The “Lucky Chimney Sweeper” sculpture was created by sculptor Tauno Kangro.

The story behind this bronze chimney sweep statue is that when people saw a chimney sweep on the street they would do all that they could to touch the buttons on the sweep’s coat. This was because chimney sweeps in Estonia once had golden buttons on their uniform and it was considered lucky if you could get one of the buttons for yourself. As members of the public would try and steal the “lucky buttons,” chimney sweeps in Tallinn would often be seen with some of the buttons missing from their coats.

Trailing behind the sculpture is a small series of bronze footsteps. The sculpture is said to have been erected in memory of all the men who not only climbed rooftops to clean out sooty chimneys, but also brought good luck to the people living in the city.

The buttons on the statues’ coat are bright and shiny, although the rest of the sculpture has developed a patina. It’s considered good luck to rub the buttons of the sweep’s coat.

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The family-run Hong Kong Lounge is located in SF’s Outer Richmond District and serves as the staple for classic dim sum in the Bay Area. During this lunar new year, the restaurant offers a variety of take-away specialties, including a giant pot of festive foods known as a poon choi. This traditional dish is overflowing with special meat, seafood and vegetables that symbolize wealth and fortune.

Sweet treats also play an important role in the New Year’s dishes. The Hong Kong Lounge caters to customers Nian Gao (Year Cake) and Fa Gao (Prosperity Cake). Nian Gao is a circular, sticky rice cake most popularly consumed during the Lunar New Year to promote togetherness and happiness for a better year. Fa Gao is a steamed, yellow cake that is successful when consumed.

As the manager of her family’s restaurant, Tiffany Zhou hopes that New Year’s dinner at the Hong Kong Lounge will bring much-needed joy to families.

“I want you to be happy,” said Zhou. “And just remember, you know, sometimes you have to slow down and just enjoy the moment.”

Visit here to learn more about the Hong Kong Lounge and to place an order.

Every year, the Hong Kong Lounge, together with the Fort Point Beer Company, offers a special brunch with delicious dim sum dishes and beer offerings to celebrate the New Year and Beer Week. Visit here to pre-order your home dim sum brunch for Saturday 20th February.

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