过年How?: Turnip Cakes and Buying Pet Food With Justin Culkin From Arrow Factory
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?
While the majority of us are searching for tips and tricks to avoid the overconsumption of alcohol and food during the Spring Festival, Arrow Factory Marketing Manager Justin Culkin instead advises us to embrace it. After all, it's not every day that we get to enjoy a stuffed-to-the-brim stomach and the weirdness of the Spring Festival Gala at the same time.
What's your full name and where are you from?
My name is Justin Culkin and I'm from Lincoln in the UK.
What does your average CNY entail? Where are you headed this year?
I usually get together with friends and family and there's lots of eating and drinking involved. A few years back I spent Chinese New Year in Hong Kong and got to experience the firework display on a boat in the middle of Victoria Harbour. I highly recommend it if you ever get the chance. This year I'll be spending it in Beijing, so no firework action I'm afraid.
Tell us about a particular CNY nightmare that you've encountered.
None that spring to mind. Daily hangovers?
Which dishes do you particularly look forward to gorging on every year?
I'm a big fan of luó bo gāo AKA turnip cake. My grandmother in Hong Kong makes the best ones!
What are three tips for avoiding the excesses of eating and drinking that CNY is defined by?
Don't avoid it, just go with it!
How do you deflect awkward family questions?
Can you give me an example?
When are you getting married?
When are you getting married?
What are you going to spend your hongbao haul on?
Possibly records, but most likely dog and cat food.
Do you think this year's New Year Gala will include: racism, sexism, ageism, or all of the above?
Sorry, I've never ever watched it but it sounds amazing!
What do you predict the Year of the Pig holds for you?
Some very big and exciting changes. Looking forward to seeing where the pig takes me...
Do you too want to eat nian gao this CNY? Find out where to get it in our handy Spring festival food guide here.
More by this author here.
Email: tautviledaugelaite@thebeijinger.com
Images: Justin Culkin
