Lipstick Cafe

The Scene – A typical midtown mix of loose-tie professionals and casually dressed tourists dine in the luxe exotica of this David Rockwell-designed space. Gold leaf-kissed walls, bamboo scattered about, tiny dishes of colorful spices and fresh orchids on every table--it's high-end tiki kitsch. Service is casual yet professional. – – The Food – From the crab spring rolls to the slow-baked salmon with galangal sauce, dishes lack the bright, vibrant flavors indicative of Thai cuisine and instead, taste washed out and watered down. Bean curd lacks its promised crispness…

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User Reviews (63)

ambiance	100.0% positive	“Comfort: Very comfortable atmosphere to dine and enjoy yourself eating.” “Very good decoration though.” “Sultry and sensual decor, exquisite tasting menu - what could be better spot for a first date?” “Vong looked fun, had a great asian red decor and the waitress was super friendly.” “I've become quite a fan of this place because it offers great service, delicious food and fantastic ambiance.” “Vong has great food, great ambiance and a great bar!” “The atmosphere is ok but if you are looking for a place with good food, GO ELSEWHERE.” “The ambiance was nice.” “We were also celebrating a friend's recent engagement so wanted a place with a good atmosphere.” “Also I liked the lighting of the atmosphere.” “The decor is really beautiful, particularly the walls when entering the dining room.” “The happy red chairs and warm yellow glow that suffuses the space makes the large room feel cozy and intimate.” “The ambiance and staff are warm and friendly.” “Excellent food, service, ambience” “Took my BF here for his b-day the decor was nice the food was good, the service was excellent!”
dessert	77.77999877929688% positive	“But it might be one of the most expensive dinners I've been to, the desserts were great, but anything was good to take that sea bass taste out of my mouth!” “ordered the warm chocolate cake, which was very rich (it reminded me of one of those microwave brownie bowls).” “The appetizer and dessert tasting platters are good and offer unique fare, however, the main dishes are quite dull.” “Service was good, and the appetizer and dessert were fine.” “The duck breast was cooked perfectly and the chocolate cake with cocunut sorbet was wam, cool, moist, and gooey!” “Spring Roll and Tuna appetizers were great; the chicken and beef main courses were spectacular; desserts phenomenal!” “Our entrees were amazing (salmon and sea bass), and though we declined to have dessert the chef sent us out a special martini glass full of wine flavored sorbet.” “cookie/cake. Coffee was mediocre.” “The Brioche was a great dessert and I don't usually get dessert.”
drinks	68.75% positive	“Vong has great food, great ambiance and a great bar!” “My friend and I ordered a glass of wine, which was one of the worst Riesling's I have ever had.” “Wine list was good enough and waiter was very knowledgeable on all food/wine selections.” “Vong is an OK restaurant -- which, in NYC, is a problem, because you got plenty of competition from excellent places like Tao, Kittichai or the Buddha bar that serve better food in a more glamorous environment with more professional staff.” “It was a little pricey, but they had a great menu of innovative cocktails.” “We also ordered 2 appetizers (both lobster rolls) they were both disgusting and the wine and appetizers were 75 dollars!” “Our entrees were amazing (salmon and sea bass), and though we declined to have dessert the chef sent us out a special martini glass full of wine flavored sorbet.” “Drinks were good too, I had the Thai Basil drink.”
food quality	88.61000061035156% positive	“Our group of 4 had a sampling of a few items from the menu - from spring rolls to Pad Thai to chicken satay -all were delicious and the peanut sauce was perfection.” “Yes, the prices are quite high, but as long as I am getting good food, I don't mind.” “The food was excellent, the service impeccable and a nice time turn around during busy lunch hour.” “The food was good, all of it.” “The only thing that's not average about Vong is the price of the food -- more expensive than any of the three places mentioned above.” “The duck with tamarind-sesame sauce was fine (though tough enough in places to be difficult to cut with a knife), but the pineapple fried rice had an overwhelmingly powerful tangy-sweet sticky sauce that was nearly inedible.” “The beef was of a high quality and perfectly cooked, but then coated with an awful combination of spices and plunged into a ginger broth.” “The food was really really good, we went for the $20 lunch.” “Really liked the peanut sauce, even bought two bottles on the way out.” “The chicken soup with thai spices was my favorite out of all the dishes - the creamy, coconut milk flavored thick soup with I believe shitakemushrooms was awesome.” “went there for lunch during restaurant week so spending $20.12 on a three course meal I would think gurantees it as a good value.” “The portions were VERY generous and the food was impeccable.” “The first choice of 2 entrees included black sea bass with zucchini noodles and lemon grass broth (a bland, nearly flavorless dish) or lobster with Thai herbs and bok choy - the best dish of the night.” “Our entrees were amazing (salmon and sea bass), and though we declined to have dessert the chef sent us out a special martini glass full of wine flavored sorbet.” “I've become quite a fan of this place because it offers great service, delicious food and fantastic ambiance.” “the food was superb.” “It was by far the best meal I have had in a long long time.” “We had a great meal here.” “We shared an excellent foie gras and duck rolls to start with, followed by the spicy cod and rabbit curry, topped off with the lemongrass creme brulee and passionfruit souffle.” “Admittedly, the duck rolls appetizer was delicious and unique, but the poor service outshadowed any positive qualities of the food.” “amazing meal” “midtown east (or west for that matter) is not exactly a praised destination for me BUT if you're in the hood and CERTAINLY if you're in the hood during restaurant week, then its a must -go-to destination for a truly amazing meal (try the curry chicken dis” “The fish fusion dish I had was amazing.” “Spring Roll and Tuna appetizers were great; the chicken and beef main courses were spectacular; desserts phenomenal!” “love Thai and I love French food but just don't mix it.” “Very good food, service could be better” “The negative reviews are puzzling to me, I suppose the dining experience is highly subjective and this subject loved the food!” “Chicken with sweet rice was so wonderful I left trying to figure out how to recreate it at home!” “The chicken and coconut soup was excellent as well.” “The food has a unique combination of complimentary flavors which makes you sad to realize you've cleaned your plate.” “Took my BF here for his b-day the decor was nice the food was good, the service was excellent!” “The atmosphere is ok but if you are looking for a place with good food, GO ELSEWHERE.” “Excellent food, service, ambience” “The prawns themselves tasted a bit off, though the sauce was good.” “The staff was really friendly and the food was delicious.” “The amuse bouche was a nicely spiced rich coconut broth with a skewer of 3 dry, rubbery, overcooked pieces of chicken.” “The black plate special was a delicious appetizer to share and was almost enough for a small dinner.” “The beef tenderloin with Asian noodles and ginger broth was bad.” “Our server was extremely friendly and helpful in choosing our dishes.” “Wine list was good enough and waiter was very knowledgeable on all food/wine selections.” “The food was great, and the service was perfect.” “like Thai food but this restaurant's food is not Thai food!” “The spicy Beef Salad appetizer was incredible.” “The food is not overpriced and is amble!” “The food has always been real good.” “The appetizer and dessert tasting platters are good and offer unique fare, however, the main dishes are quite dull.” “Desserts were good and my girlfriend believes that it is the best part of the meal.” “Our entrees and appetizers were delicious.” “Jean-Georges Vongerichten's restaurant Vong really impressed me with his fresh interpretations of French-Thai cuisine.” “The other items included long, thin, fried rolls with no character and cold, flabby rolls of vegetables that no sauce could enliven.” “it is pricey asian pan-thai food.” “Excellent meal” “am a huge foodie and am deeply disappointed with the food quality in this restaurant.” “The food was fantastic each time.” “The food was really good, but our server was pretty arrogant and not at all informed on his own menu- which has been the same since its inception and not all that extensive.” “The food is delicious.” “Vong has great food, great ambiance and a great bar!” “Vong is an OK restaurant -- which, in NYC, is a problem, because you got plenty of competition from excellent places like Tao, Kittichai or the Buddha bar that serve better food in a more glamorous environment with more professional staff.” “Great food.” “took my boo there last week cause she was straight triping about restaurant week and the place was nice but the food was so so.”
menu variety	100.0% positive	“Sultry and sensual decor, exquisite tasting menu - what could be better spot for a first date?” “Our server was extremely knowledgeable in the beverages as well as the menu.” “Wine list was good enough and waiter was very knowledgeable on all food/wine selections.” “Their restaurant week menu was incredible.” “The food was really good, but our server was pretty arrogant and not at all informed on his own menu- which has been the same since its inception and not all that extensive.” “My salut to the chef for the delightful menu!” “It was a little pricey, but they had a great menu of innovative cocktails.” “Our group of 4 had a sampling of a few items from the menu - from spring rolls to Pad Thai to chicken satay -all were delicious and the peanut sauce was perfection.”
overall	100.0% positive	“Vong is a great place to go with friends, family, or whoever.” “David Kim, manager, runs a nice place.” “Not a good place to take children as power lunches are often the main stream of clients.”
return potential	100.0% positive	“The prices are quite reasonable for what you're getting in return.”
service	82.41000175476074% positive	“What happened to 15% if the service is good?” “But the service provided by the waiters and the on-site manager, Siz Lakhkar, was horrible.” “The ambiance and staff are warm and friendly.” “The waiters were attentive, speedy, and knowledgeable.” “Vong is an OK restaurant -- which, in NYC, is a problem, because you got plenty of competition from excellent places like Tao, Kittichai or the Buddha bar that serve better food in a more glamorous environment with more professional staff.” “As can be expected, the Restaurant Week lunch crowd was stretching the staff resources, so service wasn't as attentive as at dinnertime.” “Wine list was good enough and waiter was very knowledgeable on all food/wine selections.” “HIGHLY Recommend the place and the service was extraordinary.” “The staff was really friendly and the food was delicious.” “Despite the slow service, the bill already included a tip of 20%.” “Thought the service was excellent as well, very nice and knowledgable.” “After the waitress highly recommended the Black Sea Bass, I tried it.” “However, I must say that the service lacks panache and speed and was a minor irritation in the midst of an otherwise perfect evening.” “We never would have known because of the fantastic attentive service we received.” “The service is HORRIBLE, espcially for a restaurant in this price range.” “Excellent food, service, ambience” “Took my BF here for his b-day the decor was nice the food was good, the service was excellent!” “Couple that with excellent, helpful service and you've got a winner!” “The service was helpful and constant.” “I've become quite a fan of this place because it offers great service, delicious food and fantastic ambiance.” “Admittedly, the duck rolls appetizer was delicious and unique, but the poor service outshadowed any positive qualities of the food.” “Our server was extremely knowledgeable in the beverages as well as the menu.” “David Kim, manager, runs a nice place.” “The food was excellent, the service impeccable and a nice time turn around during busy lunch hour.” “Our server was extremely friendly and helpful in choosing our dishes.” “The service was fantastic beginning to end.” “The food was really good, but our server was pretty arrogant and not at all informed on his own menu- which has been the same since its inception and not all that extensive.” “Excellent service.” “Vong looked fun, had a great asian red decor and the waitress was super friendly.” “Is this now the norm for poor service?” “The food was great, and the service was perfect.” “The manager, Siz's attitude was shockingly rude.” “Food and service was impeccable.” “She mentioned that so many people loved it but it was utterly disgusting.” “Very good food, service could be better” “Our waiter was knowledgeable and our water glasses were filled even if they weren't empty.”
value	65.0% positive	“The service is HORRIBLE, espcially for a restaurant in this price range.” “The portions were VERY generous and the food was impeccable.” “The prices are quite reasonable for what you're getting in return.” “This is one of the places which are good for rare occasions as it is fairly pricey.” “It was a little pricey, but they had a great menu of innovative cocktails.” “it is pricey asian pan-thai food.” “huge DISAPPOINTMENT for Jean Gorges” “We also ordered 2 appetizers (both lobster rolls) they were both disgusting and the wine and appetizers were 75 dollars!” “Yes, the prices are quite high, but as long as I am getting good food, I don't mind.” “Little pricey, but worth it.” “My friend and i went down the block to Teriyaki House, which was excellent and a 1/3 of the price!” “great value in midtown.” “am a huge foodie and am deeply disappointed with the food quality in this restaurant.” “The bottom line: it's good, but just not worth the high price tag.” “went there for lunch during restaurant week so spending $20.12 on a three course meal I would think gurantees it as a good value.” “The portions were a little small, but the taste was amazing.” “The food is not overpriced and is amble!” “The only thing that's not average about Vong is the price of the food -- more expensive than any of the three places mentioned above.” “But it might be one of the most expensive dinners I've been to, the desserts were great, but anything was good to take that sea bass taste out of my mouth!” “Although the portions are not huge, I left satisfied.”
wait time	50.0% positive	“Yes, the prices are quite high, but as long as I am getting good food, I don't mind.” “It was by far the best meal I have had in a long long time.” “The other items included long, thin, fried rolls with no character and cold, flabby rolls of vegetables that no sauce could enliven.” “Despite the slow service, the bill already included a tip of 20%.”

04/24/09

Paint and Smelly Fusion Food This is no Thai

by thegreatestates

I like Thai food but this restaurant's food is not Thai food!!! Appetizers, I had Sushi look a like but it was too big to put it in my mouth so I had to yank the piece from my mouth to eat by small portion. Appetizers weren't that bad.

What really bad in this restaurant is the chicken with one of those green stuff. I am sorry, but I just could not eat more than a half of spoonful!!! It was the worst Thai French Mud food I have ever eaten. I love Thai and I love French food but just don't mix it.

I wonder who the chef in this restaurant is and I wish I can tell this person to change the menu. Yak!!!

Pros: Ladies at Reservation Dest
Cons: Paint and Smelly Thai Food

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01/30/09

Overpriced and poorly executed

by meowgirl

Hubby and I came for restaurant week and were hoping that the food would be something amazing and innovative; we were sadly disappointed. First they sat us in the table right by the emergency exit--very drafty, but switched us to a slightly better spot when we complained.

* Appetizers--I got the chicken and coconut soup; definitely the best savory item of the evening; nicely spiced and not too over the top coconut. I'd suggest using the dark meat of chicken instead of breast since it was a little on the dry/tough side. Hubby ate the tuna spring rolls; he said the diakon wrapper was a little overpowering though and didn't get the full flavor of the tuna.

*In addition to the prix fix menu, we also ordered the lobster and diakon rolls; unfortunately these didn't come out until AFTER our entrees. The diakon totally overpowered the lobster and the single piece of watercress was just sad. The waiter comped them, which is a good thing because it would have been hard to have to pay for something we didn't eat.

* Entree--We both ordered the prawns; they came out (before the additional appetizer, remember) looking like orange and green slop ladled side by side. The prawns themselves tasted a bit off, though the sauce was good. The accompanying cabbage was just sad, wilted, and bland. There was no rice or any other starch served with the entree; my husband was still hungry.

* Dessert--This redeemed them, somewhat. I ordered the warm chocolate cake, which was very rich (it reminded me of one of those microwave brownie bowls). Hubby got the crepes with orange sorbet. It tasted fine, but wasn't anything to get excited over.

***Overall, very disappointed. They rushed us through the meal, the waiter forgot an appetizer, and they are obsessive about changing the silverware. It got annoying. The decor was also awkward--what's with the $20 entrees, but no tablecloth? Plastic placemats? Really? Bathroom was a disgrace too.

Overpriced--don't waste your time.

Cons: Forgot appetizer, rushed service

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01/26/09

Fantastic Venue - highly recommended!

by LizP283

My husband and I were visiting from out of town and needed a restaurant convenient/ central to meet up with some friends. We were also celebrating a friend's recent engagement so wanted a place with a good atmosphere. Vong fit our criteria perfectly! We sat at the bar and asked for suggestions from the menu. The bartender knew the menu perfectly and could really suggest items that fit out individual tastes. Our group of 4 had a sampling of a few items from the menu - from spring rolls to Pad Thai to chicken satay -all were delicious and the peanut sauce was perfection. Finally we asked because the weather was terrible and it seemed so quiet - if there were other customers since it seemed all attention was focused on us. Turns out there was a dining room filled with guests. We never would have known because of the fantastic attentive service we received. I plan to visit Vong on my next trip to New York.

Pros: Ambience - cozy. Service - brilliant. Food - delicious and unique

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01/01/09

Vong: A deep disappointment!

by Dimsdale

We excitedly anticipated our New Year?s Eve dinner at Vong. The dinner was a disappointment from first to last.

The amuse bouche was a nicely spiced rich coconut broth with a skewer of 3 dry, rubbery, overcooked pieces of chicken.

The ?Vong Tasting Plate? was a communal appetizer sampler with fried breaded shrimp, quail, rolls, etc. and plates of dipping sauces for each individual. The shrimp was well executed and worked with most of the sauces. The quail was cold and didn?t match any of the sauces. The other items included long, thin, fried rolls with no character and cold, flabby rolls of vegetables that no sauce could enliven. The concept was flawed, as the sauces were very different from one another, leaving the diner uninformed about the optimal pairing and free to make atrocious combinations.

The first choice of 2 entrees included black sea bass with zucchini noodles and lemon grass broth (a bland, nearly flavorless dish) or lobster with Thai herbs and bok choy - the best dish of the night. The lobster was cooked properly and the flavors were well-conceived. The bok choy was soggy and flavorless.

The next entress choice included duck breast or beef tenderloin. The duck with tamarind-sesame sauce was fine (though tough enough in places to be difficult to cut with a knife), but the pineapple fried rice had an overwhelmingly powerful tangy-sweet sticky sauce that was nearly inedible.

The beef tenderloin with Asian noodles and ginger broth was bad. The beef was of a high quality and perfectly cooked, but then coated with an awful combination of spices and plunged into a ginger broth. Our server cleared away the barely-consumed bowl without asking whether we?d enjoyed it.

The New Year?s Dessert Trio? included a thick, black scoop of chocolate/coffee sorbet sludge; a layered cake dusted with cocoa, which was fine if unexciting; and a hollowed-out orange filled with a foamy/creamy sickeningly sweet orange mousse.

Pros: able to get reservation
Cons: poor food and poor service

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11/06/08

This the restaurant we were seeking for.

by rasik

I had few friends come from Ingland to visit and have dinning experince in New York last week. I had brought them few restaurant in New York before i brought them to unique restuarent Vong.. Non of them could made them feel special. The day before they leave i have decided to take them to one of Jeangeorge's restaurant. I took them to Vong. Soon as we step in the door we heard well come to Vong. From the door to the table we heard well to Vong few time with smiling face. Which made us feel special right way. Food and service was impeccable. The Server was knowledgeable and capable of making an impression on our mind. We had a remarkable evening in Vong. I will go back soon with my family to make another remarkable day.

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What People Are Saying About Lipstick Cafe

Allison Austin

Contributor

04/24/09

Paint and Smelly Fusion Food This is no Thai

by thegreatestates

01/30/09

Overpriced and poorly executed

by meowgirl

01/26/09

Fantastic Venue - highly recommended!

by LizP283

01/01/09

Vong: A deep disappointment!

by Dimsdale

11/06/08

This the restaurant we were seeking for.

by rasik

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