From elaborate dragon dances to culinary feasts, the Lunar New Year festivities are kicking off nationwide, with Detroit and St. Louis offering a host of events to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Detroit locals can sink their teeth into a myriad of dining experiences, while St. Louis showcases its vibrant Asian community through food-centric celebrations.
For Motor City foodies, The Detroit News has highlighted must-attend events including Peterboro's Chinese New Year celebration this Saturday, featuring American-Chinese cuisine and a lion dance performance to kick off the lunar festivities. Meanwhile, Kuhnhenn Brewing Co. will pair traditional eats with craft beverages like lychee ginger mead, celebrating not just the New Year, but also the palate.
Pacific University's AANHPI clubs are opening their doors to the public with free food and entertainment on Feb. 16. In the spirit of unity and cultural exchange, a feast and performances are to be expected, highlighting the auspicious symbolism of the dragon in Asian culture.
Elsewhere in the Midwest, St. Louis is to properly throw down with a range of events, as detailed by Feast Magazine. Drunken Fish takes center stage on February 9 with its "Feast of Good Fortune," dishing out everything from sushi to Korean fried chicken in an all-you-can-eat extravaganza. On the cultural front, the Missouri History Museum will be collaborating with local Vietnamese organizations to celebrate Tết, offering attendees a glimpse into the nation’s rich traditions.
Whether you find yourself in Detroit, soaking up the flaming crackers and lion dances, or in St. Louis, indulging in some upscale sushi rolls before a gala concert, this Lunar New Year is shaping up to be a feast for the senses. Plus, with the inclusion of creative exhibitions and engaging performances, there’s a delightful fusion of gastronomy and artistry that’s bound to leave revelers enriched and, perhaps just as importantly, full.
