Want to travel somewhere exotic and romantic with your valentine without breaking the bank?
This Valentine’s Day you can — at least edibly.
These three new restaurants are not only romantic, but will help in planning your actual next trip around the world.
Simpson Wong is back with a new Malaysian inspired restaurants, and locals on the Upper West Side couldn’t be happier. The former owner of Chomp Chomp and Cafe Asean in partnership with Salil Mehta, opened his unique restaurant on 81st and Amsterdam in late November. Kancil — named after a Malaysian mouse-deer — mixes the complex flavors of dishes like Pulut Panggang and Sarawak Laksa and other local delicacies Wong grew up with in Tanjung Malik, Malaysia. The family style menu is divided into Street Snacks, Small Plates, Noodles and Rice, and Large Plates and the result is not just delicious but fun.
Glow Seoul, the operators of several delicious establishments in Korea, have brought their talents and inspiration to New York City with Oncheon, located on Fifth Avenue between 31 and 32nd streets. Having opened in mind November, the tables are already packed as Korean food fans line up for the truly inspired Bulgogi Gujeolpan (a sort of make your own Korean taco dish that is not only healthy but so good you will have to stop yourself from ordering more), the egg and why Yukjeon and the Sukiyaki shabu shabu with Egyptian and sweet potato glass noodles along with a Chanhap Meal Box. Pair it with the unique cocktail, the GAT fashioned, as you will have, as my friend Candace Bushneel said after eating there “the most amazing meal!”
Finally, Lower East Siders have a French bistro to crow about in their own backyard. Le Jardin brings a slice of French elegance to the vibrant Lower East Side. The classic bistro almost outdoes Keith McNally’s Pastis and Balthazar, serving up perfectly done escargots, a point steak au poivre and sublime French fries as well as a rich bouillabaisse and hearty cassoulet. Don’t forget to spend some quality time perusing the wine menu, which has been selected carefully and seamlessly pairs with each dish.
