Last night we decided to celebrate a coworker’s birthday at the
hyped Tao Downtown. I ran for a quick blowout and met my friends around
8pm..not knowing what to expect since I haven't been to the original Tao since
it opened in midtown (bleh).
Cynics might dismiss Tao Downtown as
recycled goods, a sequel. That would underestimate the ambition of the
nightlife gurus from Tao on East 58th Street, consistently one of the country’s
top moneymaking restaurants. The uptown location was just a warm-up. Tao Down,
in its 22,000 sq.ft. $17 million
temple-museum-playpen below the Maritime Hotel will blow your mind, even for the
most jaded New Yorker. Gawk, graze, giggle. It’s fun and delicious and kind of
dizzying. I don’t usually go looking for a scene on my spare
time..but I have to tell you…this place is the shit.
There’s a dramatic entry, Asian artifacts, and gorgeous women appliquéd
on the walls -- the long “runway” that opens up to a vast expanse like nothing
I’ve ever really seen before. The stone goddess at the top of the
lounge, the funny little carved men squatting all in a row, the tattooed
ceiling, the Quan Yin goddess guarding all below, with two dozen arms
that come alive along with waterfalls and flights of birds. Oh and the tiered
stairs. Yes there is stadium seating
for patrons who are looking for the ultimate in people watching..and rest
assured it’s a show. Look up to catch the recurring 3D show if you’re not too distracted by the flock of NBA stars, a Housewife or two, or one of the Hilton sisters (we sat next to Nicky and an unkown male..She paid so not sure if it was a date). Did I mention the Victoria's Secret after party was held there earlier this week?
Tao Downtown is probably not going to become your regular go-to, though
you might return for a business dinner, or when you have friends from out of
town. Come for the fantasy – it’s cheaper than Disneyland or a flight to Xi’an --
but stay for dinner and dessert (they have cotton candy and shaved ice..yum)
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