• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Honey, Whats Cooking

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Travel
    • Lifestyle
    • Subscribe
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • Γ—

    Home Β» Destination

    Posted on: Jun 26, 2013 Β· This post may contain affiliate links Β·

    Dinner & Drinks at TAO | New York City

    0 shares

    It was the best birthday *surprise* dinner.Β  My husband emailed me asking to meet him on 59th and Lexington.
    taotao sign


    My presumptuous self figured he was probably taking me to Bloomingdales, also on 59th and Lex, so I could pick out my birthday gift.
    Β 

    I was psyched!Β  He was going to be romantic and thoughtful and blah blah blah!
    Β tao stairs

    After a 10 minute downpour and patiently waiting under my umbrella, I received a text message from my husband asking me to come towards 58th and Lex.Β  Say what?Β  But, but, but… Bloomies is this way.Β  tao lounge 2

    As I unwillingly walked towards 58th and came face to face with him, he grabbed my hand and led the way east on 58th street. Β And then I came face to face with those magical 3 letters - T-A-O!Β  tao buddha

    I exclaimed, "We are going to Tao?"Β  He responded, "No.Β  We're just passing by, we're going someplace else."Β  tao ceiling

    I exclaimed back, "No, we're going to Tao.Β  I thought you were taking me to Bloomies on a shopping spree, but this works too." Β He sighed!tao bar

    Yes, I know I dream big, but even though I never went on a shopping spree to Bloomies, I had the most amazing birthday surprise dinner at Tao, my absolute favorite place in Manhattan.Β  tao seating


    LOCATION
    42 E 58th Street
    New York, NY 10022
    (midtown east)

    MENU: TAO menu
    COST: $$$
    CUISINE: Asian, Dim Sum, Lounge
    RECOMMENDED TO: Bar Scene, Couples, Small Groups, Large Groups, Romantic Dining.
    AMBIENCE: Trendy/Classy/Romantic/Zen-like

    REVIEWΒ 
    Between my husband and I, we enjoyed 2 drinks each.Β  All the drinks were succulent, delicious, and smooth.Β  I was hit after just one, but I still went for seconds.Β  You really can’t go wrong with the drinks at Tao.
    Peach Cosmopolitan – my favorite, twas’ like drinking juice (left).
    Lychee Martini – perfection (second to left).
    TAO-hito – a classic mojito, smooth (second to right & right).tao cocktails

    As for our appetizer, we ordered the Pan Fried Chicken Gyoza served alongside napa cabbage and soy dipping sauce.Β  This delicious appetizer came with 4 pieces and the chicken was highly flavorsome.Β  tao chicken dumplings

    At Tao, I don’t mess around and I always order the same dish, the Soy Ginger Glazed Salmon.Β  The perfectly cooked ginger salmon sits over a bed of udon noodles and spinach.Β  The noodles are most definitely cooked in soy sauce, butter, and parsley.Β  Simply Outstanding!tao soy ginger salmon

    My husband orders rice or noodles at every Asian restaurant, thus he went for one of Tao’s famous dishes, Pad Thai Noodles with Shrimp.Β  Although this dish was good, I didn't think it was TAOmazing.Β  For one, it was way too sweet, and unfortunately he barely ate a fourth of his dish and we took the rest to go.Β  tao pad thai

    Can’t leave Tao without dessert, especially on a birthday!Β  We split the Banana Pudding which is literally fried tempura banana sitting over bread pudding topped with fortune cookie crumbs.Β  If you think Magnolia’s Banana Bread Pudding is a 5, Tao’s is off the chart.Β  Heavenly!Β  tao banana bread pudding




    VERDICT: 5 / 5
    Tao-Logo1Tao is exceptional, and one of my favorite restaurants in Manhattan.Β  The food, drinks, service, and ambiance is all outstanding.Β  The music here is hot, you’ll particularly hear instrumental lounge beats.Β  A great place to mingle with drinks after work or later into the night.

    Once we got home, I fixed the leftover Pad Thai Noodles and my husband devoured his new noodles.Β  When I told my friend the next day what happened with the noodles, she said, β€œwow Nish, you had to fix Tao food?”  I know right!Β  Okay I’ll stop gloating.Β  Besides the Pad Thai Noodles being too sweet, everything else here was exceptionally good or as I like to call it TAOmazing, hence I couldn’t give them anything short of a 5.

    On my next visit though, I need to expand my horizons and try something new, perhaps the Hong Kong Shrimp, or perhaps the Grilled Red Snapper with bok choy and ginger, or perhaps even the Sea Scallops in a red curry Thai basil sauce.Β  And maybe I’ll try the Molten Chocolate Cake with Coconut Ice Cream which would make the perfect ending to an extraordinary meal.Β  Oh I’m in heaven just thinking about it, clearly, I’m looking forward to my next Tao meal.
    Red heart Thanks again to my husband for an amazing birthday dinner.Β  I love that you know my taste in food.






    « Mondrian South Beach, A Morgans Hotel | Miami Beach, FL
    Lightened Mushroom Risotto »
    0 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      LEAVE A COMMENT & RATE THIS RECIPE Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Nisha says

      June 26, 2013 at 7:02 am

      Haven't been to Tao anywhere, but one thing for sure - in any Thai restaurant in US that I have ordered Pad Thai it has always been on the sweeter and stickier side and I do not understand why! [Authentic Thai food only possible in Thailand :D]

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 26, 2013 at 6:15 pm

        I've eaten Pad Thai at other restaurants and I've really liked it, this one was a little too sweet. Of course, the best is in Thailand, but won't be there anytime soon. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    2. Khushboo says

      June 26, 2013 at 9:06 am

      I haven't been to Tao but my friends in New York have spoken very highly of it! It kinda reminds me of Nobu in London- amazing food, fun crowd and great atmosphere especially over the weekend!

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 26, 2013 at 6:15 pm

        I've heard great things about Nobu, I believe there is one in NYC too, will have to check it out. Weekends - it is packed. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    3. Keira Martins says

      June 26, 2013 at 12:36 pm

      Wow! Excellent place... Food looks yummy... Just want to be here

      Budget hotel in new york city Manhattan

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 26, 2013 at 6:16 pm

        Keira - it's definitely a place worth trying at least once.

        Reply
    4. Laura says

      June 26, 2013 at 1:46 pm

      Looks like you had an amazing birthday! The party never stops πŸ˜‰ Glad you got to enjoy Tao since you obviously missed out on your shopping spree.

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 26, 2013 at 6:17 pm

        Thanks Laura.. I turn my birthday into a 1 month affair.. different people to celebrate with. Yes, but no shopping spree. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    5. Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking says

      June 26, 2013 at 2:43 pm

      What a fabulous place to celebrate your birthday. Tao looks so romantic and perfect for a special night out!

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 26, 2013 at 6:17 pm

        Thanks Georgia.. it's super romantic and definitely a place for special occasions or that occasional splurge.

        Reply
    6. Mr. & Mrs. P says

      June 26, 2013 at 3:20 pm

      Love Tao.. We have eating in the NYC and the Vegas one.. I dont know if they still serve a massive fortune for dessert... So good!

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 26, 2013 at 6:19 pm

        Me too.. I haven't been to the one in Vegas yet. They still have that massive fortune cookie, I heard it's amazing, but I haven't yet tried it.

        Reply
    7. Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says

      June 26, 2013 at 3:22 pm

      What a surprising turns of event on your birthday celebration! That's a tao-mazing meal πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 26, 2013 at 6:19 pm

        Haha.. glad you enjoyed the events. THanks!

        Reply
    8. Dixya says

      June 26, 2013 at 4:13 pm

      what a delicious way to celebrate birthday.

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 26, 2013 at 6:19 pm

        Thanks Dixya!

        Reply
    9. Tara says

      June 26, 2013 at 5:53 pm

      Awesome way to celebrate! I love going to a fancy pants restaurant for my birthday. I've been to Tao in Vegas. Sadly I never got to try the food. We only went to party. I'll have to give it a try next time I'm in that area!

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 26, 2013 at 6:20 pm

        I love going to fancy places all the time, especially for birthdays. Haven't been to the one in Vegas, next time. I wanted to party there, but that didn't happen. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    10. Parita says

      June 26, 2013 at 5:54 pm

      I've been to the Tao in Vegas and you are so right about the atmosphere - it's simply amazing! I have yet to eat there though. Sounds like such a delicious and fun dinner surprise! Love it!

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 26, 2013 at 6:20 pm

        Tao Vegas looked amazing from the outside, but I never went in. It was a delicious dinner.. thanks P!

        Reply
    11. Ameena says

      June 26, 2013 at 8:36 pm

      Such a nice birthday surprise! Better than a Bloomies trip for sure.

      I love the grilled snapper, it's one of my favorites. I also love the sea bass appetizer. And Ali LOVES the molten lava cake. It's too sweet for me though.

      I agree on the noodles...to sweet and a bit greasy. We never ordered them after the first time.

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 28, 2013 at 4:08 am

        Thanks Ameena.. yeah, better than Bloomies, I guess. πŸ™‚ I don't generally order snapper cause I've never tried it, need to try someone's before ordering it at Tao. I've tried sea bass before and I liked it, pretty mild. Ooooh.. I'll have to try the Molten Lava next time. I'm glad you agree on the noodles. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    12. Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says

      June 26, 2013 at 11:10 pm

      Gotta love that hubby of yours. What a great way to celebrate!

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 28, 2013 at 4:10 am

        Haha... he's not like that most of the time, but thank you. I told him what you wrote, and he was so happy. Thanks for your sweet comment.

        Reply
    13. Amelia Grace says

      June 27, 2013 at 7:42 am

      I have never been to Tao, but the food looks divine. Especially the ginger salmon-
      Happy birthday once again, perfect night out!

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 28, 2013 at 4:10 am

        Amelia - the next time you visit NYC or Vegas, you should go to Tao. If you love salmon, this may be the best salmon you ever eat. Thank you girlfriend!

        Reply
    14. Natalie G says

      June 27, 2013 at 1:51 pm

      Happy Birthday! It looks like you had a wonderful dinner, everything looks top-notch.

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 28, 2013 at 4:10 am

        Thanks Natalie.. it was a nice dinner. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    15. Lauren says

      June 27, 2013 at 2:52 pm

      What a lovely surprise!! haha Love that you thought you were going to Bloomies! Maybe he'll read this and take you there as well!

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 28, 2013 at 4:11 am

        Lauren, you make me laugh. I showed him your message and he just rolled his eyes at me. LOL! Oh please.. Pretty Woman was like 20+ years ago, remember? πŸ™‚

        Reply
    16. judit + Corina @WineDineDaily says

      June 27, 2013 at 10:47 pm

      Happy Birthday and glad you had such a delicious celebration! Corina was at the Las Vegas Tao with her friends and she did enjoy it too.
      Cheers,
      J+C

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 28, 2013 at 4:12 am

        Thanks J+C. I passed by LV Tao, but never went in, looked really nice. Thanks for your comment.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Nisha! I'm a foodie who is passionate about healthy-ish living and mindful eating. You'll find a little bit of everything here. I use mostly organic real ingredients and incorporate seasonal produce in my cooking. I believe food is medicine. Come join me on this soul-searching journey as I share my love for good food, and I hope somewhere along the way, I inspire you to eat better.

    More about me β†’


    Summer Recipes

    • Quinoa Bhel Salad
      Quinoa Bhel Salad (vegan, healthy-ish)
    • Paneer Kathi Roll (vegetarian, gluten-free option)
    • Paneer Sandwich
      Paneer Sandwich
    • Mango Chickpea Indian Kachumber Salad featured
      Mango Chickpea Indian Kachumber Salad (vegan)
    • Eggless Marble Cake
    • Aloo Tikki Chaat (not fried)

    Popular Recipes

    • World's Best Spaghetti with Rao's Homemade - featured image
      World's BEST Spaghetti RAO’s Homemade Marinara
    • Bombay Grilled Sandwich (vegetarian)
    • Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe (Carrot Halwa, Indian Carrot Pudding)
    • Green Moong Dal Khichdi (Instant Pot)
    • Mexican Pizza featured image.
      Taco Bell Mexican Pizza (vegetarian, baked)
    • Almond Cardamom Tea
      Almond Cardamom Cake

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Menu

    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Travel
    • Lifestyle
    • Shop

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Press
    • Privacy Policy

    Recipes

    • Healthy-ish Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Easy Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Indian Food Recipes

    Subscribe

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright Β© 2023 Honey, What's Cooking