The John Dory Oyster Bar

Kitchy seafood decor and a prime corner in the Ace Hotel Complex, the John Dory found a home after a shortlived time on 10th Ave. Some of the food here is inspired like the cremy, complex, corn, clam, and potato soup with spicy chorizo(crostini) and the lovely lobster roll with the skinniest shoestring potatoes. Yummy, warm, buttery Parker rolls are good for chowing and dipping. The freshest seafood(oysters) also rocks out with fresh horseradish and great sauces. The crudo with Kaffir lime was underseasoned and underwhelming. The shooters of crab and avocado are tasty though for $7 are miniscule. Desserts are also not sensational- vanilla sundae with raspberry was good as was chocolate mouse with butterscotch cream, but none were mindblowing. Very expensive with subpar service.
SLOW GO!

Chinatown Brasserrie

Sumptous Chinese plus dim sum spot in a lofty space with Chinese banquets and lots of red lamps. Once seated you can order any and all off the menu- no carts, though this food is super fresh and thoughtfully prepared. Soups include wonton, corn/egg drop with lobster both tasty and wontons are super duper tasty/fresh. We ordered Peking duck, classic egg rolls, shrimp and mango rolls plus dumplings made with bok choy and mushrooms. A feast. Each dish was soooo good. The half Peking duck($20) arrived with the requisite shredded cucumber and pancakes with oyster sauce. Classic egg rolls were fresh fried and full of big size veggies- yum! Pricey yes, but a posh choice for a fun lunch or dim sum. Lovely loos for the ladies.
GO!