Manhattanites – Murray Hill is redeemed: a new gem has hit the neighborhood in the shape of Asian bistro Sachi (at 2nd Ave. and 38th street). Opened a month ago under the prowess of James Beard Award-nominee menu consultant Pichet Ong and Andy Yang, creator of Rhong-Tiam, the first Thai restaurant in the US to win a Michelin star, this is one to put top of your must-try list.
The restaurant’s chef combines street food with classic dishes from across Asia to form a menu designed to be shared. This makes it the perfect place to bring a group (or date you want to impress – the chic furnishings designed by Thai interior designer Phakkapol Pasuthip are on point).
The starters and dim sum are all light, sophisticated and delicious. We started with the Stuffed Eggplant with shrimp, pork and mushroom, alongside General Tso Chicken Balls. To cover all your bases, opt for the Dim Sum Sampler, which includes mushroom dumplings, crab shumai and char siu duck bun (or what I like to call “heavenly clouds of ohmigod-so-good”).
Don’t forget to order a cocktail (or three) – The Jade Lantern, made from vodka, matcha green tea and fresh mint leaves has a very sophisticated flavor (plus a healthy antioxidant bonus!) and the Shiso Mai Tai packs a powerful punch-flavored punch.
While the sushi on offer, such as the Fried Oyster roll with Asian pear and pickled jalapeño, boasts a beautiful arrangement of flavors and appetizers like Teriyaki Octopus are a unique spin on old favorites, it’s the entrees that are worth the trip alone. Opt for the Shaking Beef, which comes with shishito peppers and a savory salt and pepper dip (think shishito peppers 2.0), or the Braised Short Rib Massaman Curry with toasted brioche – truly the best take on this curry I have ever tasted. All should be accompanied by Oink Oink Oink Fried Rice, which comes with black rice, pork belly, sausage, scallion and a poached egg, which gets mixed in at the table.
If you have room for more – and you’ll want room for more – the ginger crème brulee is everything. The custard is speckled with vanilla seed, while the candied ginger brings all the fiery goodness you expect from the root with a dose of chewy sweetness.
All told, Sachi is a dynamite offering to the neglected corner of Manhattan that lies south of Grand Central. If you find yourself in midtown, head east. And get there while you can still get a reservation. It won’t stay quiet for long.
Twisted Talk: Does New York need another pan-Asian bistro? What’s your favorite? Discuss below!
