Republic

Union Square
37 Union Sq. West btwn. 16th & 17th
(212) 627-7172

As a disclaimer to this entry, Republic has many things going for it. Namely, the convenience and affordability factors keep this huge space packed around the clock. Located in the heart of Union Square, it's an easy meeting spot for locals and an opportune trap for tourists. Granted, I would probably prefer this place to the standard college dining hall if I were an NYU student, too.

We decided on the steamed vegetable dumplings for the table to share. I am by no means a master with chopsticks. In fact, I am virtually inept. Even the most skilled pros would have a difficult time maneuvering these massive dumplings. The dumplings were stuffed with lots and lots of vegetables, but the unsauced bites were slimy and par at best.

Melissa and I did halfsies. We started with a chicken salad made with cabbage, basil, shallots, peanuts, and citrus dressing. Where was the chicken? A few scrawny strips garnished on top did not suffice. For $5 though, that's what you get.

Next up, we shared glass noodles with chicken (or lack thereof, again), various unidentified vegetables, lime juice, and side of ginger dipping sauce. Of our party of five, four of us ordered the same dish. Perhaps this was a coincidence, because we all happen to have the same taste and glass noodles sounded too good to pass up? More likely, the other options were not more appealing. Again, the quality was tasteless unless you dumped on the ginger sauce.

The last thing I want is to come across as ungrateful for a nice meal. I always enjoy going out when friends' families are in town. Not to mention, I get a particular kick out of Melissa's mom, Janet. Ultimately though, the food was bland. That being said, on a snowy Sunday night, I would have been just as happy ordering take-out from my local Thai place.

Go or No Go? No Go