Before being served free sushi, habachi and drinks, patrons at Bayridge Sushi and Steak House in Avalon Park, were treated to a traditional Lion Dance on Sunday, Jan. 22. The opening nearly coincided with the Chinese New Year on Jan. 23.
Setting itself apart from other grand openings that feature routine ribbon cuttings, Bayridge Sushi and Steakhouse in Avalon Park lit up its front entrance with hanging fire crackers on Sunday, Jan. 22.
As the firecrackers exploded, a colorful dragon costume came to life with the help of two dancers underneath it, performing the Lion Dance, which is traditional on Chinese New Year, which officially started Monday, Jan. 23.
The dragon shook its red, furry head at the crowd — made up of hundreds of people who came for the display and the free food and drinks inside. Its gold body leaped and wiggled until the firecrackers burned to the top of the entrance where a head of lettuce was released and the dragon gobbled it up, flinging pieces of lettuce into the crowd. This is supposed to spread good luck in the new year.
Bayridge is located at 3680 E. Avalon Park Blvd., Orlando. For more information, call the restaurant at 407-282-8488 or visit www.brsushi.com/locations/avalon-park