Last night I got a hankering for some delicious Asian cuisine. Naturally being a resident of Manhattan one would immediately flock to Chinatown for some Joe's Shanghai or Congee Village, but alas I was on the Upper East Side starving and miles away from New York's Chinatown. In this situation one can only do their best.
On my way from the train to my girlfriend Jenn's place I regularly pass a place on 86th street called Pan Asian. Upon our entrance our excitement was greeted with a smiling face and NOSTRILS filled with URINE aroma. I'm not saying that a disgruntled employee pees in the plants before he leaves at night, but this was pungent and definitely human urine. Jenn claims there was a homeless lady inside the building at the entrance waiting for a table in an empty restaurant. Regardless of the urine scented source we exited promptly after being seated.
Our Tramping adventure had certainly begun and that is how we ended up at one of the most delightful Asian cuisine surprises of my life. The poorly named, but delightfully tasty Ruby Rocks.
Our Order:
2 Tsing Tao Beers - Delightful, refreshing and relaxing.
1 order (6) Vegetable Steamed Dumplings - The best and most fresh vegetables inside a dumpling I've ever had. I almost canceled my entree and ordered a second helping. They were obviously hand made and very very fresh. I can't wait to make my return solely for Dumplings.
Stir Fried Noodle Section of the Menu
Jenn had the Bun Xao with Chicken
Description: Vietnamese rice noodle, basil leaves, egg, crushed peanuts.
-One taste for a peanut love will have you coming back. Very delicious and very fresh and flavorful.
I had the Drunken Noodles super duper spicy just the way I like it.
Description: Stir fried noodle, baby bok choy, bell pepper, water chestnut, basil leaves, chili puree.
-Typically stir fry is not even a choice for me. I don't love greasy, oily Asian food and usually lean towards a more crisp vegetable filled flavor. For the first time in New York when I ordered something very spicy I actually got it. They know flavor here and aren't afraid to give you what you ask for. I left happily sweat drenched with a full belly and can't wait for the leftovers. Ruby Rocks breakfast here I come.
Concerning Ambiance, it was a perfect little date place. Candle lit with dark walls.
Service was spectacular and all with a great big smile and an eagerness to please.
I almost forgot the second most important part of the Chinese Cuisine Experience...The Fortune Cookie. POI the fortune cookie is known to be the greatest expense to a Chinese Restaurant. Totally could be an Urban Legend, but it sounds good.
My Fortune: It is better to have a hen tomorrow than an egg today.
Jenn's Fortune: Life to you is a dashing and bold adventure.
Enjoy Chinese Cuisine lovers and Happy Tramping!
Clint.
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