This weekend marks the start of the Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the snake is honoured as wise, charming and decisive. Just as the snake transforms and renews itself as it sheds its old skin, Snake Years are seen as times of change and renewal. Chinese New Year’s Eve on February 9th, heralds the Year of the Water Snake or lunar year 4711. After that many years the Chinese culture has amassed more than a few traditions and few are grander (and tastier) than the classic Chinese feasts; surrounded by family, friends and good food.
Inspired by these Chinese feasts, Wild Rice Proprietor Andrew Wong and Executive Chef Todd Bright are offering a special menu that pays homage to the Year of the Water Snake. The Year of the Snake Menu will be available at both the Vancouver and New Westminster locations on February 8, 9 and 10 for the very lucky price of $38.88 for two people. 
As in traditional Chinese banquets, each dish is rich with symbolic meanings meant to convey wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous year. Wild Rice’s Year of the Snake Platter for Two is over-flowing with good wishes and great flavours including; BBQ Eel and Bean Sprout Sui Mai, Glass Noodles with black moss, water chestnuts and crispy dried tofu and Roasted Chicken Breast on Cabbage Rolls Stuffed with Cashews. The meal ends with Chef Bright’s own house-made version of the iconic Fortune Cookie. Wild Rice is also celebrating the special occasion with their own “Red Envelope Cocktail”. A lucky combination of raspberry vodka, vodka, cassis, cranberry juice, fresh lemon all for $6
According to an ancient Chinese proverb “good fortune of the mouth is no mean thing.” Experience your own good (and tasty) fortune this weekend.
Wild Rice has two locations: 117 West Pender Street on the edge of old Chinatown and in 810 Quayside Drive in The River Market
Reservations are recommended call 604-642-2882 (Vancouver) or 778-397-0028 (New Westminster) or online at www.wildricevancouver.com.