What, no chopsticks? The Art Deco interior is another hint that this legendary ’80s hot spot (Warhol was a fan) is more a people-watching venue than a shrine to Middle Kingdom cuisine. Our party of two received a single menu (“We’re packed, we don’t have extras,” said our waiter). Yet the Westernized food still manages to hold its own. Sample the succulent Beijing duck, bright-red chicken satay or a Shanghai Box, which turns out to be Shanghai-style pork dumplings that ooze savory juices. Rice comes with shrimp, peas and eggs (and $4.50 added to the bill). The only similarity to a real Chinese restaurant was the dessert selection: stale and forgettable.
Details
Address
324 E 57th St
New York
10022
Cross street:
between First and Second Aves
Transport:
Subway: N, Q, R to 59th St–Lexington Ave; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St