Allan Appel Photo
The attorney general with New Haven Taste of China co-owner Hu Ping.
State Attorney General William Tong eyed a serving tray of glistening xiao (or small) sautéed bok choy prepared for a Lunar New Year feast.
“The dragon is auspicious,” which means it’s going to be a lucky and prosperous year for human creatures as well as mythical ones, Tong said.
“Dragons are also charismatic, decisive, and generous. Let’s take a cue from the dragon and be that way with each other.”
The Chengdu dumplings.
Tong was speaking Friday night inside New Haven Taste of China in New Haven on Chapel Street, where he organized a celebration of the Year of the Dragon, which officially begins Feb. 10.
He knows how to cook the sweet, garlicky Chengdu dumplings, his favorite, but also the Yangzhou fried rice and the Kung Pao chicken. After all, the state’s first constitutional officer of Asian descent grew up in his parents’ restaurant business in Wethersfield.
Although not strictly speaking a fundraising event, more of an I‑appreciate-you event, the aim of the celebration was also to support a political action committee called the Firewall Fund, according to Tong spokesperson Lori Fernand. Tong helped to create that fund last year to support campaigns of Democratic municipal candidates statewide.
More than 100 people were on hand Friday evening, including State Treasurer Erick Russell, Fair Haven Alder Frank Redente, Jr., and Hamden Democratic Town Committee Vice Chair Elaine Dove. They packed the long back room of the restaurant, enjoying the libations, the feast, and the red damask decorations put up by restaurant owner Hu Ping.
The party-goers and officials from around the state asked each other such vital and non-political questions as, how hot is that beef in black pepper sauce?
It was the second year that Tong has celebrated the Chinese new year by throwing such a festive and aromatic event in a Chinese restaurant in each of the state’s five U.S. Congressional districts. Earlier last week Tong held an event in Stamford, leaving three more districts to go as the official kick-off of the Year of the Dragon begins this coming Saturday and continues to be celebrated for about 15 days after.
He concluded with the traditional greeting in Chinese: Gōngxǐ fācái, or Great good fortune and prosperity!
Then it was off to enjoy the many dishes offered — especially the Chengdu dumplings, with their rich sauce of fresh soy, garlic, and sweet chili.
To which Fair Haven alder do the arms holding this plate belong?
Happy Year of the Dragon!