Asiakan

Though unrelated to Meatpacking behemoth Buddakan, this UWS eatery also has a trendy downstairs lounge, a Buddha statue and a vast Pan-Asian menu. We liked the octopus ceviche—mixed cucumber, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, mango and chopped meat in a sprightly lime-soy sauce. On the sushi list, “Salmon, Salmon Caviar Love” pairs rich fish with earthy shiitakes, buttery avocado, fragrant mango and a sprinkle of salmon roe. At $100 for two diners, a meal here is a splurge, but still cheaper than Stephen Starr’s glitzy affairs.