BIG EASY: Enter the Dragon: Restaurants for celebrating Chinese New Year in New Orleans

I don’t want to brag, but I once threw a baby shower with a Chinese New Year theme -- for a Catholic girl of German-Irish heritage. I’m about as far away from being Chinese as she is, but I’ve always had an unnatural affinity to this holiday. Go figure. Anyway, in case you didn't know, we’re approaching the 4709th Chinese year, which begins on January 23rd, ushering in the Year of the Dragon. This means excitement, unpredictability, exhilaration and intensity. It’s supposed to fill us with energy, vitality and unbridled enthusiasm! Money is supposed to be easier to come by, so it’s a good time to start a new business or project of any sort. I’ll take it! Let’s ring in this new year!

Apparently, New Orleans once had an actual Chinatown on the 1100 block of Tulane Avenue, but much of this block have been shuttered since Hurricane Katrina. And none of the Chinese churches or cultural societies I contacted have any festivities or celebrations planned this year.

What? New Orleans is missing an opportunity for a parade and festival?! Someone needs to look into this...

But, never fear, we’ve got some tasty Chinese establishments to satisfy our celebratory needs with saucy stir fries, sumptuous dumplings, and such. Maybe you've been blessed with children who have adventurous palates? Lucky you.

Here are five of the top Chinese restaurants in New Orleans to visit or from which to order to celebrate this auspicious occasion:

1. Five Happiness (Mid-City)
3605 S Carrollton Ave
New Orleans
(504) 482-3935

2. China Doll Restaurant
Harvey
(504) 366-1111

3. Hot Wok
901 Veterans Memorial Blvd
Metairie
(504) 831-3328

4. Chinese Tea Garden (Gentilly)
2170 Filmore Ave
New Orleans
(504) 282-1493

5. China Rose (Fat City)
3501 N Arnoult Rd
New Orleans
(504) 887-3295

(Originally posted on GoNola.com)