Location: 15 Greenwich Avenue New York, NY 10014
Cuisine: Asian
Items: 2 appetizers, 2 drinks, 2 entrees, 1 dessert
Cost: $100.00 (with 20% tip)
Best Dish: Ocean Medley Soup, the best value with such a wide assortment of seafood.
Overall: A great place for new foodies to immerse themselves in various flavors and textures.
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Shao Mei is a denser dumpling with dough gathered at the top. Traditionally this style of dumpling is served filled with meat, leaks and bamboo. Niu House’s version includes the rich flavor of truffles for an extra bit of decadence.
The dumpling whet our appetites for our main courses, Ocean Medley Soup and Crispy Shrimp with Walnuts. Seafood lovers must try the Ocean medley, it is packed with a divine mix of marine life. Mussels, Shrimp, Scallops and crab combine in light broth with mixed vegetables and a hard-boiled egg. As this is a noodle house patrons are invited to choose their own soup noodle or enjoy the chef’s pick. The options available include egg noodles, wheat noodles as well as wide noodles. We opted for chef’s choice and enjoyed a generous helping of thick udon noodles.
Though noodles take center stage we opted to sample one of the chef’s other specialties. The Crispy Shrimp with walnuts is composed of several jumbo shrimp tossed in a honey mayo sauce and fried lightly. The shrimp are served with candied walnuts steamed broccoli and white rice. The flavor and texture is indescribable. At first bite they are crunchy and sweet then suddenly the sauce kicks in with a creaminess followed by firm well done shrimp.
After such a savory meal we needed something sweet but light. Having heard rave reviews of the light crepe cake we ordered it only to find it had sold out! As a runner-up we sampled the mango shaved ice instead. The ice cream like dish is served with an assortment of citrus tapioca “pearls” and bits. The creamy texture and balance or sweet and tart flavors was a great end to a good meal.
For about 100.00 we took a culinary journey to Asia, sampling a few well known dishes. This small west village eatery is charming and warm with a surprising street cafe feel. The decor and relaxed staff add to the dining adventure ensuring a great experience.
All Food Images were taken with the Samsung Galaxy Note II.