In celebration of the Chinese New Year, Kristy’s Wood Oven and Wine Bar served Chinese fare both Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Delighted patrons were treated to the traditional Lion Dance performed by the Ventura Lion Dance Troop both nights. The sound of the cymbals, gongs and drums rang in the new year, the Year of the Horse. Traditional Chinese red envelopes, decorated with gold Chinese characters like “happiness” and “wealth,” were passed out to be placed in the mouth of the lion, which is believed to bring good luck and scare away any evil spirits.
This is the second year that Kristy’s Malibu rang in the Chinese New Year with traditional festivities.
The lions danced around diners, collecting Chinese red envelopes from each person, which is believed to bring good luck.
John Tindell scares the lion as he and his wife Nancy enjoy the festivities at Kristy’s on Monday night.
Greg Bashant, general manager and husband of Kristy Apana, owner of Kristy’s Malibu, feeds the lion a red envelope.
The lion tamer leads the lions into the main entrance of the restaurant.
Maika Apana-Bates passed around the traditional red envelopes with gold Chinese characters to diners to “feed” to the lions.