Year of the Dragon

In honour of the Chinese New Year this past Monday, I took a trip to Chinatown to satiate my appetite for red bean cake and sesame balls. Although these are certainly acquired tastes for those not familiar with the slightly sticky, savoury sweetness, they are a must try any time of year. Having only been to Chinese bakeries in Toronto, London and throughout China, I wasn't well acquainted with those in New York...yet. Then I stumbled upon Fay Da Bakery...

According to the Chinese Calendar, this is the Year of the Dragon and although it doesn't officially start until February 4th, I'm putting on my dragon head early. This, after all, is the year to do BIG things according to DuanDuan Li, an Asian Studies professor at the University of British Columbia, and is the year of accomplishment. Forbes.com has even hypothesised that the year of the Dragon is good for the stock market. Did I just mention the stock market in the same topic as food? Sorry...

With several locations in New York, Fay Da Bakery has an array of baked goods where Eastern delights meet Western treats, including Tiramisu right alongside a mango cup... 

Lotus Seed Pastry made from the seeds of a lotus flower.

The dessert counter

A popular egg custard tart.

Chinese dumplings and rolls steamed to perfection.

Taro Buns

Read more about Fay Da Bakery here

I loved the tiles outside the bakery... And I would put them in my home. If anyone knows where to buy them, do let me know.

Now that your computer screen is all wet from trying to lick the Taro Buns, consider how much you'll drool over these elaborately stunning haute couture gowns from China. Italian fashion guru Roberto Cavalli even took note, incorporating Chinese lines and aesthetics into his designs.

Chinese blue and white vases with dragon motif

Cavalli silk dress, 2005

An updated rendition of the blue and white dragon motif at Qi Gang, paired with black is stunning...

Qi Gang, 2012

I read today (article here) that China is the second largest consumer of luxury goods in the world... That said, I expect (and hope) to see more Chinese aesthetic influence in Western fashion trends to come. 

      

NE TIGER Couture, 2012

NE TIGER Couture, 2012

NE TIGER Haute Couture, 2012

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