Lunar New Year marks a lively celebration each season, symbolizing the beginning of a new prosperous year surrounded by loved ones. D’USSÉ XO cognac brings people together, whether for special occasions like LNY or potluck dinners with friends. The bold cognac was crafted by Cellar Master Michel Casavecchia and is known for its rich, layered flavor, making it an ideal cocktail pairing for a home-cooked meal — and the perfect spirit to get the party started.

Ringing in the holiday, D’USSÉ tapped award-winning chef and co-owner of 886 and Wenwen, Eric Sze to show how he celebrates Lunar New Year. Sze brings Taiwanese flavors stateside through his restaurants and experiments with inventive recipes that really excite the taste buds. “Lunar New Year was always an opportunity to see relatives and friends of all walks. I treasured seeing my parents be their most social selves. Their busy lives back then resemble mine today, and the fact that they could carve out time to see people they don’t get to see enough was always a joy for me to witness,” Sze shares.

Festivals, firecrackers, and family traditions are all important attributes of the holiday, with one of the most important rituals being an extravagant dinner. In honor of this ritual, Sze invited D’USSÉ into his space to spotlight the recipe for one of his favorite Lunar New Year meals, paired with the specialty D’USSÉ XO Red Dragon cocktail. For this dish, Sze prepared Youfan, his unique twist on a classic LNY entrée, using D’USSÉ XO to deglaze the pans and infuse this dinner with the essence of the spirit.

A Lunar New Year dinner or party wouldn’t be complete without party essentials to set the vibes high, so Sze also shared an array of items that are crucial when hosting. “When I host I try to create a space where people feel the same level of joy and hospitality, especially because many of my friends in New York are also immigrants, there is this daunting homesickness when LNY rolls around,” Sze continues, “Hosting means decorating and cooking as much food as humanly possible. All of these things will serve as a gentle reminder to people that there is still warmth in the freezing NYC February.”

 

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Custom Stamp

Special moments during the Lunar New Year are made even more meaningful when spent with friends and family. When Sze was born, his mom had a custom stamp created, emblazoned with his name. The stamp has now become Sze’s signature and one of his most valuable and sentimental possessions, reminding him of the importance of honoring those close to him this holiday season.

When preparing to cook a Lunar New Year meal, it’s important to be equipped with all of the right tools to get started. This custom Chinese cleaver was made by one of Sze’s friends, showing off a design on the handle that resembles van Gogh’s Starry Night. It’s a staple for the esteemed chef whenever he steps into the kitchen.

Just like an athlete getting into the zone, many chefs gravitate towards a go-to uniform or ensemble to gear up for a day in the kitchen. Adding a touch of personal flair to his everyday chef wares, Sze usually reaches for his Crocs x Salehe Bembury. These comfortable shoes allow easy movement in the kitchen, provide comfort, and inject his look with a little extra personality.

D’USSÉ Cognac launched an XO bottle in an exclusive, limited edition Red Dragon box — the ideal drink to open up when hosting guests and a great gift for special occasions. “If you have any gift ideas, this is my choice,” the chef shares. This spirit’s deep blackberry and apricot flavors are the ideal foils for delicious holiday meals.

“Growing up, my favorite part of Lunar New Year was definitely the red envelopes,” Sze reflects. Many partake in the special Lunar New Year ritual of passing out red envelopes filled with money, welcoming a new season full of fortune and good health. These envelopes are very sentimental to Sze since he used to receive them as a kid and now gifts them to younger members of his own family.

If you want to get your own party started, check out the D’USSÉ Cognac Lunar New Year XO Gift Box on dussé.com.