JANUARY 22, 2004 CHINESE NEW YEAR -- THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY The Flat Top Grill to Host Traditional Lions Dance for Adults and Kids

On January 21st, 22nd, and 23rd The Flat Top Grill will host and toast the traditional Chinese New Year with the Lion Dance celebration for the eighth consecutive year. The second new moon after the winter solstice determines the Chinese New Year and 2004 is the year of the Monkey. The Flat Top Grill invites their neighbors in 7 various locations to bring their loved-ones and continue, or begin the yearly tradition. Childrens artwork is professionally displayed from partner schools" at each location, along with festive décor, sparklers, lanterns, banners, zodiac placemats, fortune cookies and Lai See, (good fortune) envelopes are distributed to each table.

(PRWEB) January 14, 2004 --We have many families that celebrate with us year after year," explains CEO, Keene Addington. Weve been providing this entertainment and education to our communities since 1996. It's a celebration of the Asian influence in America. Bringing these ancient traditions to our patrons is an invitation to understand the rituals and culture without having to leave their neighborhood."

The Lion Dance is a traditional dance performed yearly at The Flat Top Grill Restaurants by the famous Gene Lee Dance Group. This ritual is said to bring good luck to the households or businesses, which they visit. The dance is accompanied by energetic music played on a large drum, while cymbals are used in dispelling evil spirits and bringing good luck. Children are encouraged to feed" the Lion heads of cabbage (for good money) and clementines (for good fortune.)

The Lion lies on the floor and chews" on the gifts while the musicians play a dramatic rolling crescendo. The Lion explodes back into activity while spitting out the leaves of the cabbage. This is a symbolic blessing by the Lion; by spitting the leaves it signifies that there will be an abundance of everything in the coming year.

The Asian-inspired food line of fresh ingredients for the New Year will be a vision of red including; red flowers, red peppers, tomatoes. Red represents joy, celebration, happiness and truth. Red also wards against evil and brings good-luck. Special Chinese New Year food items include; fresh clementines, Chinese long noodles and roasted pig.

The Flat Top Grill is a privately owned company based in Oak Park, Illinois and operates 7 locations in Old Town, Lakeview, West Loop, Evanston, Oak Park, as well as Fort Wayne, IN., and Arlington, VA.

A Fact Sheet follows this press release with the Lion Dance schedules for each location. The Media is invited to request an interview or Press Kit via the contact information provided above or visit www.flattopgrill.com.

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