Photos: Ringing in the New Year

Chinese New Year, which marked the beginning of the Year of the Goat, was celebrated by Malibu locals at Kristy’s Wood Oven and Wine Bar last week. A traditional Chinese dinner was served family style, including hot and sour soup, crispy won tons, Chinese chicken salad, Hong Kong-style steamed fish, ginger scallion chicken, beef chow fun, Chinese Gai Lan greens and almond floats for dessert.

Part of the festivities was a performance by  the Camarillo Kung Fu and Lion Dance Association. Chinese red envelopes, decorated with gold Chinese characters like happiness and wealth, were at each place setting to be filled with cash or coins. Patrons placed the red envelope in the lion’s mouth. “Throughout the last three years we have started a tradition for some families to celebrate here,” said Kristy Apana-Bashant. 

Nell Brickman tamed the lion by offering him a red envelope and petting his head.

Members of the Camarillo Kung Fu and Lion Dance Association beat drums and cymbals last Wednesday night at Kristy’s Malibu.

Owners of Kristy’s Malibu; Kristy Apana-Bashant and Greg Bashant, son Maika, Kristy’s staff and Camarillo Kung Fu lion dancers share traditional Chinese food and performances with the Malibu community during a two-day celebration last week.

Camarillo Kung Fu and Lion Dance Association performed two nights, beginning outside on the courtyard at Kristy’s Malibu.