Lakewood Ranch's Korê Steakhouse, located in Waterside Place, will host a Lunar New Year festival alongside the community's weekly Ranch Nite on Jan. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Korê owner Daniel Dokko has close ties with the festival due to his Korean heritage.  He explains that Korean Lunar New Year, called Seollal (설날), and Chinese Lunar New Year (春节)—both of which are linked to the lunisolar calendar—don't always fall on the same day, but do this year.

Both celebrations include beloved, culturally significant culinary traditions. "One of the things that brings me the best memories is eating rice cake soup, called tteokguk, for the New Year," Dokko says. "It’s a staple dish meant to bring health and prosperity for the next year. We eat it ensure we eat well for the rest of the year."

 The festival will feature food tents showcasing Wagyu beef from Japan's ZEN-NOH Corporation. Dokko says the company is like Japan's version of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Before the festival, he's hosting its representative, Yoshihiko Matsuda, for a chef-exclusive seminar.

Because Matsuda's visit lines up with this year's Lunar New Year, Dokko decided it would be a great way to showcase Wagyu products via other food vendors and invited them to participate in the festival, which will be free and open to the public. 

The celebration will also include a traditional lion dance and the chance for participants to play Dokko's version of the popular Netflix show Squid Game, a dystopian survival series that turns deadly for its participants. The winner of Dokko's version of the game will receive a $300 gift card to Korê.

“Unlike the show, no one will die if they don’t win," Dokko says with a laugh. "Don’t worry.” 

Korê's Lunar New Year festival will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (941) 928-5673.