Asian Restaurant Dining Scenes In New York (2/4)

From the moment guests open the heavy wooden doors of our restaurant, they are slowly transported to another space and time. Guests are asked to remove their shoes upon entering the dining area. This is a traditional way of entering a Korean home and is a sign of respect. At HanGawi it is also the first step upon entering another world where nothing is familiar. Guests are seated at traditional low Korean tables with brightly colored cushions on the wooden floor. However, for the convenience of our guests, wells under the tables allow the legs to extend comfortably as though sitting in a chair. HanGawi creates a space that embodies and reflects the ideals of peace and harmony, from the tranquil Zen and Korean folk music that gently plays in the background, to the softly lit Zen candles that twinkle at the tables, to the feel of the wooden chopsticks, spoons and the delicate hint of incense that hangs in the air. Everything is natural and in balance with one another. Food: HanGawi's kitchen uses only the freshest vegetables, fruits and soy products available locally. Most of the mountain roots and greens, however, are imported directly from Korea. Other mountain edibles like chi, sweet potato stems, husk of melon and wild bracker shoots are purchased dried and then rehydrated at the restaurant. Roots and edibles, like the fresh todok or Codonopsis Lanceolata recently introduced in the menu, are specially brought in by air freight and featured as seasonal highlights to our menu. The dishes are not heavily spiced because of preserving the natural aroma and flavor of the vegetables, roots and fruits that we prepare. All of HanGawi's food is low in cholesterol, sodium, and contain no artificial flavors. All of the dishes are 100% vegetarian. Four of Chef’s Favorite Recipes: 1. Spicy Kimchi Mushroom Pancakes 2. Tofu Mushroom Galore in Lemon Ginger Sauce 3. Sautéed Oyster Mushroom with Scallions and Onions 4. Mixed Vegetarian Autumn Rolls Reviews: "Anytime we eat, it's HOLY. We should have RITUAL and CEREMONY, not just gobbling down some food just to keep alive." - M.F.K. Fisher Restaurant Website www.hangawirestaurant.com Contact Us Tel: 212-213-0077 Fax: 212-689-0780 Address: 12 East 32 nd Str, NY, 10016 Email: info@hangawirestaurant.com Restaurant Name: Pongsri Thai Restaurant Restaurant Cuisine: Thai Restaurant Profile Ambiance: Intimate, Romantic, Themed Decoration: Lunch at this Chinatown institution can be a sunny spot in an otherwise dreary day of jury duty. Decorative touches like Thai masks and travel posters offset the cafeteria feel of the wood-paneled dining room. Low prices and quick service bolster the mass appeal. Food: On this lengthy Thai menu, you can't go wrong with standbys like chicken satay, which comes five to a plate with a mildly spicy peanut dipping sauce on the side. Pad Thai tends to be sweet and has fewer peanuts than usual, but there are no complaints about the generous portion. Curries are another menu highlight, with several choices including Pa Nang with coconut milk, lemongrass leaves, onions and peppers, and Gang Paa with hot and spicy chili sauce. Black sticky rice with coconut milk is a dessert must. Website http://pongsri3.citysearch.com/page/oaei/Home_Page.html Contact us: Tel: 212- 349-3132 Fax: 212-766-0939 (Fax) Address: 106 Bayard St New York, NY 10013 Restaurant Name: Prem-on Restaurant Cuisine: Thai Restaurant Profile: Decoration: Frosted glass doors open up to reveal a glossy, modern dining room. At its centerpiece--behind a striking white semi-oval bar--glows a brightly colored flower decal. Two deeper and duskier rooms are stylish yet serene with skylights and centerpiece Buddha statues. Spirited servers assist a hip local crowd with drinking and dining choices.