“Other times [are] still very slow, especially weekday, because I understand a lot of people are still very scared about COVID-19,” she said.

With large gatherings off the table this year, CNY in the Desert is going virtual and focusing on a call-to-action, supporting AAPI restaurants to help them persevere in The Year of the Ox.

“So, I think it’s fitting in The Year of the Ox, it’s a strong and sturdy animal. It puts its head down and it just goes to work,” Derek Uehara, CNY in the Dessert host, said.

Chinatowns are uniquely affected by the pandemic, as dining is the centerpiece of the local economies, depending on tourism and locals. Mass restaurant restrictions and closures have had a massive impact. Uehara says he encourages the entire community to come out.

“Why not take a look at new and exciting restaurants that maybe you would’ve never heard of before. Go out, celebrate and support the workers and the hard-working owners of these restaurants,” he said.

The Asian Chamber of Commerce says Las Vegas’s Chinatown has weathered the struggles of the pandemic better, compared to other Chinatowns in the country.

Indoor dining still being allowed plays a big part. Li remains optimistic for Chubby Cattle.