K I K K O M A N - Chinese New Year


	Chinese New Year celebrations traditionally start on the eve of the new moon and end with the full moon fifteen days later. Since the Chinese believe that what you eat in the New Year will improve your good fortune for the year to come, custom calls for certain auspicious foods to be served over this two week period, including: a whole fish to represent togetherness and abundance chicken for prosperity dumplings which represent fortune and wealth dried bean curd for wealth and happiness full length noodles to represent long life Traditions differ from region to region but any special menu you choose will be rich in symbolism and meaning. And Kikkoman Soy Sauce and authentic Asian sauces are natural flavor enhancing additions to all your Chinese New Year creations. Here are some promotion ideas to get you started on your Chinese New Year celebration. 1. Set the Mood - Create table tents to highlight Chinese New Year traditions and promote menu tie-ins. Include traditional red lanterns and wall hangings with Chinese phrases for happiness and good luck tidings. Complement your red decorations with other bright colors. Fill your vases with peach blossoms, kumquat plants and chrysanthemums, symbolizing luck, prosperity and longevity, respectively. Platters of oranges and tangerines, both of which symbolize happiness, will also lend a festive, vibrant splash of color. Have your waitstaff dress red or have them wear red scarves. 2. Put New Year on the Menu - Offer a special menu featuring symbolic Chinese New Year foods, such as noodles for long life and fried foods for gold and prosperity. Traditionally, "lucky" foods are served through the two week Chinese New Year celebration. The eve of the lunar New Year is a time of grand feasts featuring chicken, fish, noodles, dumplings and both sweet and savory cakes. The New Year's Cake, known as neen gow, is considered the most important cake eaten this time of year. Serve a whole chicken or fish for group dinners (symbolizes family togetherness and abundance), a lettuce wrap filled with seasoned ingredients or plan a dim sum-type menu with small plate appetizers and entrée items. 3. Stir Up Excitement - Set up a display-cooking stir-fry station in the dining room, featuring a different dish each day, served in a big bowl over rice or noodles. Offer samples to tempt customers. Offer special signature drinks and brighten up a mimosa, martini or blended drinks with signature flavors such as lychee, coconut or tangerine. 4. Plan a Promotion - Plan a series of special events in your operation throughout the New Year celebration, such as a staged cooking area/demo by a local Chinese chef; a mah-jongg tournament; a Chinese dragon parade; a performance by a martial arts, music or dance group or a demonstration of Chinese painting or calligraphy. 5. Create a Contest - Ideas include a business card drawing for a free Chinese New Year meal for two; placemat- or dragon mask-decorating contest; guess the number of fortune cookies or chopsticks in a large glass jar. 6. Give Away a Fortune - Order fortune cookies with customized messages inside, including some offering for a free meal or beverage. Giveaway small stuffed or plastic animal of the zodiac character. 7. Spread the Word - Give your promotion plenty of publicity. Conduct an e-mail campaign to customers, offering an incentive to visit during the promotion period. 8. What's Your Sign? - Offer a discount, premium or free item to patrons born in the Year of the Rat, birth years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008. 9. The Envelope Please - Hand out red and gold lai si envelopes (available at Chinese stationers and gift stores) containing a coupon for a later purchase, a zodiac calendar, chopsticks, etc. with every meal. 10. Take Advantage of Take-out - Customize Chinese take-out containers with your own stickers or rubber stamps. And don't forget to include disposable chopsticks and packets of Kikkoman Soy Sauce or Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce.