Ring in the Year of the Snake with symbolic dishes, festive cocktails, and exclusive dining experiences at South Coast Plaza’s renowned restaurants. From special prix fixe menus to creative collaborations and limited-time offerings, here’s where to celebrate:
TERRACE BY MIX MIX
Chef Ross Pangilinan presents a three-course prix fixe menu with Asian fusion flavors, available through February 9 for $60 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity).
First Course: Crab & Shrimp Toast with brioche, herbs, spicy aioli, sesame seeds, and Asian vinaigrette or Pork Belly Bao Buns with hoisin, Korean chili cucumber, and chives.
Main Course: Chilean Seabass with soy ginger chicken broth, bone marrow, glass noodles, mushrooms, Chinese broccoli, and crispy chicken skin or Five Spice Honey Duck Breast with scallion pancake, chili garlic asparagus, citrus, and orange duck jus.
Dessert: Coconut Panna Cotta with tropical fruit, passion fruit gelée, mango sorbet, and ube ice cream.
Make Reservations: 657.231.6447
DIN TAI FUNG
Starting January 21, Din Tai Fung partners with renowned Taiwanese American artist James Jean for a special Lunar New Year celebration:
Red Envelope Gift: Every dine-in and takeout guest receives a red envelope with a seaweed and bean curd salad appetizer certificate—a cherished family recipe from Din Tai Fung’s matriarch, Pen-Mei Lai.
Golden Ticket Giveaway: Five lucky guests will receive a Golden Ticket for VIP Reservation Concierge Service, offering guaranteed reservations for parties up to six throughout the year.
Takeout Exclusive: Orders of $175+ (pre-tax) on dtf.com will receive a limited-edition reusable tote bag designed by James Jean (while supplies last).
Make Reservations: 714.549.3388
WATER GRILL
The celebrated seafood destination embraces Lunar New Year with symbolic à la carte dishes:
- Whole Crispy Black Sea Bass with cilantro, tangerine, radish, and XO sauce (symbolizing harmonious family life).
- Wok-Fried Local Spiny Lobster with long beans, Fresno chile, and black bean sauce (representing prosperity).
- Garlic Noodles with Crab with green onion and crisp garlic (for longevity and joy).
Make Reservations: 949.208.7060
VACA
Top Chef Amar Santana’s Lunar New Year tapa special features five steamed Iberico Pork and Shrimp Dumplings with chorizo and XO sauce.
Snake Eyes Cocktail: Master mixologist Renée Griego crafts a festive cocktail featuring Ming River Sichuan Baijiu, Dry Town Gin, Lazzaroni Amaretto, cherry preserves, ginger, and lemon—served on the rocks in a unique ceramic snake vessel.
Make Reservations: 714.463.6060
ANQI BISTRO
AnQi Bistro celebrates Tết (January 29–February 2) with its six-course Heaven & Earth Prosperity Good Luck Menu ($108 per person, tax and gratuity not included). À la carte options are also available.
- Signature Dishes Include:
- Money Bag Shumai – Lobster, black truffle, quail egg, tobiko caviar, and 24K gold.
- Melting A5 Wagyu Puffs – Whipped potato, black winter truffle.
- An’s Famous Garlic Noodles with 24K Gold – Served with Hokkaido uni (+$15).
- "The Snake" Shortcake – Strawberry gel, chiffon cake, whipped vanilla chantilly, dehydrated meringue.
Make Reservations: 714.557.5679
KNIFE PLEAT
The Michelin-starred Knife Pleat offers exquisite Lunar New Year experiences:
Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea – Featuring a mini mooncake, black sesame ball with mandarin filling, chocolate gold coins, and more. Available January 25, February 1 & 8 for $115 per guest (excluding tax and service charge).
Louis XIII Cognac Collaboration (from January 28) Limited-Edition Louis XIII Cognac with an exclusive design by Chinese artist Liu Li Hong.
Bespoke Culinary Pairings crafted by Chef Tony Esnault.
Personalized Louis XIII Decanters customized by a gold leaf artist.
Take-Home Treats:
- Boxed Signature Macarons with flavors like pomelo & mandarin, passion fruit, and black sesame ($28).
- Handcrafted Mooncake with adzuki red beans and lotus bean paste ($68 for a box of four).
Make Reservations: 714.266.3388
PARADISE DYNASTY
Singapore’s Paradise Dynasty offers six exclusive dishes through February 7 ($10.88–$89.88), including:
- Crab and Silken Tofu Bisque
- Singapore Style Black Pepper Lobster Noodle
- Steamed Chilean Seabass with Premium Soya Sauce
- Crispy Prawn with Spicy Sweet and Sour Glaze
- Paradise Braised Black Truffle Chicken
- Paradise Eight Treasures Sticky Rice
Make Reservations: 714.617.4630
MIÀN
Dine at MIÀN January 25–31 and receive a certificate for a complimentary order of their signature Zajiang Noodles for a return visit (valid February 1–March 31). Limited-edition snake-inspired car air fresheners will also be available (while supplies last).
Make Reservations: 714.265.7997
LUNAR NEW YEAR SWEETS & GIFTS
Yu Cake: Limited-edition gift boxes of matcha, original, and red velvet cookies, plus snowflake chewy cubes flavored with matcha and cranberry. 714.760.4441
Läderach Chocolatier Suisse: Premium pralines and truffles in elegant Year of the Snake packaging. 949.594.2280
Sugarfina: Festive red and gold candy gifts, including yuzu caramels, lychee blossoms, prosperous pineapples, and lucky mandarins. 714.472.9529
See’s Candies: Lunar New Year-themed chocolates and treats, including milk chocolate gold coins for good luck. 714.850.1529
Gift With Purchase
Receive an exclusive LIULI Crystal Art Tea Set with a qualifying purchase (while supplies last; exclusions apply).
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from the blog
- 11.12.25 – The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
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