Shang

Up and coming celebuchef Susur Lee is ready to take on the austere palates belonging to sharp-toothed critics—namely, Manhattan foodies—by bringing a bevy of flavors from Taiwan and Hong Kong to the new Thompson LES. Large, round tables cradled by half-moon booths upholstered in Tang-red sit below soft Chinese lamps, or rather, giant, floating pieces of popcorn. Black and white peppermint-shaped glass curtains the walls. DJ booth accompanies the bar, along with connected, heated outdoor patio. Oodles of models sure to be spotted playing with small plates before moving on to a liquid diet.