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Ring in the Chinese New Year with five inspired courses at The Source.

Confucius Says Go

by Sarah Crosland | DC magazine | January 23, 2012

Last year may have been The Year of the Tiger Mom, but this month’s Chinese New Year ushers in The Year of the Dragon. Whether you’re in the mood for checking out Chinatown during the annual parade or devouring duck prepared by Wolfgang Puck, we’ve found three local events perfect for kicking off the year.

Power Play: China’s Empress Dowager
When: Through Jan. 29
Where: Freer Sackler Gallery of Art, 1050 Independence Ave. SW, 202.633.1000, asia.si.edu
What: Embrace China’s artistic side when you catch the end of this exhibit featuring 36 photographic portraits of Empress Dowager Cixi, the dominant political figure in the Qing Dynasty.
Don’t Miss: Look closely! The portraits were taken to improve the public image of the Empress and details in the shots reveal the meanings and objectives behind each one.

Chinese New Year Parade
When: Jan. 29 from 2 to 5PM
Where: Chinatown on H Street NW between Sixth and Eighth Streets, chineseparadedc.com
What: Every winter Chinatown fills with more than 40,000 revelers as costumed dancers perform, firecrackers light up the sky and drummers march down the decorated streets. This year the parade will be nationally televised and organizers have plans for even more pageantry than usual.
Don’t Miss: Local Chinatown restaurants offer special menus surrounding the event so plan on getting your fill of authentic Chinese cuisine at a nearby spot post-parade.

Tasting Menu and Dinner With Wolfgang Puck
When: The tasting menu will be available Jan. 23 through Feb. 2, and the Chinese New Year dinner hosted by Puck will be held on Feb. 3.
Where: The Source, 575 Pennsylvania Ave., 202.637.6100, wolfgangpuck.com
What: Wolfgang Puck’s local spot is incorporating the Chinese elements of fire, water, wood, earth and metal into dishes on a special menu in honor of the New Year. The five-course menu, which is $125 per person (or $175 with wine pairings), features dishes like wok-fired lobster dumplings and wood-smoked Peking duck.
Don’t Miss: On the night of Feb. 3 Master Chef Wolfgang Puck will host a dinner serving only the Chinese New Year selections. Reservations are required.