Better Than the Rest

I can't even begin to be able to describe this place, but I'll try my best. Have you ever had something to eat that just melts in your mouth and makes you see fireworks with your eyes closed because the food is just that good? Or maybe you could hear cheers in your head where it's so loud like an audience at a concert? If you have, then congrats you've had food as phenomenal as I have at an incredible restaurant called TAO.

TAO is by far the best Pan-Asian food you will ever have in your life (So biased, I know). It's some of the best food I've ever eaten, in general. I've been to some of the best restaurants in New York City, like Del Posto and the Four Seasons, and this place is by far my absolute favorite. There are two locations for TAO in Manhattan, but I definitely prefer the restaurant in Downtown Chelsea compared to the location in Midtown East. TAO's location in Chelsea is between West 17th and 16th Street off of 9th Avenue, just a short, convenient walk from Penn Station!

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The first time I ever went to TAO was for my best friend's sixteenth birthday and boy was it an experience. I remember how excited all of us got when we walked into this restaurant; it is still one of the most breathtaking places I have ever gotten the experience to enjoy. The main piece of the whole restaurant, probably the first thing you notice when you walk in, is the statue of Quan Yin Buddha; the Goddess of Mercy is the main statue in the downtown restaurant, standing proudly with 24 giving arms. This statue isn't even the first you see when you see when you walk into TAO since there is a Buddha laying down above the seats in the lounge.

Besides this place being absolutely gorgeous with its decor, it's got food that will knock you out of your seat (that's how impressed you'd be, I mean... you know?). This was the place where I realized I am completely in love with edamame, the outside is so salty with these perfect soy beans that you take out and eat. Seriously, have you ever had edamame?! It sounds sooo bad, but trust me it's sooo good!

Also, by my standards, their deserts are to die for. They make these chocolate Buddhas that are cute and delicious all in one, what more could you need from chocolate?! Don't even get me started on the Giant Fortune Cookie, too... Actually, get me started on it. I won't shut up about that desert for hours on end, it is seriously one of the best things I have ever tasted in my entire life. UGH, writing about it right now is making my mouth water! It's made with chocolate moose, what more could you really ask for, come on now.

If me ranting about how much I love TAO in Chelsea doesn't convince you to go try this place, then I don't know what would. If you love Asian cuisine as much as I do, then I highly recommend TAO as a restaurant you should stop at in Manhattan.