Best of Nashville 2011--BEST ANNUAL FOOD EVENT

CAAN's Annual Lunar New Year Banquet at Wild Ginger

Nashville has more competition for this category every year, from the Hot Chicken Festival to Generous Helpings (and we disqualified our own Iron Fork). But there's literally a lot to like about the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville's annual Lunar New Year banquet: eight sumptuous courses (ranging this year from West Lake beef soup to flounder with scallops and roasted spicy prawns), exquisitely presented and even more exquisitely flavored. Add to that the delightful ruckus of the lion dance — improbably executed between the tables as the dancers snake their way through the dining room — artwork, party favors and door prizes, and you've got a celebration as good as any under the moon.      -Steve Haruch

 Note: 2012 CAAN's Chinese New Year Banquet will on Jan 29, 2012, Sunday from 5-7:30 pm.