F: Feast and Festivals in the year of the OX

Happy Chinese New Year or more specifically Happy Year of the Ox! The OX year is a conservative year, one of traditions and values. This is not a year to be outrageous. A slow but steady year. An OX year will bring stability and growth where patience and diligence pays off. It is is a year of Harvest - when we reap what we have sown. Take care of business this year, do not let things slide.

To ring in the "Year of the Ox" The Peninsula Hotel offers unique Chinese Menus and the Celebratory Lion Dance

To start there is the Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a selection of Chinese delicacies centered on the tradition of Health, Wealth and Happiness. Your tea service includes items such as Steamed Vegetable Dumplings, Crab Pot Stickers
and Ginger Panna Cotta along with a selection of fine Asian teas. On January 26th, Afternoon Tea is accompanied by a lively musical trio featuring authentic Chinese music. So come to the Gotham Lounge from January 26th to 30th between 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Price is $55 per person.

Then there is the Chinese New Year Lunch and Dinner. Partake in an exceptional three-course prix fixe menu featuring choices such as Cantonese-style Cod with ginger, scallion and coriander soy sauce. Dessert offerings include Jasmine Tea Ice Cream with roasted chestnuts and coconut. Held in the Fives restaurant, January 26th to 30th. Price is$49 per person. For reservations, call (212) 903 3918

For those who are short on cash but want to join in The Celebratory Lion Dance makes its way throughout the Lobby of The Peninsula. January 26th, 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. The Peninsula is located at, 700 Fifth Avenue at 55th Street.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year gives us a chance to begin again and that is always a renewing F.A.C.T.