Lunar New Year events in Chicago to celebrate the Year of the Horse

There is no sign or street access for Third Bird in Logan Square. To gain admittance to the 24-seater, speakeasy-style restaurant, diners must walk through Bird Bird, NoodleBird’s bakery.

“It’s a dark, moody space adorned with red velvet curtains,” said Adrienne Lo, the owner of all three concepts, where every item on the menu is made from scratch. “These old 1920s Chinese cigarette ads are plastered on the wall. There’s these Chinese red lanterns hanging in there with a bunch of my grandparents’ furniture that I revamped to fit the space. It has a Shanghai kind of vibe.”

Diners might remember it as The Ladies’ Room, formerly owned by the Fat Rice team of which Lo was a part. Following changes at the business that stemmed from accusations of a toxic work environment, now she is the sole owner and operator.

In celebration of Lunar New Year, she is inviting diners into the space at 2957 W. Diversey Ave., which is rarely open to the public.

The speakeasy has been operational as a private event space post-pandemic, but officially rebranded and reopened as Third Bird in January. Its footprint is tiny and diners will be seated at tables of two and four.

“We’re offering a tasting menu that represents prosperity, wealth, good fortune and long life as we head into the new lunar cycle,” said Lo. “We’ll have dumplings, which are associated with wealth due to their shape as a money bag. Spring rolls symbolize gold bars. Long noodles signify long life, so that’s where the stir-fried noodles come in. These are dishes you traditionally see on Lunar New Year menus. Yusheng, also known as the ‘prosperity’ salad, will also be served.”

The dish is made of shaved vegetables, sometimes slivers of seafood are included (not for the dinner at Third Bird) and topped with slices of citrus fruits like oranges. The bright, seasonal fruit is a sign of good luck and is synonymous with the holiday. Guests dining at Lo’s restaurant will be asked to dress the plated salad and toss the ingredients together.

“The belief is, the higher you toss it, the more prosperous a year it will be,” Lo said.

The specialty menu, in celebration of the Year of the Horse, is available for two nights only.

Lo points out how she has done specialty Lunar New Year events throughout the years but after exploring who she is and growing into her career, this dinner might be one of the most meaningful yet.

“Being Chinese American, as a younger kid, [my culture] wasn’t something I was really into. As I've gotten older, that’s changed. It's been really exciting. I love who I am, where I came from, who my grandparents are and what we're about. I’m just finally embracing being a Chinese American.”

Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Chicago

Noodlebird
In celebration of the Year of the Horse and for two nights only, a multi-course dinner symbolizing prosperity, strength, longevity and family togetherness will be served as the new lunar year begins. The menu (for two) includes a pu pu platter, noodles, the choice between a whole steamed fish or whole soy-sauce chicken and Mandarin custard dessert. $100 per person. Beverages are a la carte.
When: Feb. 20 and Feb. 21
Where: 2957 W. Diversey Ave.
Info: Visit noodlebird.com for reservations.

Urbanbelly
Chef Bill Kim is bringing back his popular five-course Lunar New Year prix-fixe menu at Urbanbelly, available for lunch and dinner. The menu includes marinated Chinese eggplant with Thai basil, chicken dumplings with soy ginger sauce, sesame gochujang-glazed chicken wings and Solato vanilla gelato finished with Vietnamese cinnamon caramel. Each guest will receive a red envelope containing a recipe card signed by Kim, along with a surprise prize ranging from complimentary dumplings or gelato to dining credits. The grand prize is a private party catered by Kim. $30 per person.
When: Beginning Feb. 9 through Feb. 28
Where: 1542 N. Damen Ave.
Info: urbanbelly.com

Maxwells Trading
Lao Peng You, Hermosa Restaurant and Maxwells Trading are joining forces for a family-style Lunar New Year Feast. Family recipes from chefs Daniel and Eric "Chops" Wat of Lao Peng You; Ethan Lim of Hermosa Restaurant and Chris Jung and Erling Wu-Bower highlight a medley of Chinese, Korean and Cambodian flavors. $135.10 per person, does not include tax.
When: Feb. 24
Where: 1516 W. Carroll Ave.
Info: maxwellstrading.com