Mariano's South Loop Hosts Lunar New Year Party

CHICAGO -- Mariano's South Loop grocery store will celebrate Lunar New Year with fun events. Expect lion dances and real Asian foods. The party starts Saturday, February 7, at 1615 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60616. Guests can learn about traditions from different cultures while tasting dishes.​

Chef Bill Kim from Urbanbelly stopped by ABC7 Chicago. He shared details on this year's event. He also showed how to cook Japchae, a tasty Korean noodle dish. Japchae mixes glass noodles with veggies, meat, and a sweet sauce.

Event Highlights

• Lion dances bring good luck and loud drums.
• Free samples of authentic cuisine from Asia.
• Learn customs like red envelopes and family gatherings.
• Family-friendly with activities for kids.

The celebration honors the Year of the Horse in 2026. It runs in the afternoon, but check Mariano's for exact times. No cost to attend—just show up and enjoy.

Japchae Recipe: Simple Steps at Home

Japchae uses sweet potato noodles called dangmyeon. It serves 4 as a side or 2 as a main dish. Prep time is 30 minutes plus marinating. Total cook time: 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 8 oz sweet potato starch noodles
• 8 oz sliced white mushrooms
• 1 small onion, sliced thin
• 1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks
• ½ cup stir-fry sauce (split use)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 8 oz marinated beef or chicken
• 8 oz baby spinach
• 1 cup thin-sliced egg crepe
• ½ cup chopped scallions
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Stir-Fry Sauce (makes ¾ cup)

• ⅓ cup gluten-free soy sauce
• ⅓ cup water
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds
• ¼ tsp black pepper
  Whisk together.

Egg Crepe

• 2 eggs, scrambled with pinch of salt
• 1 tsp olive oil
  Heat oil, pour eggs thin, cook 1 min per side, slice.

Marinated Meat

• 8 oz steak or chicken strips
• ¼ cup stir-fry sauce
  Marinate 1 hour.

How to Cook

1. Soak noodles in cold water 45 min. Drain.
2. Boil noodles 4 min until clear. Drain, toss with ¼ cup sauce.
3. Heat pan with oil. Add garlic, carrots, mushrooms, onions, scallions. Stir 2 min.
4. Add meat, rest of sauce, spinach. Cook 2 min.
5. Mix in noodles 1 min.
6. Top with egg strips, scallions, sesame oil. Serve warm or cold.

This dish fits Lunar New Year with its bright colors and mix of flavors. Make it for the event or your own party. Mariano's likely sells the noodles and sauces fresh.