过年How?: Paying out Hongbao and Making It Back at Mahjong With David From Bookworm

We quiz some long-term Beijingers on how they intend to spend this year's Chinese New Year and hopefully uncover some horror stories along the way. 过年 How, y'all?

Having lived in Beijing for more than thirty years now, general manager of The Bookworm, former ESPN China managing director and affirmed Old China Hand David Cantalupo has been around the block enough to have seen plenty of weird and wonderful Chinese New Year stories, but it's his method for breaking even in the frenzy of hongbao-giving that piqued our interest the most... 

What's your full name and where are you from?
David Cantalupo, New Jersey, USA.

What does your average CNY entail? Where are you headed this year?
I will spend it with my wife's extended family, making dumplings and taking all their money on the mahjong table.

Tell us about a particular CNY nightmare that you've encountered.
I've spend many, many New Year's in China and only last year did I experience a nightmare – the complete lack of fireworks was a total nightmare for me!

Which dishes do you particularly look forward to gorging on every year?
Jiaozi, jiaozi, jiaozi.

What are three tips for avoiding the excesses of eating and drinking that CNY is defined by?
Why would you want to do such a thing? Excess is best!!

How do you deflect awkward family questions?
I turn it aroud and make them answer first.

When are you getting married?
That horse bolted the barn almost 30 years ago.

What are you going to spend your hongbao haul on?
Unfortunately I am at that age where I have to give hongbaos to both elders as well as the kiddies, so it is not a profitable night for me.

Do you think this year's New Year Gala will include: racism, sexism, ageism, or all of the above?
All of the above! But in the finest Chinese tradition of innocent naiveté it will all be unintentional.

What do you predict the Year of the Pig holds for you?
Plenty of pork, hopefully BBQ.

Check out all our Chinese New Year coverage here.

Photos: courtesy of David Cantalupo