Ring in the Year of the Snake on H Street: Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Style (#37)
Also in this edition you will find more good news, details on Restaurant Week, upcoming events, promotions, hiring, and a blog article on Pow Pow.
As the vibrant energy of H Street continues to grow, this year brings another exciting occasion to our community: the Lunar New Year, a time-honored tradition celebrated by millions around the globe. In 2025, we welcome the Year of the Snake, a zodiac sign symbolizing intelligence, charm, and transformation. What better way to embrace this festive season than by exploring the rich cultural traditions and incredible culinary options right here on H Street?
What is the Lunar New Year?
The Chinese/Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important holidays in many Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Filipino communities. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated with family reunions, symbolic foods, and vibrant traditions like lion dances, fireworks, and red envelopes filled with money for good luck.
Traditionally lasting 15 days, the celebration culminates in the Lantern Festival. Families honor their ancestors, clean their homes to sweep away bad luck, and gather to enjoy feasts that often feature symbolic dishes like dumplings (representing wealth), noodles (symbolizing long life), and fish (for abundance).
Celebrate the Year of the Snake on H Street
H Street is a hub for cultural exploration, and its diverse culinary scene offers an ideal way to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Whether you’re craving traditional Taiwanese dishes or bold flavors from Vietnam, H Street’s restaurants have you covered.
Maketto: Dive into Cambodian and Taiwanese dishes in a stylish and modern setting. Their family-style menu is perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Hiraya/Kayu: Celebrate Filipino culture with Hiraya’s bold and comforting flavors, from crispy lechon to ube-inspired desserts.
Tiki Garden Thai Street Food: Experience the vibrant and spicy world of Thai street food, a favorite for those seeking heat and flavor.
Copycat: A go-to for creative cocktails and Asian-inspired bar bites in a trendy setting.
Pow Pow: This Asian-fusion eatery offers creative, plant-based takes on classic dishes, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.
Dumpling Hot Pot Beyond: Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with steaming bowls of hot pot and freshly made dumplings.
Binge Bar: Enjoy this cozy spot, where mocktails and small bites take center stage.
Pho Viet: Warm up with a hearty bowl of pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup that embodies the spirit of togetherness.
Sticky Rice: A local staple, Sticky Rice combines sushi with inventive twists and a playful atmosphere.
Toki Underground: Renowned for its rich ramen bowls and cozy vibes, Toki Underground is a must-visit for a soul-warming meal.
Fun Fact: Why Red?
You’ll notice the color red is everywhere during the Lunar New Year, from decorations to clothing. Red symbolizes good fortune and warding off evil spirits. Incorporating red into your outfit or décor can bring some extra luck for the Year of the Snake!
Join the Celebration
This Lunar New Year, take the opportunity to explore the traditions and cuisines that make this holiday so special. Whether it’s enjoying a feast with friends and family or learning about the cultural significance of the Year of the Snake, H Street offers countless ways to celebrate.
Here’s to a year of wisdom, transformation, and prosperity—Happy Lunar New Year!
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Restaurant Week (January 27 - February 2) - 3 course menus
Cynthia’s Bar & Bistro: $55 dinner
Daru: $55 dinner
Kayu: $65 dinner
Maketto: $25 lunch and $40 dinner
The Little Grand: $40 dinner
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More Good News
Included amongst the James Beard Foundation 2025 Restaurant & Chef Awards Semifinalists is Hiraya’s Paolo Dungaca, as Emerging Chef.
Taco Bell on H Street is now open.
Cane, Daru, Hiraya/Kayu, and Maketto are on Washingtonian’s list of “100 Very Best Restaurants 2025”
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Atlas Performing Arts Center (atlasarts.org)
January 17, 2025 – February 9, 2025: DC’s Scena Theatre presents an epic theatrical event. Join us for a modern reimagining of the famous tragedy AJAX by the Greek writer / philosopher, Sophocles.
February 15 – March 16: The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is a performing arts festival that presents work that impacts our society, culture, and world by informing, inspiring, educating, and entertaining.
Lydia on H Street
Sunday, February 9th: Mardi Gras Super Bowl Party
Maketto (maketto1351.com)
January 29 - February 1: Celebrate Lunar New Year with special menus
Pie Shop (pieshopdc.com)
January 23 from 8:30 PM:The Mercy Alliance w/ Bohemian Waxwing, Will Greenleaf
January 24 from 8:00 PM: Secret Society + Polluted Tongues + LMI + Seikilos
January 25 from 7:30 PM: Goetia w/ Ritual Fog, Defense Wound, Aphellion
January 26 from 8:00 PM: Asa Weeks LIVE w/ O-Slice and more
January 28 from 8:00 PM: Jivebomb w/ Corvo, Tripwire, Seclusion
January 29 from 8:00 PM: Endlings w/ A Shrewdness of Apes, Hungry Bug
Solid State Books (solidstatebooksdc.com)
Thursday, January 23 from 6:00 PM: Knits n' Yarns
Saturday, January 25 from 12:00 pm: Aaron Hwang, “Chinese Mythology”
Tuesday, January 28 from 7:00 pm: SciFi Fantasy Book Club: “A Deadly Education”
The Queen Vic (thequeenvicdc.com)
Wednesday, January 29 from 7 pm - 10 pm: Burns Supper 2025. $132 per person. Only 25 seats available.
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FRESHFARM (freshfarm.org)
Shop at the FRESHFARM farmers market each week until March 31 and win great prizes. Visit the market information tent to have your Winter Warrior Card stamped every time you shop.
OrangeTheory (orangetheory.com)
Join now and Save $50 on your first month.
Sol Mexican Grill DC (solmexicangrilldc.com)
Taco Tuesday: $2.75 tacos all day!
10% off all catering orders.
SWEAT DC (sweatdc.com)
Free week of group fitness classes at SWEAT DC. Click link to redeem your free week pass.
The Little Grand (litttlegranddc.com)
Monday Funday Happy Hour and a Half (5 - 6:30 pm): Half Price Beer on Tap and Wine BTG. BOHOGO Buy One Get One Half Off Pizzas (dine in only). WINE’D DOWN Bottles of wine 20% off.
Wednesday Hump Day Happy Hour (5 - 6:30 pm): Half Price Beer on Tap and Wine BTG. Cheese and Pepperoni Slices at the Bar and out the Window.
The Haymaker Bar (thehaymakerbar.com)
Taco Tuesday: Shrimp tacos (2 for $12 or 3 for $17); Carnitas tacos (2 for $11 or 3 for $15). Specials from 5 - 10 pm.
Whiskey Wednesday: $2 off all whiskey ports, includes Manhattans and Old Fashions
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Atlas Performing Arts Center is hiring Assistant Patron Services Manager and Front of House Manager. apply online at atlasarts.org/employment/
Waxing the City is looking for dedicated Studio Coordinators to joining their team.
The Upper Room is hiring the following: Bartenders, Bar Backs, Security, Servers, Bottle Girls, Hookah Girls, and Cooks.
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Pow Pow: Asian-Inspired Plant Based Eats That Everyone Will Love on H Street
H Street is home to some incredible dining spots, but Pow Pow (eatpowpow.com) stands out as a fast-casual gem that’s redefining plant based cuisine with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan eater or a devout carnivore, Pow Pow’s flavorful menu will have you coming back for more. READ FULL ARTICLE
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