Set by the Chinese lunisolar calendar, the Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China. Every year, it starts on month 12, day 23 of that calendar, which—in 2018—happens to fall on this Friday, February 16. Celebrations last for two weeks, and every year, they pay homage to a new animal in the zodiac calendar. This Friday, China will begin their two-week-long celebrations for the “Year of the Dog,” and much like China… Miami will join in on the fun.
Read below for three places in Miami where you can celebrate the Year of the Dog. And like we say in America: “Happy New Year!”
The Setai, Miami Beach
2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.520.6000
It’s that time of year again! This Friday, the hotel’s Asian Night Bazaar will once again transport guests to the “Forbidden City” for a night. Running from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., this celebration will include an Asian-themed food marketplace in the hotel’s stunning courtyard, where attendees can indulge in food stations serving Jaya’s signature Pan-Asian cuisine. Priced at just $45 per person, enjoy Bao Buns, Dim Sum, Asian skewers, a welcome drink, one complimentary cocktail of your choice, and more. Asian Night Bazaar will start this Friday, February 16, and will continue every Friday for a limited amount of time.
Hakkasan
4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412
Chinese New Year in Miami wouldn’t be complete without a celebration at its most popular Cantonese restaurant, Hakkasan, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Here, start with a performance of the Chinese Lion Dance, an ancient Chinese tradition believed to bring good luck and fortune, at 8 p.m. at Bleau Bar. After the parade is over, move to the restaurant and indulge in a special “Year of the Dog” dinner. Priced at just $118 per person, this prix-fixe menu includes plates made with ingredients believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the New Year: like Chilean Sea Bass with a kumquat glaze, Wok-Fried Native Lobster steeped in superior stock, and Lamb Tenderloin in seaweed soy. Reservations are recommended and are available between 6 p.m and Midnight.
Villa Azur
309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with a special dinner party at Villa Azur—complete with Asian-inspired live dancers, artists, dragons, and DJs on deck. Executive Chef Philippe Ruiz has created a Chinese-inspired specials menu just for the occasion, which includes a la carte plates like Maine Lobster Dumplings with langoustine broth and emoki mushroom, Whole Steamed Rock Cod with fresh ginger and soy sauce, Crispy Duck Breast with baby bok choy and sweet-and-sour sauce, and for dessert, Mango Pudding with lime sorbet and fresh mint. Reservations are recommended and can be made for 6:30 p.m. or later. 
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor