Sugar at East Hotel Chinese New Year Celebration

The Chinese New Year arrived and left us this year in a flash, but we have got the perfect place for you to celebrate for next year! I rang in the year of the Earth Dog atop the gorgeous rooftop of the Sugar at East Hotel. The weather in Miami has been so generous to us lately, enjoying a light breeze whilst sipping on the cocktail of the evening was one of the most perfect ways to celebrate.

Upon arrival we wet our beaks with the drink of the night, the delightful Gau- which is a play on the Chinese word for “dog”. This smoky sweet whiskey based beverage was lip smackin’ good and topped with a chile pepper for extra flavorful measure! As we sipped and chatted we also munched on an assortment of sticky and tender dumplings and savory edamame.

We eagerly awaited the start of the Lion Dance and it surely did not disappoint! I had never seen the Lion Dance in person before, and it was truly mesmerizing to watch how naturally and easily the dancers timed their movements for the synchronized flow of the costume. In typical Miami style, there was also an incredible LED Lion! The crowd interaction was exciting, and the Lions surely put on a fantastic show, looming in the faces of spectators and playfully lying on the ground and swaying it’s head. It was so hard to believe that there were people under there!