each guest. The mystery red envelopes could have anything inside, but some lucky guests will receive complimentary appetizers, desserts, and drinks.
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Made in Asia
111 Bedford Rd, Armonk; 914.730.3663This northerly mainstay of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, and Thai cuisine boasts simple, traditional, and delicious dishes in its voluminous menu that would be the perfect meal for the new year. Signature dishes range from Szechuan peppercorn crispy white meat chicken with julienned leek, long green pepper, bell pepper, garlic, and a spicy light sweet brown sauce to sautéed flounder filet with ginger and scallion served with sweet pea pod, shiitake mushroom, carrot, and asparagus.
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Bonus: Lunar New Year Celebration
Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave, Yonkers; 914.963.4550From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 1, the Hudson River Museum holds a day full of activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The festivities include traditional Asian arts, crafts, demonstrations, and performances that are fun for the whole family, such as a ceremonial lion dance, tai chi demonstration, and sogo-chum performance. Workshops and performances are free with general admission, but the Planetarium shows and tours of Glenview are ticketed, and it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
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