by Heidi Craig

Valentine’s Day? What’s that? Whether single or just plain cranky, Valentine humbugs can enjoy a red-themed holiday without feeling like Hallmark-bullied suckers. February 14th also marks Chinese New Year, so instead of chugging through another Whitney Houston movie marathon (am I right, ladies?!), celebrate the Year of the Tiger with a visit to Qing Hua.

Qing Hua is the crown jewel of “New Chinatown” (a pile of Asian restaurants just West of Concordia), and that jewel just happens to be a delicious lamb coriander dumpling. Appetizers are good (try the marinated duck wings, spicy tofu, and pork ear with cucumber salad), but dumplings are Qing Hua’s true raison d’etre. Fried, boiled or steamed, filling choices for these little doughy dreams include anise; pork with leek; coriander with pork, beef or lamb, and so many more! Qing Hua isn’t the cheapest spot in NC (a plate of dumplings will set you back around $15), but the décor and service is better than your average noodle-dive.

Still dying to watch Waiting to Exhale, or planning an at-home kissy fest? Pick up a bag of frozen dumplings (30 dumplings for $16) and prepare ‘em at home. Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Qing Hua – 1676 Lincoln, corner St Mathieu. (438) 288-5366.