Setsubun Special Bento

Wednesday, February 3 from 11:45 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Hakubai Japanese Restaurant at The Kitano Hotel – 66 Park Avenue at 38th Street

Cost: $45 per person

“Setsubun” literally means “division of seasons.” It is the day before the first day of spring in Japan, which occurs around February 3. On this day, in a custom called mame-maki, which literally means “bean scattering,” people throw and scatter roasted soy beans inside and outside their houses while saying, “Get goblins out of the house! Invite happiness into the home!”

It is believed that this practice exorcises the evil spirits from the previous year and expresses wishes for happiness for the year to come. The Kitano’s Mame-Maki will begin at 10:00 a.m. on February 3, starting at the hotel entrance.

There are also special foods associated with the day. In the Kansai area of Japan, people eat grand sushi rolls all in one on the night of Setsubun. Hakubai will serve a menu just for the occasion.

For more information, please visit The Kitano Hotel’s website.

[callout title=Executive Chef Yukihiro Sato’s Setsubun Menu]

• Appetizer
  Turnip Tofu Topped with Salmon Roe and Wasabi-An
  Grilled Shiitake with Greens in Dashi Broth
• Bento Box
  King Crab and Jelly Fish Salad with Sesami Dressing Assorted Sashimi of the Day
  Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura
  Eel Grand Roll
• Soup
  Vegetable Miso Soup
• Dessert
  Cream An-Mitsu with Mochi[/callout]