I am very fortunate to be living in the most wonderful building in the greatest city. This year my schedule around Chinese New Year was absolutely crazy. What with cooking classes, cooking demos, panel discussions and a guest chef event I had neglected preparations for my own family New Year dinner. The day before New Year’s Eve only four members of my family had been invited and confirmed. I was not looking forward to spending a quiet New Year’s Eve celebration with so few people. Determined to change this I turned it into a festive gathering of friends and neighbors.
The morning of New Year’s Eve I spread the word among the neighbors on our floor that we were going to have a splendid party to welcome the new year of the rabbit. I quickly went to Chinatown and provisioned enough food. Five families and three generations gathered that night and had a feast. Only in New York City one can acquire traditional and modern ingredients last minute, and summon the neighbors for a Chinese New Year celebration as if we were living in a village in China.
So here is a pictorial essay of our wonderful feast. Once again my neighbor Kim Foster of The Yummy Mummy was extremely helpful in photographing the dinner.
Family, Friends and Neighbors
Photography by Kim Foster
Photography by Kim Foster
Photography by Kim Foster
Photography by Kim Foster
Photography by Kim Foster
Photography by Kim Foster
The Menu
The Dinner
Assorted Cold Appetizers
Photography by Kim Foster
Kung Pao Shrimp and Scallop
Photography by Kim Foster
Red Cooked Pork with Cucumber Salad
Photography by Kim Foster
Serving Wisconsin Ginseng and Silky Chicken Soup
Photography by Kim Foster
Stir-Fried Beef with Cumin
Photography by Kim Foster
Soup and Beef
Photography by Kim Foster
Family Style Tofu Casserole
Photography by Kim Foster
Five Spice Braised Duck
Photography by Kim Foster
Steamed Silver Croaker
Multigrain Rice with Chinese Bacon, Bamboo Shoots and Shiitake Mushrooms
Tapioca Pearl in Coconut Milk with Taro and Sweet Potato
In the Kitchen
Kian in His Kitchen
Photography by Kim Foster
Fresh Wisconsin Ginseng and Silky Chicken
First Step of Making Braised Duck
Kian, are you going to post recipes?! I know a few already have recipes listed on this site, but I’m keen to reproduce all your dishes.
Hi Ana, I’m so glad this menu inspired you to want to learn more about the dishes. I will try to post as many recipes as I can. I often make up recipes as I cook dinners. In order for me to post them I will have to recreate and test the recipes. That normally takes a little extra time to accomplish.
I’d say it’s your neighbors who are the lucky ones! What a gorgeous feast to be invited to…
Yes, Frank, you’re right. As Kian’s neighbor, I reap all the rewards, happily. Kian is an amazing cook. So happy to have been a part of this.
It all sounds so good, Kian! And keep those recipes coming, please. I’m especially looking forward to learning how to do those multi-grain/vegetable rice dishes you have talked about. (Wasn’t there one with pumpkin, too?)
That looks great. I’d really love to have a dinner with you 🙂