Celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year (or Tet) in Southern California

Ever since having a child, I've realized how important preserving my cultural traditions are so this year, I thought I would share how my family usually celebrates Chinese New Year. We're part of the Chinese who fled China into Vietnam when the communists came to China and then fled Vietnam when the communists took over Vietnam so many of our traditions reflect both Chinese and Vietnamese and Buddhist custom.

Leading up to the Lunar New Year

Cleaning the house. Since sweeping on the first day of the new year is not allowed, and many will likely have visitors during the first days of the new year, everyone spends the days leading up to Lunar New Year's Eve cleaning their homes. This is basically the Chinese version of spring cleaning.

Preparing the altar.  This is part of cleaning the house but it's so much more. All year round, we're lighting incense on the altar to pay respect to ancestors and Buddha and Bodhisattvas and often they get dusty with the ashes. Before the new year, the altar must be cleaned and prepared for the abundant offerings for the near year. Usually the offerings include lots of fruit, a Tray of Togetherness (dried fuits and nuts), a sticky rice tamale filled with various savory goodies, and many goodies you can only get during the new year. 

Buying flowers. Flowers are such a huge part of the new year. If you live in a densely Chinese or Vietnamese populated area, you might see floral shops filled with branches of peach, plum or forsynthia branches that bloom beautifully or orchids, chrysanthemums and peonies. Flowers are a must during the new year festivities.

Getting groomed. Everyone flocks to get their hair cut and ready since it is bad luck to get a haircut during the new year and in China, the new year period lasts 15 days!

Buying new clothes. Along with getting our hair done, looking ones best in new clothing, preferably in red, is typical. New year, new threads. In red for good luck. Ya dig?

Decorating with lanterns and posters. When I was a kid, I remember making paper lanterns in school to celebrate Chinese New Year. As I got older and the Chinese design, manufacturing and importing become more sophisticated, I noticed that the lantern game really on point. All the decor items are blinged out in gold sparkles and Chinese characters for happiness and prosperity making everything so much more festive.

Cooking. The particularly talented, like my aunt, spend days coming up to the new year cooking the goodies mentioned before. Though currently I buy all the food or receive it as gifts, I'd like to learn how to make some of the traditional foods in the future. But I always seem to be so busy cleaning right up until 11pm, when I have to hop in the shower before midnight strikes!

Washing hair. Among the long list of superstitions related to the New Year, not washing one's hair is a big one. Washing one's hair during on the first of the year is like washing away the luck of the new year. I hop in the shower right before midnight so I don't have to worry about washing my hair until after the first of the new year.

Opening the windows and doors. At midnight, to let the good luck of the new year in, we open our doors and windows. It's actually quite refreshing because it pushes all the stale air out of the house and leaving a fresh energy.

On the New Year
Family Gatherings. Many families get together on New Year's Eve. In the US, because we all have to work during the weekdays, many families put off the large get togethers for before or after the new year. No matter what day, this is a major holiday where extended family comes together from far and wide, kind of like Christmas or Thanksgiving for Americans.

Taking the day off work. In China, everything shuts down for 2 weeks for the New Year celebration. One might argue it's the only vacation many Chinese get. But in the US, if you're lucky enough to be able to take the day off, many people do.

Behaving well. It's most important to have a harmonious day that isn't filled with anger, fighting or negativity as the first day of the year sets the tone for the rest of the year. Children are told to mind their manners and everyone is on their best behavior.

Visiting the temple. For those who are Buddhist, we try to head to the temple where we get our zodiac predictions for the year, light incense and think of our purpose for the coming year, shake sticks for guidance, support the temple and have a vegetarian meal. Many lay Buddhists only eat vegetarian food on the first day of the year.

Red envelopes. Adults, defined as those who are married, give those who are younger and unmarried red envelopes filled with money after a greeting of "Gung Hay Fat Choy" which means "Best wishes and Congratulations. Have a prosperous and good year." Some places decorate their trees or blossom branches with hanging red envelopes, some also filled with money, others filled with candy.  This is what the children really look forward to.

Gambling. Since many people have red envelopes and are cash flush, there are many popular games of chance played from old to young. I'm not a big supporter of this tradition as I believe it is the reason that the Chinese and Vietnamese community have such problems with gambling addictions but I am often told to hush and stop being a debbie downer.

Food. I could get into the food in detail, but as I mentioned, I eat only vegetarian food on the first day of the year. I do usually get a noodle dish in (for longevity) and have Buddha's food (a delicious medley of vegetables and tofu) and egg rolls (the temples make perfectly crispy ones) but this is a great list of non-vegetarian foods.

Lunar New Year Festivals and Parades. Growing up in Southern California, there was only one New Year Festival and it was in Chinatown. Now, with many booming Chinese and Vietnamese communities, there are festivals and parades all over Southern California where attendees can watch Lion Dances, see the firecrackers and immerse themselves in celebrations so populated, they might feel they are actually in Asia. Even amusement parks like Disney's California Adventure and Universal Studios have opened up Lunar New Year celebrations that are a little more American friendly.

Where are some authentic places you can go in Los Angeles and Orange County for the Lunar New Year 2015?  Here are some suggestions!

The Golden Dragon Parade and Chinese New Year Festival
Central & West Plazas
943-951 N. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90012
www.lagoldendragonparade.com
February 21, 2015


Alhambra Lunar New Year Celebration
Valley Blvd. from Garfield Ave. to Almansor St.
www.alhambranewyearfestival.com
February 21, 2015

UVSA Tet Festival
OC Fair & Event Center
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
www.tetfestival.org
February 20-22, 2015

Little Saigon Tet Parade
Bolsa Ave., Main Stage at Magnolia St.
Hanoi Plaza
Garden Grove, CA
www.tetparade.org/
February 21, 2015

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The Outlets at Orange

 It used to be that one of the rare places to score a Marc Jacobs at outlet prices, anywhere near Southern California, was a drive to the Nevada State Line outlets. Then, sometime in the past decade, The Block at Orange became the Outlets at Orange and up popped a Saks Off 5th and a Neiman Marcus Last Call. 

Thank goodness because I just can't make that drive like I used to! When I was invited to the Outlets at Orange Tweetup, I gathered my posse, which now consists of my 13 month old, my mom and my sister and we went to see what OAO had to offer.

The main event consisted of a mixer in front of the AMC theater where we tried appetizers and drinks from a few of the OAO eateries, saw numerous fall looks from the various retailers. As a special treat, a local fashion school was challenged with creating a dress made from the bags available at the outlet stores. 

Here are a few of my favorite Outlets at Orange offerings:

Neiman Marcus Last Call

Last Call has a huge, almost overwhelming, selection of clothes, household goods and accessories. A huge selection of classic fashions that will be wearable season after season. They had an impressive selection of Diane Von Furstenburg and Herve Leger, which I will definitely be revisiting when Project Get Fit is a success. (Not an official project, just what I like to call my health efforts in my head.)

Here are a few of my finds: Quilted gold toe flats are perfect for holiday parties and office wear. This leather motorcycle jacket by Vakko Leather has non-leather inlays on the sleeves and the sides making it more breathable than the typical leather jacket and more forgiving with holiday weight gain. Drink dispensers and silver tierred platters are perfect for holiday entertaining. Quilted sweaters and woven leather clutches are perfect for casual but luxe fall dress. 

Cafe Tu Tu Tango

This has been one of my favorite restaurants at the Outlets at Orange since it was called the Block at Orange. I celebrated birthdays and had my fair share of sangria at this wonderful gem. Imagine my delight when the #OAOTweetup featured Cafe Tu Tu Tango's wonderful sangria! They also had their beef skewers, which, quite obviously, my little one loved. 

Before: Beef Skewers.

After: Toddler demolished.

Market Broiler

There is only so much shopping, cocktails and appetizers I can handle before I need an actual meal. You'd think the appetizers were enough to fill us up but really, they just really whet our appetites. I know, #firstworldproblems

But what's a gal to do when watching her weight and looking for a family friendly establishment? Enter Market Broiler with their delicious fresh baked sourdough, kid friendly offerings and healthy options. The #OAOTweeup goodie bags included a coupon for a free appetizer so we ended up returning this generosity by ordering everything that caught our eyes. We tried everything from the Mahi Mahi to the trout, calamari, steak, shrimp and salmon. The service was terrific and the waitstaff was Oh. So. Understanding.

I cannot express how important that is when dealing with a very active toddler. Thank you Market Broiler, you shall see me again.

Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth

The idea of discounted Marc Jacobs, Jimmy Choos, Calvin Klein, Rebecca Minkoff and Sperry makes me weak in the knees. Literally, I was floored at the number of high end designer labels that exist in this store to the extent that I just started shouting out labels to my mom. She was understandably confused.

Hands down, Saks has the best selection of designer handbags. When other stores talk about their designer handbags, they almost never mean the designers that Saks has. It is unreal.

Here are a few of my finds for this fall:

Calvin Klein houndstooth coat to go from the office to date night without missing a stylish beat. Metallic Jimmy Choo stilettos because despite my mommy life, I still associate my most memorable nights on the town to a pair of unnecessarily high heels in an eye catching design. Those who know preppy casual know that Sperry Top-Siders are the end all be all of weekend footwear. This is the sneaker alternative for the 1%. And of course, purse after swoon worthy purse, Saks delivers the handbag goods.

Now excuse me, I'm just going to go and drop some hints to my husband about what I might want for Christmas.

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Creamistry in Cerritos, CA

My little suburb has quickly become a southern California food destination where the latest and greatest in food innovations can be had in a couple of square miles.

Creamistry, a customizable made fresh with nitrogen ice cream shop, had a soft opening right around my son's first birthday. Naturally, his first bite of ice cream was going to come from this event.

Let's talk about how to order. Anyone who has ever been to Cold Stone creamery is likely familiar with the idea of making one's own ice cream flavor. First, pick a size. Second, pick a base. Then, pick the mix in and toppings. You can even make a float, ice cream sandwich, sake, whatever.

Now, many people might experience sticker shock when they see the prices on the cups. I have to bring this up because the comments on the price in the store were audible, despite the fact that it didn't stop anyone from actually ordering.  I'd like to say that you get a lot of ice cream for the price. You don't. What you get is extremely fresh ice cream, made to your flavor specifications with high end ingredients. And a reminder that ice cream is a sometimes food.

At Creamistry, there's a choice of 4 different base types. Original or Signature Premium, as they like to call it (very creamy), organic (less creamy but non-GMO), fruit sorbet (real fruit, no dairy) and wait for it... Dole. Yes, as in the same Dole that tastes exactly what goes into a Dole Whip Float at Disneyland. It's like Disney food without an entertaining way to walk off the calories.

This is where the signage is a little confusing. The creamy and nutty flavors can only be had with the Signature Premium or Organic base. The fruit flavors can be had in Signature Premium, Organic or Sorbet base. These bases are only the flavor listed and do not include any mix-ins. For isntance, the Captain Crunch base only tastes like Captain Crunch cereal but does not actually have crunchies in it... yet.

Then, for $1 each mix in or topping more, the ice cream creations begin. You can have Captain Crunch in your Captain Crunch so that you can crunch while you captain your ice cream experience. If you're more of a skipper type, there are combinations that you can just order without having to make those pesky toppings decisions.

I should also note that this method of nitrogen freezing ice cream really keeps the mix-ins crunchy, unlike premade ice cream where the mix-ins have melded and softened. Like with Oreos, or the aforementioned cereal.

I took a video to share with ya'll because the dry ice smoke is what puts the -istry in Creamistry. There is glass between the "lab" and the customers but right by the nitrogen mixers, there are gaps between the counter and the glass so that every time a mixer gets opened, the fog drifts out of the bowl, past the glass and over the counter. It is a very cool visual effect.


It was so impressive that I felt for sure the ice cream would not be good because it looked like a huge gimmick. The ice cream, however, was surprisingly good. The vanilla was among the best I had ever had (and the best my son had ever had since he's never had any ice cream before), the Dole pinapple sorbet was as good if not better than the Dole whip found next to the Tiki Room and the coffee was just perfect.

This is definitely better than Cold Stone as the ice cream stayed extremely cold for a long period of time without being hard, while Cold Stone's ice cream is always instantaneously mushy because it's been pulverized while the mix-ins are added.

It is on par with homemade ice cream, in a fraction of the time, without having to buy all the ingredients. Even with the long lines and the long wait for the orders to be completed, it's still faster than making my own.

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Solvang in November

Ranch and Reata Roadhouse

DH and I go to Solvang a few times a year because his mom and stepdad have a part time residence in the area. Usually, we hang out at the house, go for a walk in the neighborhood and watch the deer as they stroll through the backyard.  Maybe stop at a cute store or restaurant they've found and just enjoy life. 

This past weekend, we were lucky enough to be in town during the Santa Ynez Vaquero Days and Sherry Musgrove's Holiday boutique. We also found a cute little wine lounge called Viking Garden Cellars.

Santa Ynez, CA

Ranch & Reata Roadhouse
3569 Sagunto St.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 691-9663

This adorable little restaurant was home to the first full service restaurant the Hosh (DH, a new nickname I'm trying out) and I have been to since Baby Buckshot was born. They were pretty busy because of the Vaquero Show but they got the food out pretty quickly.  The restaurant was loud enough that a crying baby that was quickly removed from the dining room wouldn't bother too many people.

The restaurant is updated Western, obviously made for the nightlife.  There's a stage setup for musical performances.  I was also told that a radio show used to be broadcasted out of a recording room in the corner of the space. 

Gorgeous Tiled and Hided Ceiling at R&R

Our table ordered pulled pork nachos, burgers and I had a Wyoming elk burger.  It is the only restaurant I've ever been to that perfectly cooked elk so that it was better than beef!  The nachos were big enough for 3 people and the pulled pork was delicious. They also make a mean truffled french fry with Figueroa Danish Red on the draft menu.  


Santa Ynez Vaquero Days
3596 Sagunto St.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-7889

We didn't actually see the Vaquero show but I felt the need to mention it because it's a big deal in Santa Ynez which is basically set up to look like a Western town.  

Thanksgiving Goods at the Holiday Boutique

It lasts the whole weekend and includes a sale of cowboy goods, a Gala dinner with live auction to raise funds for the Historical Museum, lots of demonstrations and live musical entertainment. They've been presenting Vaquero Days for 29 years! 

The perfect weekend for cowboy fanatics. 


Sherry Musgrove's Holiday Boutique

3992 Roblar Ave. 
Santa Ynez, CA 93460

Christmas Goodies at Sherry's

This Holiday is one of the main reasons we came to Solvang this weekend.  Located in Santa Ynez, Sherry Musgrove opens her home to the public to showcase handmade crafts, culinary delights, ranch style wares and a variety of Thanksgiving and Holiday crafts.  Some items are made by Sherry herself, while other items are made by local crafters and vendors.

The real star of the show is Sherry Musgrove's amazing house.  It's what you would imagine Walt Disney creating if he wanted a California Ranch Home.  From the adobe clay style kitchen made for entertaining to the native California themed architecture, this property is simply amazing.

We picked up a boot spur door knocker for the Hosh's parents and had some delicious homemade gingersnaps.  Great pricing for a craft fair.

Viking Garden Cellars (VGC)

Viking Garden Cellars

448 Alisal Rd.Ste E
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-2670

The Hosh and I passed at sign on the way from Vinhus to our car that said "Wine Lounge" in front of a path that led to a well hidden storefront.   High off the first outing sans Baby Buckshot since his birth, I said "Let's stop in and see if we can pick up some Christmas gifts."

This space is fairly large with indoor and outdoor seating.  The bar has both beer and wine offerings.  It's important to note that they flush their beer lines regularly, something most bars and restaurants do not do, according to Brad the resident Wine Guy.  The Hosh had a red wine flight while I ordered a pint of the Figueroa Danish Red.  I keep mentioning this beer because it is SO good. I had it for the first time at Ranch & Reata and couldn't pass it up when I saw it at VGC.  Review is coming.

Beer List includes Figueroa Danish Red

They work in collaboration with local restaurants to do beer paired dinners.  They host local entertainment nights that include BBQ dinners.  Seemingly part of the local night scene which was previously on the quiet side.

The wine flights are $12, a deal comparable to the tasting rooms along the same street.  The highlight was a 2009 Prodigal Close Pepe Pinot Noir at the phenomenal bottle price. Christmas gifts were purchased.

Brad, the eccentric barkeep, was also extremely entertaining and has an obvious love of the crushed grape.  This place is a great laid back lounge spot with a more modern feel amongst a street of more stuffy and traditional taste-and-go wine rooms.

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Disney's California Adventure: Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop and Corndog Castle

Somehow, every time I plan on going to Disneyland, I end up going to Disney's California Adventure instead.  DCA doesn't have the same magical ambiance or soul soothing nostalgia that Disneyland does but it does have cocktails, wine, hotlink corn dogs and now, a Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop.

If you haven't been to DCA in the past year, you are missing an amazing renovation that converted the previous ho-hum entrance to a time machine directly to Burbank in the 1920s. The recreation of Buena Vista street is done in a Spanish Colonial Revival style that does actually does evoke a sense of Disney history previously lacking from the former named Sunshine Plaza.

But my focus during this DCA trip was to enjoy a treat from Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop and a hotlink corn dog at Corndog Castle.  I'm pregnant, don't judge me.


Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop

Now, I've been to Ghiradelli shops twice in my life.  Once in San Francisco and once in Las Vegas.  In neither place was I given a free sample of Ghiradelli just for entering the store so I automatically put this Anaheim based shop at the top of Ghiradelli establishments.

Can I just say that this is also a great upgrade from the original Mission Tortilla Factory that occupied this space.  Chocolate sample > Tortilla sample, in my opinion.  Even if you got a full free package of tortillas on your birthday, I still think Ghiradelli is superior and more San Francisco Wharf appropriate.

The menu at this little shop consists mainly of various sundaes, malts, shakes, floats, chocolate baked goods, chocolate treats, chocolate drinks and specialty coffees.

I was hoping that there would be chocolate sodas, egg creams and other old school soda fountain beverages as the name would imply they had, but no.  At least, not on the menu I read.

I settled on a Lemon Fizz (lemon sorbet, club soda and sliced strawberries) which is basically a strawberry lemonade slurpee.  DH picked out the Sea Salt Caramel Banana Shake, a superior drink to my own choice, and enjoyed every second of it.

While we were in line, the man behind us told his children, "This is an occasional thing.  That's why it's called a treat.  And not like that Dairy Queen crap." If it didn't reek so much of a spiteful tirade against a possible ex wife squabble I would say, "Exactly."

No offense Dairy Queen. 

It seemed like the hot item at the shop was actually the sundaes, especially since they looked like cups of ice creamy joy, but I just had Coldstone's a couple of nights before and wasn't in the mood ice cream overload.

I'm pregnant, not cruising for diabetes.  Though I don't know that the Lemon Fizz was a better anti-diabetes choice in the end.




Corn Dog Castle

DCA underwent a massive remodel around the World of Color area over the past few years adding things like the Little Mermaid ride and a new plaza for food. During that remodel, I tried multiple times to come to DCA for a hotlink corn dog only to be disappointed because it was closed during construction.  I was devastated by the idea that Corn Dog Castle might be no more. 

Because honestly, who cares about a stupid mermaid who would give up her greatest strength, her voice, for a chance at some guy she had never actually met before.  How would that be more important than a corn dog with a hot link in the center instead of a boring old beef frank? 

Lucky for me and for the Disney planners, Corn Dog Castle reopened with the same great joy on a stick.

The regular corn dog is just as good as the ones you can find on Disneyland's Main Street at the Red Wagon.  Even the Cheddar Cheese stick is quite good since it's both bigger and tastier than anything offered at Hot Dog on a Stick.  But the real star of the show, to which many of my Instagram friends confirm, is the hotlink option.  I don't know of anywhere else that makes this culinary wonder.

Every corn dog is offered with a bag of Lay's potato chips or a bag of apple slices. Personally, I assuage my deep fried guilt with the apples.  I don't usually eat the apples by the time I'm full of corn dog but at least I didn't eat the oily potato chips right?

If you've never had one of these, please don't judge them by their appearance or by their non-Disney counterparts.  This is a taste sensation that is unrivaled.

Grab 3-4 packets of mustard (avoid the ketchup), douse liberally and enjoy every sinful bite.

I dropped my last bite of corn dog on the floor and I can't tell you how sad faced it made me.  Like a kid who dropped an entire ice cream cone round side down on the dirtiest of concrete.

But here's a picture of my first bite in all it's beautifully lumpy glory.

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Concert on the Greens at Seacliff Country Club - Huntington Beach

During the three months of summer, Huntington Beach natives get perfect beach weather, Tuesday Market Nights on Main Street and for the particularly lucky, Concerts on the Greens (actually the driving range) at Seacliff Country Club once a month.

For about $25-$30 per person plus gratuity, this gem of a club provides a Barbeque buffet, All-You-Can-Drink (or rather, All-You-Should-Drink) beer in a commemorative pint glass and a dance party of a concert.

A perfect way to spend a Summer Friday Night with friends and family.

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OC Mix Mart - Costa Mesa

- Great Decor.
- Spice Shop.
- Cheese Shop with fermented baguettes.
- Freshmade gelato including a flavor that uses the Cheese Shop's double cream brie, raw wildflower honey and marcona almonds.

Definitely an OC Highlight.

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Temecula Highlights: Old Town Shopping

There's two parts of Temecula really worth visiting on a vacation trip: the local wineries and Old Town. Everything in-between seems to be suburban sprawl.

Old Town consists of little antique shops, tasting rooms, restaurants and touristy shops with a western feel.  There's even a little place called the Gambling Cowboy that I've been told serves liquor out of glass boots!

Here are a few of the more interesting shops we stopped into on our recent trip to Old Town Temecula:



American Prospector Treasure Seeker
28900 Old Town Front Street #101
Temecula, CA 92590
(951) 676-2555

My husband has just picked up a hobby of gold prospecting.  No, seriously. He and his buddies head out to the river with a pack full of tools like pans, sluices, shovels and buckets and comes back with dirt filled with flecks of gold. (Ok, filled might be overstating.) There's a whole community of hobbyists out there!

In southern California there's a handful of gold prospecting shops like American Prospector Treasure Seeker.  It has one of the larger selections of dry and wet prospecting tools, books, and a friendly Native American statue that greets customers at the door.

The shop is family owned and ran by avid prospectors who are members of numerous local clubs who own land claims and know how to find the shiny gold nuggets.

It's a little far outside of the main part of Old Town (about 1/3 a mile) but still a short walk.

Temecula Valley Cheese Company

42072 5th Street #101
Temecula, CA 92590
(951) 693-9500

Not one to pass up a opportunity to buy cheese,  I scoped out this little shop that turned out to be more like someone's home.  A home with Freedman & Cash playing Eric Clapton hits in the casual dining room where the most delicious of cheeses and wines were served. 

Originally, I was just going to stop in and buy a small block of cheese and ended up sitting down for a 4 cheese and wine paired tasting. It was relaxed, calming and thoroughly charming. A must visit for anyone craving the wine country lifestyle on a trip to Temecula.

The dining room is relatively small with an occupancy of about 15 people but there's an adorable outdoor seating area for those who want to enjoy the breeze.

Spice Merchants
41925 5th St # 101
Temecula, CA 92590-2739
(951) 587-2223

On a search for pink peppercorns to use in a Parisian macaron recipe, Spice Merchants was our last and my favorite stop of the entire trip.  

It was like Willy Wonka decided to sell spices instead of candy!  A dozen types of peppercorns (including long Balinese), fragrant teas and rare spices and grains.  I could have spent hours smelling and tasting all the spices (which Spice Merchants encourages), sipping on tea samples and chatting with the sales people and customers about recipes.

I can completely understand why early trade was based on rare spices!  Why aren't there more of these shops?  Must we be relegated to stale spices in sad little plastic jars down cold megamart aisles?

In the end, we picked up bamboo rice (a grain in a pretty jade green color), habanero powder, long and pink peppercorns.

They also have an extensive collection of Hilmalayan pink salt plates and blocks. I already bought a 6"x6"x2" brick on Overstock.com for $17 but Spice Merchants prices were very competitive.

So there you have it!  All the highlights of my trip from Temecula without any details about the terrible time at Pechanga. I do not understand the joys of gambling.

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