Zemi (CLOSED)

It may look like a no-frills bar with its drab brick walls and TV-glued sports fans, but Zemi is actually the brainchild of Mary Hwang-Zheng—owner of midtown’s hyper-mod mainstay, Vynl. Unfashionable though it is by comparison, deals abound on the hodgepodge menu, which includes American, Italian and Asian staples. We were most impressed with the latter category: Pan-fried pork dumplings were plump and juicy, the sesame chicken was crunchy and pleasantly sweet, and a red curry was appropriately kickin’. Zemi’s not the most romantic of spots, but it’s a fine choice for a quick Chelsea lunch.