Midtown Lunch

I wasn’t thrilled by my visit to Red Kings a few years ago; the spice wasn’t balanced and sauces were gloppy. But I had heard enough good things about Red Kings 2 to warrant a trip.  According to Menupages the menus at both places are identical, go figure.

Hot and sour soup had a lot of nice mushrooms floating about it and a decent heat, but they could have amped up the sour, vinegar notes.

Wontons in chili oil, the classic slippery appetizer, were very well done.

Sauteed snow pea leaves were an excellent expression of simplicity; a delicate, though unmistakeable green taste and a hint of garlic.

Walnut shrimp is a weakness of mine. Mayo on fried shrimp is so gross, I get it, but I just LOVE it. Even though I feel guilty every time. Red King’s version was flawed in that it was overly battered. Still, shrimp, friedness, mayo- I can’t hate.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• They do a good job at the classics and sauteed greens
• Varied menu with spicy and non spicy options

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• Overly fried shrimp

Red Kings 2, 1006 Race St, 215 238-1392