Macao Trading Company
311 Church St.; 212-431-8750
This speakeasy-esque spot is modeled after the red lantern district of the industrial port of Macao in the ’40s, and it’s already drawing attention from foodies and fashionistas alike. And it’s no wonder – it’s owned by the cocktail geniuses behind Employees Only, who’ve teamed up with Chanterelle’s David Waltuck and sous-chefs Keith Harry and Lisa Leonard-Lee to serve fantastic family-style Chinese and Portuguese fare.
Must-have meal: Portuguese-style clams and chorizo (right, $9); lamb balls filled with cheese ($8); Ants Climbing the Tree (glass noodles with chili pork, $14); Peking roasted spare ribs ($17); and, for dessert, fried milk with honey and citrus salad ($7).
Soundtrack: Jazz or R&B early in the evening and Asian and Portuguese covers of vintage rock or funk later on.
Hours: Mon.-Sun., 5p.m.-4a.m., with dinner served until midnight
Shang
187 Orchard St.; 212-260-7900
Toronto’s answer to Nobu from Susur Lee has finally made its long-awaited NYC debut with this luxurious, cross-border Chinese restaurant located on the second floor of the newly opened Thompson LES Hotel. The glossy, ebony dining room is lit with oversized colored silk lights, and Chinese silk screens depict age-old scenes of orgies (with large red dots blocking out any indecency). Cocktails pressed from fresh juices, flavored with mint, basil, lemongrass and the like are served from a long, roomy bar, and in the spring, a wide outdoor terrace will offer al fresco lounging and dining.
Must-have meal: Chick pea sweet onion fritters with ginger, mango chutney and minted yogurt ($13); Singapore slaw (right, $16); stir-fried orzo with crab and shrimp ($18); Mongolian lamb chops ($20); and, for dessert, warm chocolate cake with hazelnut chocolate crumble and vanilla bean ice cream ($12).
Soundtrack: Chill-out electronic sounds and deep house later in the evening
Hours: Mon.- Sat., 6-11 p.m.