CHICAGO (WLS) — “Windy City Weekend” had a live studio audience this Friday. And Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini had a familiar face to greet that audience – restaurateur/entrepreneur Billy Dec, who was one of the guests on the very first “Windy City Live” program back in 2011.
Dec was in studio to feature some meals to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The meals are featured at his Sunda New Asian restaurants in the Fulton Market and River North neighborhoods.
Warner, Chiaverini and Dec started off the segment by talking about Groundhog’s Day, which is this Sunday. They talked about how the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), wants to change the tradition of Groundhog’s Day, by instead using a gender reveal cake instead of Punxsutawney Phil to forecast the weather of the future.
They also talked about a new poll on Reddit which asks: “Would you rather have extra love, extra time or extra money. According to the poll, 46 percent voted for extra money; 29 percent voted for extra time; and 24 percent voted for extra love.
In The Kitchen with Billy Dec
Warner and Chiaverini then joined Billy Dec in the kitchen. They talked about the traditions of Lunar New Year. And they also talked about Chicago Restaurant Week, a17-day celebration of Chicago’s award winning dining scene, where over 500 restaurants in the city and suburbs offer special prix fixe menus for brunch and lunch ($30), and/or dinner ($45 or $60).
Chicago Restaurant Week started on Jan. 24 and will continue through Feb. 9.
Dec then showed Val and Ryan dishes from Sunda New Asian which are featured to help celebrate Lunar New Year.
One special meal being promoted at Sunda New Asian during Chicago Restaurant Week is this one, which is $60 per person and is great for those who are vegetarians or can only eat gluten-free meals:
Dec then talked about the various celebrations for Lunar New Year at Sunda New Asian’s River North (110 W. Illinois St.) and Fulton Market (333 N. Green St.) locations.
On Friday night, the River North location will host a traditional Lion Dance performance, which is a vibrant cultural tradition symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. That performance starts at 7 p.m.
Dec also talked about these special Lunar New Year dishes being offered at Sunda New Asian:
Hong Kong Steak Lo Mein – NY Strip, Mushroom, Bok Choy, Carrot, Onion, Cabbage
Whole Crispy Snapper – Red Snapper, Red Bell Pepper, Pineapple, Bok Choy, Onion, Carrot, Dried Chilies, Shaoxing Rice Wine Sauce
Lion’s Head Meatballs – Shrimp and Pork Meatballs, Napa Cabbage, Bok Choy, Glass Noodles, Sweet Ginger Soy
Guests celebrating at Sunda will also receive a traditional red envelope containing surprise treats during this time, ranging from complimentary desserts to appetizers and more – perfect to share the joy and fortune of the New Year.
