Ringing in the Lunar New Year

Happy Chinese New Year! Say good-bye to the Year of the Tiger and hello to the Year of the Golden Rabbit. According to the Chinese zodiac, the Golden Rabbit is a very lucky sign. Unlike tigers, rabbits are by nature more introverted and not predatory which is a good thing because in 2010 we did feel a little bit hunted by the dismal economy, the cost of living, two wars…it’s a welcome relief to jump into the rabbit hole.

Our Chinese friends tell us that the Year of the Rabbit is just what we need for our frazzled nerves. This is not the year to push for what you want, but to negotiate if you want to really see results. During the Year of the Rabbit the focus is on family, home, and relationships. In fact, our friends further informed us that the rabbit is a symbol of the moon and, therefore, the Year of the Rabbit is the time to wish for what you want and you’ll very likely have your wish granted. On the nights of a full moon, go outside, look at the moon, and make your wish. Let About Town know if any of your wishes are granted.

Fort Lee is a great town to celebrate the Chinese New Year. If you want to celebrate by eating out, Silver Pond on Main Street across from the Post Office has been in Fort Lee for well over 20 years and still provides a menu that is authentic, fresh and dependable. I mean “dependable” in the best way. About Town has never been disappointed when dining at Silver Pond. In fact, Silver Pond offers one of the best Dim Sum menus. If you like good Dim Sum, this is the place to go. Walking through the doors is like stepping out of Fort Lee and into a restaurant in Hong Kong. Silver Pond is a very popular place to be on Chinese New Year, so call ahead for reservations.  The last time we were there they only took cash or American Express.

Another great authentic Chinese Food Restaurant in Fort Lee is Sally Ling’s which is located in a strip mall at 1636 Palisade Ave. It’s actually the corner restaurant closest to the Parker Avenue entrance to the parking lot. Whereas the service is admittedly abrupt and can often seem unfriendly at Silver Pond, the service at Sally Ling’s is very attentive and friendly. They are eager to accommodate all of your dining needs. The food is incredibly fresh and tastes like you made it at home if you could cook like that.  And Sally herself is one of the most gracious hostesses. You will often find her visiting the tables to make sure your dining experience is a good one. Also, if you like tea, Sally Ling’s offers an extensive selection of teas prepared in a variety of unique and tasty ways both hot and cold.

If your mind is more focused on Super Bowl Sunday and wondering how you’re going to feed all those people your significant other invited over, then you still have time to place your order at Fairway. Fairway does a great job with their Super Bowl Sunday catering so why stress when they can handle it for you?

If you still want to cook for the hungry masses on your own, Whole Foods in Paramus at the Bergen Town Center (formerly the Bergen Mall) is offering a “Tailgate Tasting” tonight from 5pm-7pm. Here’s your chance to taste classic game day favorites and pick up a few while you’re there. You’ll also have the opportunity to vote for the best pairing at each tasting station and be entered for a chance to win a cold cut platter for game day.     

If the Year of the Rabbit has you in a bookish mood, the Fort Lee Library Book Club is reading Lazy B: Growing Up on a Cattle Ranch in the American Southwest by Sandra Day O’Connor and H. Alan West. They’re scheduled to meet at 2pm on Wednesday, February 16^th in the second floor meeting room.

Whatever your plans, Happy New Year and may you have a year in which all of your wishes come true. Just remember to look up at the moon.