Shi

47-20 Center Blvd, Long Island City

Saturday evening, a colleague recommended a sushi bar in Long Island City. On the edge of Long Island City overlooking the East River sits Shi, a spacious Asian Fusion eatery that tastes as good as it looks.

To get started, I had miso soup while my colleague had wonton. I also ordered veggie rolls with avocado, cucumber, and asparagus. My main dish was called Mapo Tofu, soft tofu in a spicy sauce. Dessert consisted of a chocolate cake topped with ice cream.

Everything was good, but the Mapo Tofu really stood out. The veggie rolls and miso soup were the standard you can find at any sushi bar. However, the mapo tofu was a first for me, and I was quite pleased with my selection.

When I think of tofu dishes, I imagine tofu paired with vegetables, noodles, rice, etc. Mapo tofu was simply tofu in sauce, yet it more than satisfied my arrogant tastebuds. It was so filling, I only managed a few bites before boxing up the rest.

The chocolate dessert was amazing. By the way, the chocolate dessert was amazing. Lastly, the chocolate dessert was amazing. Did I mention the amazing chocolate dessert? You get the picture.

I found the atmosphere lovely and roomy. I didn't feel like eavesdropping on my neighbor’s conversation, something which inevitably happens at far too many places in the city due to space limitations.

Many New Yorkers hate leaving the city (unless for vacation and then it’s all about Florida). However, I can assure you Shi in Long Island City is a safe bet. One stop from midtown off the 7 is not going to hurt.

I recommend checking out Shi, then going for a stroll along the Promenade, located behind the restaurant. Bring your camera and/or binoculars to take advantage of Manhattan’s spectacular views. When your heartbeat starts racing after it realizes you are no longer on the island, calm down, take deep breaths, and remind yourself how close you really are.

DAMAGE ~ 80
VERDICT: Go

Lounge 47

47-10 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City

Holiday drinks were had at Lounge 47 located in Long Island City. Following my weekly writer’s meeting in the area, two other writers and myself trekked over to the lounge around 9:45p.m. Tuesday evening. The dimly lit lounge was about ¾ full off and on throughout the night. We sat in a corner booth.

The décor is your typical average semi-nice lounge décor with shapes and patterns used as artwork. Lounge 47 also featured an outdoor patio but was closed due to the cold weather. The inside space seats about 40-50 people, with several large round booths for bigger parties. The menu is heavily influenced by international cuisine.

I started with the chocolate martini and ordered a bowl of lentil soup. Both were good, but nothing special. My taste buds felt the soup was lacking in flavor, resulting in the addition of several teaspoons of salt. After the martini, I had a Tom Collins (my current cocktail of choice) to balance out the sweetness of the chocolate. The other writers ordered three beers and two vodka tonics. A bar patron offered shots of Jameson for the entire place. I passed as I still had to commute back to Manhattan.

Lounge 47 is a nice addition for the Long Island City community. Cocktails range in price from $7-10. I hear the Wasabi Deviled Eggs are a delight as well, something I look forward to check out in the near future. My advice is to go if in area and looking for a nice spot to enjoy a few cocktails and/or food.

DAMAGE~$65 (including my $6.50 soup + tip)

VERDICT: GO IF IN AREA & HUNGRY/THIRSTY