Rice

REVIEW

February 17, 2010


CUISINE: Asian, Indian, Thai
NEIGHBORHOOD: Brooklyn Heights/DUMBO, Fort Greene, Nolita

 

 

Nolita: 292 Elizabeth St. at Bleecker St.

Dumbo: 81 Washington St. at Front St.

Fort Greene: 166 DeKalb Ave at Washington Park

 

Rice is the UN of restaurants; the food is a smorgasbord of international flavors. The staple of the democratic menu is, intuitively, rice.  Though it boasts all of the normal kinds (brown, basmati, Japanese), there are special varieties as well.  You will enter a world of rice that you never knew existed.  For example, one can opt to have Thai black rice steamed in coconut milk, or alternatively, sautéed in garlic and mixed with edamame.  In essence, the menu invites you to curate your entire meal in such a manner.  Condiments are served in test tubes placed on every table, but those who want to go crazy can order sauces such as alepo yogurt, or chipotle mayonnaise. CONT'D

 

 

The Asian slaw is a delicate starter that compliments any of the heartier entrees — the dressing is light and tangy with a hint of citrus, nothing like its coleslaw cousin.   The Beef Jerky is flavorful and has enough moisture to set it aside from the gas-station affair I associate with the product.  While the tea-smoked salmon is a delicious option for someone trying to avoid rice, I strongly recommend embracing a “When in Rome” mentality as the grain entrees are super. The chicken curry is warm and thick, served with bananas and raisins, and reminiscent of flavors of India.   The Jerk Chicken is moist, though it does need a dash of pizzazz from the test-tube hot sauce (they taste like a healthier version of chicken wings).  Despite the delicious meat items on the menu, the restaurant does have plenty of vegetarian options.  The tofu meatballs are one of my favorites — soft on the inside, crisp on the outside.

 

The restaurant itself is cozy, if unremarkable.  The reason to visit Rice is the food, as no matter how diverse a group’s cravings might be, everyone will find something desirable.

 


Posted in FOOD on February 17, 2010 9:20am by Rachel Hochhauser | 1 comment



Comments

Christian5:46pm | February 17, 2010

AND they have reasonably priced yet still delicious alcohol (only beer and wine, I believe?) Great cheap haunt!


Write a Comment