05.23.08
Review of Blue Ribbon, Wednesday May 2008
97 Sullivan & Prince/Spring Sts., 212-274-0404
Great for: eating late, leisurely drinks at the bar while you wait for a table
My friend P took me to get some food here late one Wednesday night. It was past 9 and we still had to wait about 15 minutes. The waiters were really nice about it, though.
When I saw that they have a pu pu platter on the menu, I had to get it. I live close to Chinatown but pu pu platter is a fake Americanized Chinese thing so it is not available anywhere near me, or at least nowhere that I’ve discovered. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. It came with the proper flame in the middle and two of everything: chicken wings, chicken mushroom egg rolls, pork ribs, shrimp skewers, chicken skewers and potato and onion pierogies. I found the chicken wings with sour cream and bleu cheese just ok, a bit sweet; the egg rolls were surprisingly good despite the mushrooms. The pork ribs were sweet but meaty and tasty. The shrimp and chicken skewers were bland. I liked the pierogies, although I stayed away from the sour cream. I’ve been eating late way too much recently. Our waiter warned me away from the hot Chinese mustard sauce, with good reason – I tried a teeny dab at the end and my mouth went numb. What can I say, I had to try it.
P had a good steamed artichoke and enjoyed the hummus very much. That came with endive, olives, tomatoes, chopped onions and some pita triangles. He’s vegetarian. I even liked the hummus, although I probably wouldn’t have ordered it on my own just because I love meat too much.
I liked our waiter a lot. I have a feeling the manager was looking after us as well, but I didn’t ask him his title whenever he swung by to collect plates and refill glasses. I can’t say this was a pu pu platter I’ll order again, but I know the rest of their food is pretty good from other visits. And a huge point in their favor – there aren’t many other good restaurants that are open until 4am every day.
Rating: 7 / 10
Our cost: $100
Noise level: civilized hum
Chance of walking in: very low.
