As Lunar New Year approaches, it’s time to welcome the Year of the Snake.
Metropolis at Metrotown mall will hold a series of celebrations, including a learn-to-lion-dance workshop, a chef series featuring Asian cuisine, and an educational collaboration with the Chinese Canadian Museum.
On Saturday, Feb. 1, local business Bak Mei Kung Fu and Lion Dance will teach the “Learn How to Lion Dance” workshop between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the grand court.
The workshop will be rooted in martial arts movements, and participants of all skill levels are invited to join.
For those more interested in watching the show, lion dancers will parade throughout the mall, starting in the grand court on Feb. 1 at 12:30 p.m.
Metropolis has also invited top chefs from around the province to share dishes representing their heritage and culinary philosophy and teach at the first-ever “Chef Series” on Feb. 2 and 9.
Chefs include:
- Quang Dang: proprietor of QD Catering & Hospitality and former executive chef of award-winning West Restaurant and DICED, a culinary social enterprise organization
- Katy Cheung: sous chef for more than five years at Michelin-starred Burdock & Co.
- Chanthy Yen: executive chef at Bacaro, 2024 winner of Top Chef Canada and former personal chef to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
- Haan Palcu-Chang: runs cooking workshops, caters private dinners and events, and recently appeared on the 2024 season of Top Chef Canada
On Feb. 2, you can also test your mettle at a dumpling eating contest.
“Guests and shoppers can watch as seven hungry contestants chow down on as many dumplings as possible, and cheer on their favourite contestant to win a prize,” said the press release.
(You can register for the contest online.)
The Chinese Canadian Museum will also be in on the fun with free educational workshops between Feb. 6 and 9, between noon and 4 p.m.
Family friendly activities will include an abacus learning station and family tree colouring sheets.
Other activities will include Instagrammable décor by artists at the Lazy Wizard, including a giant 40-foot mandarin tree and gorgeous lantern tunnel and a lantern riddle contest from Jan. 13 to Feb. 12.
For more information, check out the mall's event web listings.
