Red Pearl Kitchen

Taking cues from all over Asia, the playful menu has just the right elements of exotic and familiar to appeal to a large range of people – except purists. If you’re looking for authenticity, this isn’t the place. While the food is good, this restaurant is all about the atmosphere, and it’s heavy on kitsch with deep red hues, umbrellas dangling from the ceiling, a chandelier made from kimonos and Chinese soap operas playing on the TV. And as with most places that specialize in a scene – and the attendant birthday parties and large groups – the food can be erratic. Some of the best dishes are featured in the hot pot section of the menu, and they're reasonably priced, too. Standouts include short ribs with pumpkin, shaking filet mignon, black pepper-caramel shrimp, and the fried rice is consistently excellent. Some may prefer to just head here for a flirty cocktail after dinner at nearby Xiomara or Angeli Caffé, and they do have an extensive drink menu with sensually named concoctions like Chocolate Sutra and Jade Mistress. There’s also a pool table in the bar area.

TIPS: If you dine on a Monday and get your receipt stamped, you can return on another Monday (as long as it’s within a reasonable time frame) and get your meal for half price. On Sundays, bottles of wine are half off. Happy hour is every day from 5:30-7:30 p.m., with discounts on some beer, wine and bar food.