happy chinese new year!

The firecrackers will go crazy this afternoon in Chinatown. It is the Year of the Dog. How does that bode for Roosters? I will have to look that up. So while not a great day to go buy your tofu (at 6 cakes for $1 made fresh every day!!), it is a great day to go have bubble tea and some dinner. My picks for that are the Peanut Black Milk Tea, iced, with tapioca, at Green Tea Cafe, 45 Mott St, 212.693.2888. This place is the best -- tastiest bubble tea, great teahouse atmosphere down to the cool Tang Dynasty-style stools you sit on, and most hustle-bustle excitement. And for dinner, try the Hong Kong-style XO Cafe, 96 Walker St, 212.343.8339, with quite an extensive menu including great dim sum served all day. Try the watercress dumplings! Happy New Year! Here is a 10% discount with your Metro Card, valid through February 15.