While many people associate the New Year as the perfect time to start healthier eating habits, there are also a lot of people that ring in the New Year by superstitiously eating a variety of specific foods that are said to bring good luck, wealth, prosperity, and health for the year ahead. One willing to try just about anything, I decided to explore what foods are considered lucky as we head into 2017. I quickly realized that attending our New Year’s Eve Extravaganza on December 31st at our Merchandise Mart location is the easiest, and most delicious, way to guarantee a prosperous 2017.
Here are five lucky foods to look out for at this incredible event:
Grapes
Those in the Spanish and Portuguese cultures eat 12 grapes at midnight – one for each month of the year. This tradition is said to date back over one hundred years ago after a grape surplus. It’s customary to pay attention to the flavor of each grape. The sour ones represent the months you should be wary of, while the sweet one represent the months that will offer good luck. Peruvians think that 13 is better luck than 12, so they eat an extra grape for good luck! Wine and champagne are made of grapes, so I’m telling myself that counts. You’ll be able to enjoy a variety of our wines, champagnes, and spirits at New Year’s Eve Extravaganza as you taste your way through our kitchens.
Pork
For some, pigs represent wealth (due to their fat content), prosperity, and progress (due to the way they always move forward when searching for food on the ground). While many cultures indulge in a pork dish for the new year, some cultures, like Austrians, decorate tables with marzipan pigs. You’ll get your fill of pork two ways at New Year’s Eve Extravaganza when you try our Chicken Cordon Bleu with Apple Cider Gastrique and Bacony Brussel Sprouts. Yum.
Pomegranates
The Greek culture believes in smashing a pomegranate in front of the door because the abundant seeds in the fruit represent prosperity and good fortune. Turkish culture hails pomegranates as lucky for their red color as being indicative of health. Lucky for you, if you attend our New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, you won’t need to have pomegranate juice all over front entryway because we’re demonstrating how to make Roasted Rack of Lamb with Fennel and Pomegranate Glaze.
Greens
Greens, as you can guess, represent the color of money, and therefore wealth in the year ahead. While some celebrate with kale, collard greens, or sauerkraut, we’re putting our own spin on things and are representing greens in all sorts of ways at New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, including a Spinach Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce.
Grains
Long noodles represent longevity in many Asian cultures and are therefore eaten to kick off the new year. Grains, like rice, quinoa, and couscous are enjoyed to symbolize abundance. I promise, one bite of our Lobster Risotto with Fresh Herbs at New Year’s Eve Extravaganza will certainly make you feel fortunate long before midnight!
Do something different this New Year’s Eve. Join us for New Year’s Eve Extravaganza and get a taste of The Chopping Block. This event is that perfect way for a party of one or a large group to jumpstart their luck in 2017! You’ll taste your way through our kitchens and watch our chefs prepare a variety of gourmet dishes. We’ll have the dishes paired with fine wines and craft cocktails, as well as a bar for your enjoyment throughout the night. Cheers!
