Singapore may be like 22 hours of travel away from the US, but that doesn't mean they haven't got 24-hour McDonalds here and there. One we passed today—just off the Esplanade near the Fullerton Bay Hotel—was sporting some flashy banners for limited-time-only eats. Curious, we got closer. Holy shnickeys, they're trying to make a buck off of Chinese New Year with the introduction of four special items: Beef Prosperity Burger, Chicken Prosperity Burger, Twister fries and a Prosperity McFizz.

According to the banners, these babies are only around until January 31. According to the internet, this isn't the first McDs has been cooking "Prosperity Burgers." And just exactly how prosperous are these sammies? Well, the patties are dipped in black pepper sauce, topped with onions and finished with a sesame seed bun. Sounds okay, but none of those ingredients were in the traditional Prosperity Salad. The only thing we can tell is that the twister fries can resemble 8, an auspicious number. ]]> JetSetCD 2012-01-26T11:58:11-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2012/1/20/10821/4115

When we travel, one of our favorite things to do is to pop into a local grocery store and check out the food products and candies we'd never find anywhere else. So we're trying out this new feature, Foreign Grocery Friday, where each week we'll feature some of our (and your) favorite overseas treats. Got a recommendation? Let us know!

This Sunday night is more than just any old Sunday night; it's the Chinese New Year, when the year of the rabbit ends and the year of the dragon begins. The celebrations surrounding the lunar new year are many, and based on tradition. There's the giving of red envelopes containing money, the eating of mandarin oranges and sweets, and the gathering with family. And with almost every other special occasion ever, Chinese New Year mandates the preparation of special dishes to celebrate.

In Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, the new year means eating a special raw fish salad called Yusheng, with ingredients added one by one, and each with its own deeper meaning (salmon for abundance, deep-fried crackers symbolizing gold, etc). Just as important as serving Yusheng for the new year is the act of mixing the salad with a toss called "lo hei." The higher you toss the salad, the greater you'll soar to new heights in the new year. ]]> JetSetCD 2012-01-20T11:04:33-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/1/5/214626/3827

Despite what the traditional calendar says, the New Year is actually still a few weeks away. So we say put off the resolutions a little longer and prepare for Chinese Lunar New Year on February 3. There’s probably a celebration or parade near your hometown, but if you’re looking for the best, check out our three picks:

· New York City:
Welcome the year of the rabbit in Chinatown's Sara D. Roosevelt Park on February 3 between 11am and around 3:30pm as the locals will set off plenty of firecrackers and other things that go boom and pow to ward off evil spirits. Besides the fireworks there will be plenty of dancers, performers, and other cultural events to get you in the mood to celebrate—and you might even learn a thing or two.

The party continues through the weekend when the parade hits the streets on February 6. Expect crazy awesome floats, marching bands, more fireworks, and plenty of lions and dragons winding their way up and down the city streets. Organizers expect at least 5,000 people to march in the parade, so the spectators are probably way more than that—so get there early! ]]> kjb 2011-01-17T09:30:38-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/1/25/11562/4800

It's time once again for the Lunar New Year, as millions of people in China and around the world get ready to enter the Year of the Ox. According to tradition (and USA Today), Chinese people return to their homes to deliver hong bao (red envelopes stuffed with money) to family and friends, eat dumplings, and watch lion dances and fireworks at nearby temples. ]]> Victor Ozols 2009-01-25T11:56:02-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/2/5/171423/1824

Dunno about you, but we're getting excited for a cultural celebration that doesn't revolve around 12-point spreads or funneling adult beverages. So we're patiently waiting this week for the Lunar New Year, which happens Thursday night.

And while rats aren't the most inspiring mascot, truth is they're associated with wealth and good luck. If you wanna get your friends some New Year's gifts, go with a red packet, a traditional money-filled envelope. And don't forget to wear red yourself; its a lucky color on New Year's night.

Related Stories:
· "In Vietnam, there's a rich tradition of rat eating" [Gridskipper]
· The Best New Noodle Shop in NYC's Chinatown [NYM]
· Vancouver Gearing Up for Its New Year's Parade [The Sun]
· Red Panties Selling Out in Malaysia [The Canadian Press]
· Year of Mickey Mouse in a Mao Suit [Jaunted]

[Photo: sayheypatrick]]]> pbb 2008-02-05T17:15:13-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/1/28/3127/95010

When Chinese New Year hits on February 7, 2008, we'll officially be in the Year of the Rat. Since some people don't like rats that much, it's also getting promoted as the Year of the Mouse, and Disneyland is happy to jump on that bandwagon, since it's not known for a cute rat character.

Of course, it's Hong Kong Disneyland where you'll get the most authentic flavor of Chinese New Year, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse have just had their special outfits unveiled. We can't quite believe it, but Mickey's going to be wearing a bright red Chairman Mao suit, while Minnie will walk beside him in an equally bright red dress.

The best day to be in Hong Kong Disneyland will be February 7 for the big dragon procession, but Mickey will be wearing his Mao suit until February 24. While you're there, keep an eye out for the special guests wandering around to greet you: the Gods of Happiness, Longevity and Prosperity. Given Hong Kong Disney's recent problems with low visitor numbers, park operators will no doubt be hoping for some blessings of their own.

Related Stories:
· Mickey & Minnie Set for Chinese New Year [AHN]
· Unhappy Birthday to Hong Kong Disneyland [Jaunted]
· Disneyland Not Always Good Clean Fun [Jaunted]

[Photo: cicerone]]]> amandak 2008-01-28T09:00:02-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/