"If you want to reserve a table for Chinese New Year's Eve, it's wise to book as early as possible."

An employee at a time-honored brand restaurant near the North Third Ring Road describes the rush in reservations for Chinese New Year's Eve banquets for February 9, 2013. Despite the date being over two months away, restaurants and catering companies have been inundated by bookings for family reunion banquets. Customers can only book seats rather than dishes because food prices are predicted to increase during Spring Festival. "Time-honored brand" is an honorary title given to restaurants with a long history, cuisine specialty or technique. At many such restaurants, customers need to book Chinese New Year's Eve banquets one year or more in advance. (Source: Beijing Morning Post)