THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Red Lantern

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Red Lantern Restaurant Review:

At first glance, the sheer expansiveness of the restaurant coupled with the dishes from many Asian nations sets off alarm bells. Thankfully, the dramatic size and décor---dominated by the namesake red lanterns that hover above the dining room---is matched by impressive cuisine. The kitchen’s skill with authentic Southeast Asian flavors reflects the cultural diversity of the region. Offerings on the whimsically labeled menu are often designed to be shared, and in the case of the appetizers, are ideal for those who enjoy hands-on eating. The richness of crispy duck samosas with wild mushrooms is complemented with a spicy dipping sauce and a refreshing cucumber and water chestnut salad, while pork short ribs spiced with adobo sauce are tangy and tender. A standout entrée is the lamb shank curry with its complex sauce of 20-plus spices; the meat simply falls off the bone, and a cardamom yogurt sauce rounds out the dish. The crispy pineapple upside-down cake served with vanilla bean gelato and a rum sauce spiced with cinnamon and a hint of star anise is worth more than a second thought.