Ring in the Year of the Horse by acting like a horse and travel. There are a number of eateries and cultural spots in AsiaTown and in the area participating in the festivities. Some places are just worth checking out.
Giddy-yup, horsey.
Asian Town Center: The Asian mall hosts its Lunar New Year Celebration 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The mall is also home to the Asia Food Co., which redefines “eye candy” with its colorful packages of treats.
Asian Wok, 24389 Detroit Road, Westlake, 440-871-0880: This old-school spot does standard-fare dishes to go with a cozy vibe, a fireplace and an “Exotic Oriental Cocktails” list full of tiki elixirs. Yes, the AW serves a Tokyo Rose, Blue Hawaii, Fog Cutter, Headhunter and others. But, man, check out The Lover’s Volcano – a volcano-shaped bowl filled with rums, flavored brandies and fruit juices.
Bo Loong: The Chinese restaurant, 3922 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, will host a lion dance at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2.
Dragon Gate, 6681 West 130th St., Parma, 440-743-0800: The old-school eatery will host the Kwans at 11:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, and at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16.
East 30th Café, in Asia Plaza, 2999 Payne Ave., Cleveland: The Asia Plaza eatery will celebrate the New Year at 6:30 p.m. Thursday Jan. 30; 6:30 p.m. Friday Jan. 31; 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9.
Emperor’s Palace, 2136 Rockwell Ave., Cleveland, 216-861-9999: The recent addition to AsiaTown is reclaiming the heart of old Chinatown. The menu is elaborate, but the decor outdoes that — Emperor’s Palace looks like an opulent Chinese Versailles, with chandeliers, red-and-gold decor and ornamental woodwork and elaborate windows.
