by Randall Cheas on During my most recent trip to NY, a friend on mine (a NY native) suggested we all go to dinner at Tao. We had reservations for 10:30pm on a Thursday and we arrived a few minutes late (which is a big deal in NY since you need a reservation for pretty much everything). However, they were nice enough to accommodate us. It was pretty packed to L.A. standards but for NY apparently it was not. We waited at the bar for about 30 minutes and enjoyed a cocktail while we waited. The decor was pretty much the same as the Tao in Vegas. The bar/lobby is located just before the actual restaurant, but once you are seated, it is pretty roomy and perfect for large parties. Even though it is packed and kind of loud, oddly it is still intimate. The lighting is perfectly dim and there is music in the background. We ordered a few appetizers, which were delicious! I ordered the sea bass for my entree and it was absolutely delectable. It was melt-in-your-mouth buttery and soft. I cant remember the desert but at the end of the meal, we were all smiles. It is a little pricey but so worth it for great food and ambiance. It was four of us and the total for 3 appetizers, 4 main entrees, two desserts and 4 cocktails was around $400. Right across from Tao is Lavo, which is also a restaurant/club. We walked right on over there to burn off the calories dancing. Reviews for Lavo will be posted shortly. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for a cool modern/lounge vibe. :)
by Ty Dorsey on I've been to roe only for the drinks and the clubbin'. Both of which nothing has ever stood out as memorable. The bathrooms require an 8 mile trek almost like getting to half dome on a hot, blistering afternoon. Most of the time I'm stumbling into a crowd of predominantly Asians. I can't seem to escape this trend even when I'm trying. Though, the space is pretty well decorated, and the lighting has definitely got to be it's forte. Oh and I forgot to mention, this place is right across the street from Gold Club! Score!
by gerard l. on I think each large city should have a street called Minna so 111 Minna could open up another of one these galleries. I hope I don't jink it but I always have a great time here. Good music and they always have these cheap promo drinks and if not their drink portions are good in size compared to any of the upper class clubs, galleries, etc. The crowd is fairly mixed though you see a lot of younger and older hype beasts and hipsters. You'll see corporate people and artistic fellows...again awesome place.
