The Year of the Rabbit: Chinese New Year at The Peninsula Chicago
May this New Year be one that is abundant not only with wealth but also with wonderful memories ❤️ Not only is this month the start of 2023, but January also brings the start of a new year in the Lunar Calendar, and with that comes the celebration of Chinese New Year! On January 22, The Year of the Rabbit will begin, and no one will be celebrating this new start quite like the team at The Peninsula Chicago {108 East Superior Street, Chicago; 312.337.2888}
We spoke to Mr. Andrea Azara, Executive Assistant Manager, Food & Beverage at The Peninsula Chicago to learn more. He oversees all the hotel’s food and beverage operations including their three restaurants and bar (Shanghai Terrace, The Lobby, Pierrot Gourmet, and Z Bar) so he’s at the heart of many of the hotel’s celebrations for this New Year! Here’s what we can expect from The Year of the Rabbit at The Peninsula…
DI4W: What is Chinese New Year and why does The Peninsula Chicago celebrate this holiday especially?
Azara: The Chinese New Year coincides with the lunar calendar. On the lunar calendar, the first day of the month begins during the new moon. Because of this, the Chinese New Year falls on different dates each year. The Chinese Zodiac is a repeating 12-year cycle of animal signs based on the lunar calendar. 2023 is The Year of the Rabbit. Rabbits represent longevity, discretion, and good luck.
Since The Peninsula Hotels are based in Hong Kong and is Asia’s oldest luxury hospitality brand, The Peninsula Hotels worldwide celebrate our Chinese heritage. At every Peninsula Hotel entrance, two Chinese guardian lions grace the front entrance and protect all who enter.
How is The Peninsula Chicago celebrating Chinese New Year this year in Shanghai Terrace?
At Shanghai Terrace from Friday, January 20 through Sunday, January 22, guests can toast with a cocktail, ‘Yellow Earth,’ featuring chili and goji berry-infused Grey Goose vodka, mandarin clementine, lime, and grapefruit bitters. Then you can indulge in a six-course Chinese menu of authentic favorites. The menu features a Shanghai Terrace appetizer trio, followed by Chrysanthemum Fish, Steamed Tiger Prawn, Beef Tenderloin, Spicy Chicken in Pineapple Sauce, and ends with Mandarin Orange Cheesecake. Reservations via OpenTable or by calling 312.337. 2888.
Any other celebrations taking place at The Peninsula Chicago for Chinese New Year?
A special Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea will be served at 2:30PM and 4:30PM in The Lobby on Friday, January 20 through Sunday, January 22. The menu features a distinctively festive flavor including traditional Chinese fare. Reservations for Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea can be made via TOCK.
On Saturday, January 21, a traditional lion dance will commence at 3:00PM at The Peninsula Chicago’s front entrance while loud drumbeats and strong cymbal crashes scare away evil spirits. The lion troupe will then make its way through the tables in The Lobby during Afternoon Tea at approximately 3:15PM. A child will be invited to “feed” lettuce to the lion, representing good luck for the coming year.
The Peninsula Chicago will also be adorned with red lanterns and festive décor throughout the hotel. The color red represents joy and luck in Chinese culture, and so the hotel’s facade will be illuminated in red and The Lobby will be decked with red flowers and tangerine trees, representing good fortune.
What is next for The Peninsula Chicago?
In February, the hotel will celebrate Valentine’s Day with special romantic dinners in Shanghai Terrace and The Lobby, as well as wonderful getaway offers, including the Celebrate Romance package. The hotel was just named “Most Romantic Hotel in Chicago” by USA Today, for the second consecutive year, so we must know a little something about romance! ;)