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Say Yum: Ring in the Chinese New Year at The Source

Whether it's the year of the horse, the year of the pig, or even the year of the rat, Chinese food is always top on our list of fast favorites. But unlike the Joy Luck II takeout we're used to, Wolfgang Puck exec chef Scott Drewno has elevated Chinese cuisine to a whole new level this New Year.

For $100 per person, ($150 with wine pairings), celebrate the Year of the Ox using traditional foods that that symbolize prosperity, togetherness and luck - something we could all use in this economy!

Not sure that a meal is worth your Benjamin? We've got an exclusive taste of what you'll be getting:

The meal begins with an amusé from the chef: a taste of Tangerine Glazed Quail married with a Maotai-infused flowering tea, meant to symbolize longevity. Wealth makes a much-desired appearance during this Chinese New Year meal in the form of Pan Toasted Lobster Pot Stickers, with the crescent-shaped dumplings resembling ancient Chinese currency. The auspicious beginnings are followed by a second course of Slow Braised Oxtail Soup, with ox as a sign of prosperity, achieved through fortitude and hard work. The meal will end with a trio of house-made desserts: a refreshing tangerine sorbet palate cleanser, meant to represent luck; a Golden Pineapple Sticky Cake, traditionally fed to the Kitchen God to tempt him to report favorably on a family; and a fortune cookie. The complete menu is detailed below.

575 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (entrance on 6th Street). (202) 637-6100.

Say Yum: Drink to the Chief

DC is celebrating (or bemoaning, depending on where you live) the special legislation allowing bars to stay open till 5 AM on Inauguration week. Thankfully, Deacon lives in the (quiet) suburbs, so he will still get his beauty rest.

But if you're searching for the right spot to get your cocktail fix, we'd suggest you hightail your behinds to one of Passion Food Hospitality's restos (Acadiana, TenPenh, Cieba, DC Coast and PassionFish) where two new drinks are playing "Hail to the Chief" for the month of January.

The Spirit mixes bubbly, white grape juice and St. Germain -- an elderflower liqueur -- for a concoction that promises to be fresh and cool.

Those seeking warmth can instead choose "The Dream," an all-American blend of bourbon, apple cider and honey, garnished with a cinnamon stick and served warm.

Cocktails are $9 each and available all month long ... day or night!