I went to China Grill about eight years ago and loved it. The food was great and atmosphere fun. I just logged on to their website and a range of $29 to $79 was given for entrees --$79??? Although I am paying for dinner, my mother and aunt will flip and I don't want to spend 20 minutes explaining this is New York, you're partly paying for real estate etc. etc.

Is the average entree $50? I don't mind $55 per person without drinks and dessert.

Can you suggest other restaurants in this area (times square, midtown west) that serves Asian-fusion type of food in a lively atmosphere?

thanks

Not in that area, but not too far. Spice Market in the Meatpacking district comes to mind. Or if you can stand the noise and the youth, Tao is great fun and impressive.

Ruby Foo's is in Times Square but agree that Spice Market or Buddakan downtown are better.

I second the above suggestions. Another is Asia de Cuba, fusion served family style in 'cool' surroundings - on Madison in the 30's.

Thanks all! I'll be sure to try your suggestions in the future.

Unfortunately we need to stay on the west side - my sister is coming in tonight via penn station and can only stay a few hours. I've heard mixed reviews on Ruby Foos

I think we will go to China Grill -My mother will be warned to behave herself and I will tell my sister NO to any $79 entree. My feeling is it's a one time deal - it is not everyday that aunt Julie is in from France!

thanks again

You could try Tao. That's should be a do-able location for you.

You've already been to China Grill. I'd do Tao or what about Koi in the Bryant Park hotel? Asia de Cuba and Kobe Club are owned by same co. as China Grill.

The Ruby Foos in Times Square isn't as good as the one on the Upper West Side-- 77th/Broadway.

It's funny you mention that, jennymary. I'm not a big fan of Ruby Foo's but we had pretty good food at the Times Square one, particularly loved the calamari. So the next trip we ate at the UWS one and it was simply awful. I even mentioned the calamari to the waitress who said, "yea -- they do it much better at the other one. I used to work there and loved the calamari. I don't know what they do to it here. It's always soggy and so many people send it back." I found that a bizarre statement. And the one on the UWS was sooooo slow. I guess they don't work to get as many people in and out as in Times Square.

In any case, I'd put Ruby Foo's in a whole different level from China Club --down quite a few pegs.

A strong recommendation of either Shun Lee Palace on East 55th or Shun Lee West on West 65th. Either will provide a magnificent dining experience. They're top our Chinese restaurant listI'm surprised no one has mentioned them yet.

Thanks all for the great responses.

We ended up having dinner at China Grill Wednesday night after all and had a great time.

The waiter told us that the portion are very big and suggested two appetizers and two entrees for our table (four adult women). We added the calamari salad to that and it was alot! We had drinks and dessert and the tab was $286 not including tip. The food was yummy and beautifully presented. We ordered two desserts and could easily have gone with one - but that would be boring!

thanks again (and Aunt Julie says Merci!)

Did you have that crispy spinach dish? I can't remember what its called, but I remember it was delicious!!

I *love* the calamari salad!

I forgot! Yes we did order the crispy spinach and it was out of this world.

the lobster pancake was delicious too and perfect for four people.

sashie- was it crowded? I haven't been to China grill in NYC in years, and wondered if it still got crowded?

It wasn't crowded when we arrived (5:30pm)or when we left (7:30)...a lot different than years ago..

Ah, yes, the lobster pancakes!! Another favorite.