Wishing you every happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year. Thank you for being our devoted subscriber and a supporter of the "Chinatown, Little Italy and 'Original' Jewelry District" neighborhood. We look forward to continuing to provide you with the latest local news, deals and promotions in the coming year.

 

All the best to you and your family in the upcoming Year of the Horse 2014!

 

Wellington Chen
Executive Director  

Chinatown Business Improvement District
Chinatown Partnership Local Development Corporation 


Home Improvement Contractor Training Course Graduates Celebrate Final Class
 
 
The Chinatown Partnership and Queens Economic Development Corporation on Dec. 29 honored the 27 graduates of the first-ever, Manhattan-based Home Improvement Contractor Training, conducted in Mandarin by the QEDC and held in Chinatown at the Chinatown Partnership office. 

"Construction is one of the most rapidly growing industries in New York City, and this program is an excellent opportunity for individuals to get the training they need to rise to the top of their field," said NYC Council Member Margaret Chin (D-Lower Manhattan), who helped announce the course earlier this month. "The Chinatown Partnership is delighted to provide a variety of capacity building workshops to help merchants and workers expand their businesses and skills," said Chinatown Partnership Executive Director Wellington Chen. "We thank Council Member Chin and QEDC for bringing this successful training to our community and look forward to seeing these newest graduates help booster and increase professionalism to the construction trade."


  
Enjoy Delicious French Cuisine in the Heart of Chinatown/Little Italy 
Parigot Restaurant, 155 Grand Street (corner of Lafayette), 212-274-8859 
  
Parigot was established in 2006 by Chef Michel Pombet and his partner, Catherine Amsellem. Chef Michel, an industry native since 1966, and Catherine both grew up in Paris - the restaurant name giving ode to that fact (Parigot is French slang for Parisian). Since its opening, the corner spot has proven itself to be a place for everyone from locals to first time tourists to experience "the Parigot ambiance" in a relaxed family setting that takes you to a mini-Paris at the crossroads of SoHo, Chinatown and Little Italy.  Click HERE for more info.
 

 

Lunar New Year Celebration 2014

 

January 25 & 26 / February 8 & 9, 2014

 

NYCCC is bringing the Chinese New Year to you! The New York Chinese Cultural Center presents our culturally rich Lunar New Year Grand Celebration program which covers two full weekends at iconic cultural institutions in four boroughs and your neighborhood. 

 

Celebrate the Year of the Horse with colorful costumed Chinese folk dances, classical and Hip-Hop style Lion Dancing, and hands-on Chinese Arts & Crafts, all presented and shared with you and thousands of fellow New Yorkers.  Click HERE for more info.

 


 
 
Must-See Chinatown:  Columbus Park  
To get a glimpse of the diversity of the neighborhood, head to Columbus Park, where the scene is usually bustling, especially on weekends. You're sure to find amateur troupes of Chinese-opera performers stationed throughout the park, residents playing mah-jongg and cards, folks practicing tai chi and learning kung fu, and the stray fortune-teller or two. In the summer, you might even stumble upon a symphony of singing birds, as pet owners often hang their birds' cages in the trees during the morning. If you're in the mood for sports, this 3.2-acre park has an Astroturf field for pickup games of soccer and volleyball, a basketball court, and, at the south end of the park, a large playground, complete with sprinklers and a wading pool for children.  Film buffs and historians would also know Columbus Park as the famous "Five Points" which was a focal point locale in Martin Sorceresses' "Gangs of New York" film

The park is located between Bayard and Worth Streets, and also touches Mulberry Street, Hogan Place and Baxter Street. Click HERE for more info.
 

Chilean Wine Class with Tastings and Appetizers

221 Centre Street, 212-925-7871
 

While we adore French and California wine, Chile has been bottling the fruit of its fertile soils, giving the traditional powerhouses a serious run for their money. Enjoy this country's rich varietals at the Zagat-ratedNew York Times-recommended: Puro Chile:

 

* $29 ($60 value) for a 1.5- to 2-hour Chilean wine class led by a wine expert 
* Includes 6 to 7 tastings, plus 3 appetizers (think empanadas and ceviche) 
* You'll also receive a 10% discount at the adjoining Puro Wine store