Different holidays mean different things to different people. And to me, Chinese Lunar New Year means some of the best gourmet Dim Sum presentations, this side of San Francisco’s Dragon Gate. This year, I returned to an old favorite, and tried something new, as well.

The Dim Sum Brunch at Wing Lei at Wynn Las Vegas is a highlight of my year. It appears, like a gastronomic apparition twice, annually – Chinese New Year, and the Winter Holidays. It’s the most wonderful combination of East (Taiwanese Soup Noodles, Braised Shark’s Fin, Shanghai Prawns), West (Prime Rib, Maine Lobster Salad), and clever combinations of the two (Scallop Tataki, Chile Beef Tenderloin). And the Dim Sum? More like Dim Yum!

Now, I like Bao Buns and Shoamai and Har Gow as much as the next member of my tribe; but until I tried the Baked Pineapple Buns filled with Cha Siu Pork, I simply hadn’t lived. A flaky, sweet crust around tangy barbeque pork..? Yes, please!

A couple days after lunching at Wing Lei, I joined another friend for the Cantonese Dim Sum Lunch at Blossom inside ARIA Resort and Casino. I love this room. Making concrete resemble dove gray velvet is a pretty cool effect, and the booths are cozy and private.

First came the Hot and Sour Soup. Always a favorite of mine, theirs is just right for sweating-out whatever ails ya. Then came a parade of Dim Sum, as well as a number of classic dishes, including a Crispy Fried Chicken that was delicious and tender, a Sweet and Sour Chicken that was just crispy enough without being overcooked; and a very delicious tea.

We also got some Mochi. I’ve never understood Mochi. Frankly, it kind of scares me. I’m always reminded of eating those Mini BabyBel Cheeses, only without having first removed the wax. But these were pretty darn good. The rice covering was flavored like Green Tea, and didn’t totally creep me out. (Actually, I ate two of our three…)

So, while Chinese Lunar New Year has again come and gone; in a mere ten months, we can look forward to the Holiday versions of these exquisite midday feasts, returning to the swankiest joints on the Strip. Until then, Gong Hei Fat Choi!

Chinese New Year Dim Sum Feasts
Wing Lei | Wynn Las Vegas – Click HERE
Blossom
| ARIA Resort and Casino – Click HERE

Get into it!

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