NYC Tastes

Saturday was such a cold, wet mess the only thing Mr. T and I felt like doing was curling up with a big bowl of matcha at Radiance Tea House. I used to frequent the Midtown West location quite a bit but this was my first time at the East Side restaurant.  The space was a bit smaller and more sparsely decorated but the tea and food list was just as extensive as always. After some soothing sips of tea and biscuits an order of Szechuan style wontons arrived. I am absolutely OBSESSED with these dumplings lately.  Ever since Yaso Tangbao took wontons off their menu I have this insane fear deep down that they will be erased from menus everywhere and can't stop eating them.  The radiance dumplings were much firmer than most with big chunks of fresh white meat chicken sprinkled with green onion and cilantro. Mr. T added on an order of Golden Crispy Oversized prawns and these were seriously the biggest shrimp I've ever seen; easily four to five times the size of a regul...

It was a cold and rainy Wednesday...a perfect time to settle in with a soothing pot of tea. I love green tea so the Genmaicha with Matcha was perfect.  It had wonderful fresh aroma and a sweet, nutty flavor that could sooth just about anything.  For lunch I ordered a box set which came with a big mound of cold noodles topped with cucumbers and chicken... Two steamed veggie dumplings Edamame ...and an Asian salad with a nice little bowl of sesame sauce in the center for dipping. The food was absolutely wonderful and I cannot tell you how happy I was eating from a compartmentalized plate. I was literally on cloud nine.  Warm soothing tea, calm relaxing space and some alone time...I turned that crappy Wednesday into a great afternoon. Radiance Tea

Located in the crazy area between Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen, Radiance Tea House is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Midtown at lunchtime. When I arrived the other day just after 12:30 the place was about three quarters filled but calm and quiet. It was almost as everyone was talking in hushed tones but completely enjoying themselves. It was very Zen. They have an extensive list of Hot Tea, Iced Teas and even Tea Cocktails! I was feeling something cool so I ordered a deliciously creamy Almond Latte. For lunch I ordered their Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl which came with a soup or salad. The presentation on this dish was lovely. Everything looked and tasted so fresh and wonderful. The side salad was your standard but the Miso dressing on the shrimp and slightly sticky rice really made this lunch special really stand out. I couldn’t even come near finishing everything and for $12.95 this is quite a steal for a filling lunch. This might sound odd but ...