07/06/08

Great food and service

by eater101

We ate here last week and really enjoyed everything. Service was great; we never had to ask for anything, as the waiter and busboy were on top of evertyhing. The food was delicious; the waiter recommended the puffed rice crusted shrimp roll, which sounds weird but was great. He also recommended short ribs, which came already boned, so it was a cube of rich, dense meat which had been pan seared; and the chicken dumplings, which was pulled chicken meat in a wonton wrapper, steamed, with a sour soy sauce called Ponzu. All very good. The entrees were outstanding: a grilled red snapper with curry sauce and string beans, and my friend ordered duck breast, which came with dumplings whose skin was made from tapioca pearls! Interesting and unique. For dessert, we shared the signature dessert, green tea donuts. One thing, don't be scared by the menu. The chef is able to take odd sounding combinations and make them delicious. I've eaten in lots of hotel restaurants, and they're usually pretty mediocre, so Riingo was a wonderful surprise! Plus, everybody was very friendly, from the manager who stopped by to chat briefly with us, to the host, who remembered us on our way out. I highly recommend Riingo! The only down part is the bathrooms; they're unmarked and kind of hidden, so it was a little embarrassing to have to be led to them. But thats a small quibble!!

• Pros: food, service
• Cons: bathrooms difficult to find

01/29/08

Disappointed

by myongsun

I had heard good things, and I've been to Marcus's Aquavit, so we were expecting greatness.

If you go, be sure to avoid the table we had: in the hallway next to the server's station. Each time they grabbed some silverware, they slammed the drawer closed and we felt it in the back of our booth seat. Plus, we were privy to all their chit-chat about other tables--- not cool.

When I ordered a Gibson to start, our waitress was not quite sure what it was. I explained that a Gibson is a gin martini served with cocktail onions. The woman at the next table said, 'I think he's the only man in the world who knows what a Gibson is!".

The braised short rib dish was unique: the meat was seared into a block about the size of a deck of cards (but twice as thick). The result is a crisp, carbon exterior--- wonderfully, juicy within.

About $140 for the three of us.

Will not return.

• Pros: fun menu
• Cons: experience can vary depending on seating

12/18/07

Good food and freindly service in midtown

by armyman2000

I ate here last week; what a great meal. Food was delicious--try the shortribs, it looks like a brownie! but the taste is rich and meaty. The donuts, which the manager Jamey recommended are the signature dish. I was hesitant, but they were great! The space is pretty; small, but comfortable. I liked the service, he knew what he was talking about and didn't bother me and my wife. Try some of the specialty cocktails too, the friendly bartender, Russell, made me a drink with tarragon and lemonade! Everybody, from the manager to the busboy, made us feel welcome and next time we come into the city we will definitely retrun!

• Pros: great food, freindly service