It’s time to prepare yourself for dragon dances and vibrant lanterns because Chinese New Year is around the corner. 2015 marks the year of the goat according to zodiac theory, so those of you born in ’79 or ’91, this is your year. Fortunately luck is already in your favor because we’ve got some cool places to celebrate the festivities. Also, read on to find out about more events this week including an elegant wine dinners, a vinyl listening party, a chef showdown and more.
Chinese New Year
Zengo
Photography by Glenn Ross
Where: 1610 Little Raven St., Denver
When: Menu will be during February 16th-19th with a celebration on the 19th at 7:00 pm
Reservations: Reservations can be made by calling 720.904.0965
The Low Down: This Latin-Asian fusion riverfront hot spot will be channeling luck, longevity, wealth and prosperity with its special menu. Leading up to the new year, Zengo will offer steamed scallop gyoza, mushroom egg rolls, Singapore style noodles, and adobo chicken lettuce wraps. Each guest will receive a fortune cookie with the possibility of something special inside. Come on in this Friday to celebrate and experience a special performance from traditional Chinese dancers.
Cook Street School of Culinary Arts
Photo courtesy of Cook Street
Where: 1937 Market St., Denver
When: February 19, 6 p.m.-9:30 pm
Cost: $89/person
The Low Down: Ring in the Chinese New Year with something new by learning how to craft some traditional Chinese dishes with the chefs at Cook Street Culinary School of Arts. Attend this class on Thursday to learn the technique behind making the perfect steamed dumpling, dan dan noodles, luxurious chili broth, and even homemade fortune cookies. And best of all, finish the experience off by enjoying your self-prepared meal with wine and beer pairings.
More Events
Battle Bird
Photo courtesy of Harman’s Eat & Drink
Where: Harman’s Eat and Drink- 2900 E. 2nd Ave., Denver
When: February 18, 7 p.m.
Cost: $52.80/person
Reservations: Reservations can be made by calling 303.388.7428
The Low Down: Harman’s Eat and Drink is rolling out the second installment of the ‘Battle of the Beast’ competition. This month, five talented chefs will compete to see how many ways they can prepare fowl and you get the chance to try it, complete with matching beverages for each dish. Look on while these chefs go head to head in preparing chicken, quail, duck, and more. To view the five course menu, click here.
Wine Dinner at Le Central
Photo by Katt Isbey
Where: Le Central- 112 East 8th Ave., Denver
When: February 20, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: $39/person
Reservations: Reservations can be made by calling 303.863.8094
The Low Down: Diversify your palette and your wine knowledge at this wine paired dinner. The dinner will feature wines from a variety of regions, with all kinds of different elegant, vivid, and fresh tastes. Some of the wines on the list include southern cotes du rhone as well as your more typical pinot noir and chardonnays. In between wines, you will enjoy delectable dishes of oysters, braised squid, wild caught sea scallops, and many more.
RHÔNE WAVE
Acorn. Photography by Roman Tafoya
Where: Acorn at The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd., Denver
When: February 23rd
Cost: $85/person
Reservations: Reservations can be made by calling 720.542.3721
The Low Down: Impressed by the wine dinner at Le Central and interested in learning more about wine? Then you’ll want to reserve your spot at this special wine dinner featuring six west coast winemakers as they take you along the south of France with wines made in Rhône style. The dinner will include a three-course meal paired with featured wines at the award winning Acorn at The Source. It’s bound to be a meal you won’t want to miss.
Light Years of Fun Launch Party 
Where: McNichols Building- 144 W. Colfax Ave., Denver
When: February 19, 6:00- 10:00 pm
Cost: $15/person advance, $20/person day of while supplies still last
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased here
The Low Down: You don’t want to miss this all-new event series that will take your senses for a journey. Brought to you by the Denver Arts & Venues and participating partners, this event will include music, art, photography, libations, and some unexpected surprises. A ticket gets you three drinks, with options from four local breweries, tasty bites from Catering by Design, live entertainment, high-stakes drawing where you could win flights on Southwest, tickets to Red Rocks, and more.
Turntable Thursday 
Words by Brittany Werges
Where: Our Mutual Friend Brewing, 2810 Larimer St., Denver
When: Thursday, February 19, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: $10 (Free mug, first 2 beers are free, $3 after that)
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased here
The Low Down: Hosted by Vinyl Me, Please this record listening party is straight from a hipster’s wet dream. Seriously, with coffee from the ultra-hip Boxcar Roasters to the craft beer at Our Mutal Friend Brewery and wait for it… street tacos, even the most pretentious millennial is bound to have a good time. But in all seriousness, with a reasonable price, great location and tasty drinks, there really isn’t a reason not to go. We’ll probably even see you there ourselves…