FindEatDrink: Year Of The Rabbit

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Edition: 28 January, 2011

The Chinese New Year begins on February 3rd, which means all over the world people will party like it's 4709.

It's the Year of the Rabbit, the symbol of creativity, compassion and sensitivity. Eat the right foods and you could be in for some good luck, extra cash and a long life.

Here's a breakdown of a few traditional menu choices to help your odds for good fortune in the upcoming year.

To Obtain: LONGEVITY

Eat: Long noodles, long-grain rice and long green beans.

Because: All for their shape, just don't cut the noodles.

To Obtain: PROSPERITY

Eat: Fish and chicken.

Because: Having a whole fish or chicken will bring a good beginning and end to the year.

To Obtain: WEALTH

Eat: Dumplings and egg rolls.

Because: Dumplings resemble old fashioned Chinese gold and silver ingots and egg rolls look similar to gold bars.

To Obtain: FIDELITY

Eat: Duck.

Because: Ducks have only one mate during their lives.

To Obtain: GOOD LUCK

Eat: Oranges and tangerines.

Because: The Chinese words for them sound like luck and wealth.

RESTAURANTS

Want to celebrate Chinese New Year?

Here's a list of Chinese restaurants in New York and elsewhere in North America.

RECIPES

Here are some recipes from chef Anita Lo, owner of annisa in New York.

"My family never celebrated Chinese New Year growing up, but I've happily adopted the holiday as an adult. Any reason to focus on food is always worthwhile."