Macao Trading Co.

the bar is great- all the the tenders knowledgeable and eager to help. Try the bashful maiden. the place is gimmick-y, but all show aside, the food is good. stick with the small plates and share. stay away from the lobster stir-fry, it's too salty and too complicated to eat in the dark lighting. the octopus is very good.

I love this place for the kitsch , drinks, and the food. the crowd van be a little much, but I know when to avoid it. Certainly, Macau Trading Co. is the only place in New York offering Portuguese and Chinese cuisine simultaneously, however not "Only in New York" would you find this combination. The entire place is based on the city of Macau, China. Macau (much like Honk Kong was British) had been under Portuguese Rule and Jurisdiction for about 500 years. Portuguese explorers established the port city in the mid 1500's and it was returned to China in 1999. Macau was both the first and last European colony in China. Before the Portuguese arrived, the settlement of the port was sparse and not very active. The Portuguese asked and received trading rights, and rights to build forts, and establish permanent posts. Macau blossomed. The cuisine, architecture, language, and culture all reflect the European influence. Modern Macau is well known for it's nightlife and casinos. I'll stop rambling now! more information here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macau