Cuisine: 7
Service: 8
Decor: 7
Value: 9
Overall: 8
I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable about various types of Chinese food from all regions of China, but this is a new experience for me. I never had this style of aluminum pan grilled beef before. Doing some research, it is a specialty of the Jilin province from the Dongbei region of China.
The concept is unique and first of its kind in NYC. Using an aluminum pan on top of a portable butane stove, the server cooks small plates of marinated proteins and vegetables in front of the patrons.
All the meat arrives on small 6 inch plates about for less than $10 each. Great price to try a wide variety of foods. Mostly are different cuts of beef and the owner highly recommend their original marinade, which comes with red onions and cilantro. The other two options on the touch pad menu are "spicy/numbing" or "no cilantro."
For the four of us, we ordered seven plates of meat, but they accidentally gave us one extra by mistake. For me personally, the winners were the Signature Short Plate, Marbled Beef Short Ribs, and Classic Prime Beef Ribs. For non-beef items, the Orleans Chicken Thigh and Chicken Wings were both quite delicious too. The only thing I would definitely not order again is the beef tongue because it gets tough and chewy.
What is important to mention is that there are also many sides to cook along with the meats. We really liked everything, including Sauerkraut, King Oyster Mushroom, Tender Bamboo Shoots, Northeast Dried Tofu, and Enoki Mushroom. I wanted to order the Silky Fermented Tofu, but that was not for my mates.
Lastly, I would be doing you a disservice if I do not mention their amazing cold dishes. The Old Fashioned Mixed Shredded Salad had a wondrous flavor, which played amazingly with the texture of threads of bean curd and potato. Double Shredded Salad consists of apples and red onions, which gives off a refreshing flavor and pair well with the grilled meats.
Btw, they have local Snow Beer from Donbei region of China. If you never had it, try some with your aluminum pan grilled beef.
As for service, the owner lady is very friendly and aim to please. She or other servers will cook most of the food and tell you what pairs well together. They are helpful, so don't be afraid to ask questions.
Bottom line, fun restaurant that has a brand new concept that is inexpensive and delicious. Most importantly, the experience is fun. They open late into the night, so bring a group of friends and enjoy! read more