[singlepic id=571 w=320 h=240 float=right]OK, every time I think about writing this entry, the old Ohio Players song, “Fire,” keeps running through my mind … this is one sassy year ahead!

This week, the fire begins for the entire 2012 year when Year of the Dragon makes its entry this Monday. The most powerful symbol in Chinese astrology, when a Year of Dragon shows up every 12 years, you’re in for one heck of a great ride. No one loses in the Year of Dragon, especially when you launch your biggest projects, companies, mergers (including marriage) and other “prosperity oriented” plans.

What a blessed relief, then, to see that one restaurant  in Laguna Beach – our new Starfish Asian Cusine in South Laguna Beach – is celebrating Year of the Dragon in style this week. The party starts Monday night (hey, we can’t help that this year’s Chinese New Year falls on a Monday). Starfish has created an exclusive “Dragon Menu” along with unpublished drink specials to pay homage to our incoming fiery, slightly-carbon-smelling friend.

Through Wednesday night, the Dragon Menu accompanies the regular Starfish menu, and offers up many food items that are best for accommodating this powerful year:

  • Stone crab dumplings
  • Shrimp and pork spring rolls
  • Lettuce wraps with chicken and all sorts of goodies
  • “Lion Meatballs” with famed kobe beef at the heart of things
  • Sweet & sour lollipop chicken
  • Black bean noodles
  • 8 treasure sticky rice with mango, strawberries, coconut and more

Then on Thursday, Jan. 26th, as the Chinese wrap up their 4-day New Year celebration, Starfish Asian Cuisine is ramping up the party here in Laguna Beach as well. Their one-week-only Dragon Menu will be broken into small plate portions and served almost prix fixe style at $40/person (drinks not included).

And, guest Mixologist Dan Oliver will be creating a number of his own dragon-style drinks all the night through. This guy is the favorite at Mastro’s’ just north of our Laguna Beach limits. It’s sure to be an interesting show, especially given the fact that the Starfish resident bartenders rank at the top of my list in creative drinks, efficiency and genuine friendliness.

Unless you’re willing to chance it at the large bar at Starfish, call ahead for reservations any night of this “dragon” week at (949) 715-9200. Starfish is in the Albertson’s shopping center directly across from the Montage Laguna Beach at 30832 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.

 

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