过年How?: Confessions From Ling Long's Carine Chu, the Self-Proclaimed CNY Aficionado

We quiz some long-term Beijingers on how they intend to spend this year's Chinese New Year and hopefully uncover some horror stories along the way. 过年 How, y'all?

Unlike most of us, who treat Chinese New Year just like any other festival, Carine Chu takes the annual gathering very seriously. Her extensive experience in catering, including her latest venture into Chinese fine dining with a twist at Ling Long, allows her to elaborate on any cuisine that may appear on the table during this traditional holiday. Below the self-proclaimed CNY aficionado lets us in on how she usually celebrates.

What's your full name and where are you from?
Carine Chu, I am from Taiwan.

What’s your Chinese zodiac? Do you think you’re typical of that sign? Why or why not?
I am a Tiger, and yes, I think that zodiac sign quite accurately represents my character. I am usually quite adventurous, ambitious, and enjoy taking on new challenges, but in the meantime, I can also be quite impatient. 

What does your average CNY entail? Where are you headed this year? 
CNY is my favorite holiday. Not only we get to have a long holiday to rest, but I particularly like the festivity that this holiday entails. It is a holiday that is all about being with your loved ones and celebrating the concept of togetherness. I have always been amazed by how literally everyone will make the effort to go home at this time of the year, even that means trying to buy train tickets one to two months in advance and having to sit through 24-plus hour train ride. Coming from Taiwan, we don’t get to experience the frantic 春运 chūnyùn travel period as mainland China does, so it is very interesting for me to observe my colleagues planning so far in advance on their going-home travel plan every year. 

And of course, CNY is all about sumptuous food carefully prepared by the family, some of the dishes served are extremely laborious and time-consuming, but I think it is a symbol of the love and care that the person preparing it has for his/her family. This is another reason why this is my absolute favorite holiday of the year. 

This year, I am actually not going back to my hometown in Taipei, because I was just there one week ago for my father’s birthday, so instead, I will seize the opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka and enjoy a tropical climate, which is a nice change from Beijing’s bitter winter.  

Tell us about a particular CNY nightmare that you've encountered.
Not really any nightmare that I associate CNY with, because I have a rather small family, so I never really experience the pressure of large family gatherings. 

Which dishes do you particularly look forward to gorging on every year? Drinks?
During CNY, my mom will make 八宝鸭 bā bǎo yā, which she rarely makes it for other occasions, due to its tedious process. However, because she is such a great cook and I am not home often, I enjoy pretty much everything she makes, even its just very simple soup or tofu. 

What are three tips for avoiding the excesses of eating and drinking that a proper CNY is defined by?
Stay on the mahjong table long enough! Or simply go travel elsewhere after the big dinner and reunion is done. 

Got any tips on how to deflect those awkward family questions? 
The trick is to have a shocking answer they don’t know how to continue to the conversation anymore. When being asked “Why are you still single?”, you can say, “Because I am not planning to have a child, so what’s the hurry?”

Your relatives will be too stunned to carry on the interrogation. 

Is there anyone this year that’s particularly deserving of a big fat hongbao from yourself? 
Although I won't see my parents for CNY this year, I will give them hongbao later in the year when I see them. And although both of them do not live in China, I always give them hongbao in RMB, because I think that is a sign that their daughter can stand on her own feet and have the ability to give back to them. 

If there’s one thing you could change about CNY, what would it be?
Instead of changing anything, I think what I want is to carry on all the traditions of this holiday. I hope the festivity and its importance will not cease to exist. That is why every year, I insist on giving actual physical hongbao out rather than WeChat hongbao. 

What do you predict the Year of the Rat holds for you?
Hopefully, Ling Long restaurant continues to make an impression to our customers, and Stey can have more buildings and tenants joining our community. Although that means more work for me, it will surely be my sweetest burden. 

READ: Comic Jesse Appell on Pizza for CNY and Three-Man Motorcycling

Image courtesy of Carine Chu