A Mommy Story

Did you know the Chinese New Year begins on February 10? It’s a little like the western New Year, only a longer celebration with no pesky resolutions to keep up with.

The Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar. The holiday begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the Lantern Festival fifteen days later. Each year is traditionally represented by one of 12 animals. This year brings the year of the Snake.

There are several celebrations going on around Columbus for this holiday, and I found out earlier this week that one of my favorite Asian restaurants will be kicking off the New Year in style. Molly Woo’s Asian Bistro (in Polaris, if you’re not familiar) will be hosting the symbolic Chinese Lion Dance on February 10 at 4pm.

The classic ritual of the Lion Dance is held to ring in the New Year and bestow good luck to those who witness it. What should you expect? Colorful costumes, dancing, drumbeats and cymbals are all part of the festive event. It’s family friendly and a fun way to introduce kids to Chinese culture.

There will be special dishes served only during the Chinese New Year festivities, and anyone born in the year of the Snake can show ID and get a coupon for a free appetizer on their next visit. (Not me, sadly. I was born in the year of the Dragon. But Aaron can get one!)

If you haven’t been to Molly Woo’s, this is a great time to go. I highly recommend the Honey Chicken and the Szechwan Green Beans, but really, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. They even have a gluten-free menu for those who can’t have gluten, like my poor husband.

Giveaway!

Want to check out Molly Woo’s yourself (or just visit again)? I’ve got a $25 gift card to Molly Woo’s to give away to one reader. Please be aware that there is only one Molly Woo’s restaurant and it’s here in Columbus. Unless you’re willing to travel here, those from outside the area might not want to enter.

How to enter: leave me a comment below telling me what Chinese animal represents your birth year. Not sure of the Chinese zodiac? You can find guide here. One comment per person, and please make sure I have a way to contact you if you’re selected as the winner.

This is a short-running giveaway! Entries will be accepted until Monday, February 11 at noon ET. One winner will be randomly selected shortly after the entries close so your gift card can reach you as soon as possible. You should still have time to visit during the Chinese New Year celebrations, although the gift card has no expiration so you can go at a later date as well.

Good luck, and good eating!

Full disclosure: I was provided with a Molly Woo’s gift card for this giveaway as well as a matching one for myself. All opinions expressed here are my own, including my love for any bright, loud celebrations.