Meaningful Meals

Seafood Fried Noodle ($10.99, $9.99 special)

According to Chinese astrology, the Year of the Earth Pig, which is just around the corner, will be a good one, because the Pig is said to attract success in all areas of life.

Some Chinese astrologers say the Lunar New Year will bring a period of prosperity, an auspicious time to invest. And they also assert that the Year of the Pig will be a year of joy and friendship.

Lucky Jai ($11.99, $10.99 special)

To celebrate in spectacular style, bring your friends to Canton Seafood Restaurant for a lucky meal that will help everyone launch the New Year properly. Braised Pork Belly ($13.99, $12.99 special until the end of February) was recently added to the restaurant’s menu, just in time for the Year of the Pig.

“In China, pork belly — kau yuk — is very popular,” says manager Henry Gong. “Our pork belly is served on a bed of baby bok choy. It’s very colorful.”

Deep-Fried Flounder with Crispy Garlic ($17.99, $15.99 special)

There’s profound symbolism in practically every aspect of Deep-Fried Flounder with Crispy Garlic ($17.99, $15.99 special through end of February). The flounder is served whole and cleverly arranged to echo a sailing ship.

“When everything goes well, it’s smooth sailing, so our chef makes the fish look like a sailboat,” Gong explains. “And Chinese people like their New Year’s fish to be served with the head and tail, so the year will be perfect from beginning to end.”

Braised Pork Belly ($13.99, $12.99 special) ANTHONY CONSILLIO PHOTO

A restaurant renowned for its ocean bounty, Canton Seafood takes particular pride in its water-derived offerings. Loaded with shrimp, fish, squid and scallops, Seafood Fried Noodle ($10.99, $9.99 special through end of February) is a wonderful New Year’s dish. The noodles represent long life and good health, and an abundance of the creation’s ingredients symbolizes prosperity.

Every New Year’s table needs a bowl of Lucky Jai ($11.99, $10.99 special until the end of February), and Canton Seafood’s version of this important vegetarian dish is loaded with mushrooms, black fungus, tofu, long rice, Chinese won bok, broccoli and carrots.

“They’re all healthy ingredients,” says Gong. “The jai is very popular. It’s very traditional and tasty.”

Through the end of February, Canton Seafood will offer a Happy Chinese New Year Special Menu ($238 for 10-12 guests).

“There are nine courses, all the lucky dishes, and every dish has special meaning,” says Gong, adding that the menu should be reserved at least one day in advance.

The feast begins with Seafood Tofu Soup, a whole Peking Duck, and Lobster with Ginger-Onion — two are included in the feast. It continues with Deep Fried Flounder with Crispy Garlic, Braised Pork Belly and an entire Crispy Garlic Chicken. A giant bowl of Lucky Jai and a platter of Seafood Fried Noodle round out the savory delights, with a selection of desserts at the end.

Ideal for parties, family gatherings, reunions and almost any other occasion, Canton Seafood Restaurant boasts ample parking, an elegant dining room, and delectable cuisine that features some of the finest seafood dishes on the island.