Decadent Capitalism On the Rise in China

BREITBART.COM - Chinese Celebrating New Year in New Style:

Chinese Celebrating New Year in New Style / Jan 27 4:43 PM US/Eastern / By AUDRA ANG / Associated Press Writer / BEIJING

Picture this: Lobster cooked eight ways. Sharks' fin bathed in a rich brown sauce. Stewed bird's nest sweetened with apricots. Abalone braised until tender.

Now, the bill for a party of 10: $24,500.

The Lao Zhengxing restaurant in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou has taken culinary decadence to new heights with its Chinese New Year banquet menu _ a mix of exorbitantly priced ingredients and flashy cooking topped off with a dash of self-promotion.

Just a few years ago, Chinese spent the Lunar New Year _ their most celebrated holiday _ preparing feasts at home. But now, increasingly wealthy and busy, they are splurging on restaurant banquets. Eateries like Lao Zhengxing with special New Year menus are benefiting.

'It is the time for families to gather,' said Bian Jiang, Secretary General of the China Cuisine Association. 'People expect and enjoy higher standards of food, teas, wines and services during the New Year.'